Hawzah News Agency- Speaking to reporters, Behzad Ahmadi Farsani, who heads the Accommodation Committee for the "Farewell to Iran's Martyr Leader" ceremonies, said that comprehensive planning has been undertaken across both formal and informal sectors to house pilgrims pouring in from across Iran and beyond.
Massive Mobilization for Historic Farewell
"Given Qom's central location and the projected massive turnout of pilgrims from various provinces across the country, the necessary arrangements for accommodating pilgrims have been made in both official and unofficial capacities," Ahmadi stated.
He detailed that the province's formal accommodation capacity—comprising hotels, guesthouses, official lodging centers, and executive agency facilities—stands at 16,500 beds. Additionally, approximately 2,000 international dignitaries and guests will be accommodated at the province's premier lodging establishments.
Accommodation Capacity for Over 826,000 Mourners
Ahmadi revealed that the combined formal and informal accommodation capacity has been expanded to accommodate 826,000 people. This vast network includes schools, Islamic seminaries, holy shrines, Husseiniyas, sports halls, warehouses, and other designated centers. Essential supplies—including blankets, carpets, drinking water, and other necessities—have been secured for the arriving pilgrims.
45 Agencies, Seminaries, Private Sector Join Hands
Expressing gratitude for the cooperation of executive bodies, the private sector, and grassroots organizations, Ahmadi confirmed that 45 government agencies, the Endowments and Charity Affairs Department, Islamic seminaries, the private sector, and other provincial institutions have placed their facilities and capacities at the disposal of the Accommodation Committee to serve the pilgrims.
Information Kiosks, Hotlines Activated
The official further announced the deployment of eight information kiosks at the main entry points to the city of Qom, operational from July 6 and 7. These kiosks are tasked with guiding pilgrims and directing them to accommodation centers. In coordination with the Qom Municipality, five dedicated hotlines via the 137 call system have also been established to provide guidance and services to pilgrims and travelers.
Foreign Pilgrims: Over 200,000 Registered and Counting
Highlighting the massive international dimension of the funeral rites, Ahmadi declared: "To date, more than 200,000 foreign pilgrims have registered to attend these ceremonies, and the necessary arrangements for their accommodation and services have been put in place."
People at the Heart of the Hosting Effort
Underscoring the indispensable role of the people in hosting the pilgrims, Ahmadi stated that over 90 percent of accommodation, guidance, and Mawkib (service station) operations are being carried out through popular participation. He revealed that approximately 30,000 households have so far volunteered their homes to receive pilgrims.
He called on the people of Qom to join the "Every Home, a Mawkib for the Martyr Leader" campaign and contribute to hosting and serving the mourners.
"We hope that, through the solidarity of the people and the cooperation of all institutions, we can be worthy hosts to our domestic and international guests," Ahmadi said.
Pilgrims Advised to Carry Essentials
The Director General also advised participants to carry personal essentials—including travel blankets, floor mats, and basic provisions such as drinking water—to facilitate smoother service delivery during the ceremonies.
The funeral rites for the martyred Leader, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, are expected to draw one of the largest gatherings in the Islamic Republic's history, with millions anticipated to converge on Tehran and Qom to pay their final respects to the towering figure of the Islamic Revolution and the wider resistance axis.
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