Every year, Iranians hold mourning processions in all cities and towns across the country to pay tribute to Imam Reza, who was martyred after being poisoned by the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun in the year 818 AD.
Here are pictures of the rituals in Mashhad, where Shia Muslims from Iran and other countries have come together for the mourning ceremonies:
Mourners gather around the holy shrine of Imam Reza, Mashhad, Iran, October 28, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)
A view of Imam Reza's holy shrine (By Tasnim)
A mourning procession at Imam Reza's holy shrine on the eve of the Imam's martyrdom anniversary, October 28, 2019 (Photo by Tasnim)
Mourners pay respect to Imam Reza at a ritual in Mashhad, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)
Mourners converge on Imam Reza's holy shrine, Mashhad, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)
Iranian mourners take a journey on foot towards Mashhad to attend processions marking Imam Reza's martyrdom. (Photo by Mehr)
A caravan of mourners take a journey on foot towards Mashhad to attend processions marking Imam Reza's martyrdom anniversary.
People take part in a mourning ceremony on the eve of Imam Reza's martyrdom anniversary, October 28, 2019. (Photo by Fars)
Iranian mourners take a journey on foot towards Mashhad to attend processions marking Imam Reza's martyrdom. (Photo by Mehr)
A view of Imam Reza's holy shrine (By Tasnim)
Mourners visit the holy shrine of Imam Reza on his martyrdom anniversary, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)
Mourners gather around the holy shrine of Imam Reza, Mashhad, Iran, October 28, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)
A view of Imam Reza's holy shrine (By Mehr)
Mourners say prayers at Imam Reza's holy shrine, Mashhad, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Tasnim)