UNESCO representative attends Ashura ceremonies in Semnan

Upon invitation of the Islamic City Council of Semnan, theUNESCO Representative, Ms. Kuisch Laroche, traveled to Semnan city to attend the religious ceremonies for Tasua and Ashura, AVA Diplomatic reports.

On the day of Ashura, millions of Shia Muslims across the globe commemorate the martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Hussain, and all his companions, at the Battle of Karbala.

The day before Ashura is called Tasua.

In Semnan, like everywhere in Iran, several public mourning rituals took place to mark the occasion.

Asked by a journalist what her impressions were, the UNESCO Representative said: “I feel very honored and privileged to have been invited to attend these important ceremonies. What strikes me is to see how the entire community, from young to old, is involved and plays a role in the different ceremonies – ranging from participating in the processions to cooking meals to hand out to the population. It’s been quite an impressive experience.”

During her stay, Ms. Kuisch Laroche also visited several of the cultural heritage sites and the traditional water distribution and irrigation systems of Semnan – a city along the ancient Silk Road.