Massive crowds filled Iraq's holy cities and their shrines on Saturday to mourn Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei during a funeral procession ahead of his burial back home. At the gilded Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, mourners carried the coffin as it swayed from side to side, and many jostled and pressed forward in a desperate attempt to touch it. In Karbala, mourners waved Iranian flags and held portraits of Khamenei, as they waited for the coffin to reach the main procession route.
Six Days of Funeral Ceremonies
Iran began on Saturday six days of funeral ceremonies, which included a series of locations that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. It dedicated a day to neighbouring Iraq -- a Shia powerhouse with close ties to Tehran and home to the faith's most sacred shrines. The ceremonies, which started in Tehran and passed through Iran's holy city of Qom, will culminate with Khamenei's burial on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad in northeast Iran.
Procession Details
The coffin, draped in a black cloth, was carried through the crowded streets of Najaf as mourners chanted slogans and beat their chests in grief. Many sought to touch the coffin, believing it would bring blessings. In Karbala, the procession was met with emotional scenes as thousands lined the route, some weeping and others holding up portraits of the late leader. The Iraqi government provided security and logistical support for the event, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
Political and Religious Significance
The decision to hold a day of mourning in Iraq underscores the deep religious and political bonds between Tehran and Baghdad. Iraq's Shia majority has long maintained strong links with Iran, and the country's most revered shrines are located in Najaf and Karbala. The funeral ceremonies are seen as a demonstration of the Islamic Republic's influence across the region.
