Ashura in Iraq: Pilgrim Numbers and Preparations for the ‘Tweerej Run’ Ceremony
webangah News Agency reports that colonel Abbas al-Bahadli, spokesperson for iraq’s Interior ministry, announced during a press conference: 1,176,311 pilgrims have entered Iraq as the beginning of Muharram this year, while 1,009,863 visitors have departed during the same period.
The official confirmed that Civil Defense teams have deployed around Karbala’s old quarter to enable rapid response to emergencies such as fires during the religious observances.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani emphasized the importance of strengthening full coordination among security, military, and civilian institutions-alongside government ministries and holy shrines-in joint operations.
While offering condolences to Iraqis on Ashura, the Prime Minister praised efforts to meet all logistical needs for pilgrims visiting the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS), including exemplary collaboration between specialized subcommittees.
He further stressed the critical need for on-the-ground presence by officials and commanders, notably during peak pilgrimage periods.
Separately, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid issued an Ashura message stating: *”On the anniversary of the martyrdom of imam Hussein (AS), his family, and companions at Karbala, I extend my sincere condolences to our nation’s people, senior religious authorities, and the Islamic Ummah.”*
Yam emphasized the immense sacrifices made to uphold justice, oppose oppression, and advance reforms, stressing the importance of national unity, security, stability, and continued efforts to combat corruption while improving living conditions and public services.
Simultaneously occurring, the customary mourning ritual of “Masha’al” (torch-bearing procession), organized by devotees of imam Hussein (AS), was held at the shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf.
Concurrently, the head of security at the Husseini Shrine announced in a statement that under direct orders from Sheikh abdul-Mahdi Karbalai-representative of the Supreme Religious Authority-a precise operational plan has been implemented to manage pilgrim movement during Ashura Day and the “Rakdha Twareej” ceremonies.
The “Tuwairij” procession plan has been designed based on past experiences managing massive crowds. Authorities state they have successfully identified potential congestion points in advance and implemented smart, safe solutions to control them.
An official statement noted: “By analyzing pilgrim inflow and ensuring alignment between visitor numbers and available shrine space, we aim to maintain smooth movement and ensure a calm, crowd-free pilgrimage experience.”
Three dedicated entry routes for Tuwairij mourners have been established toward the holy shrine-leading to the Zainabiya, Qibla, and Raja gates. Four exit routes via the Al-Salam, Al-Karama, Al-Shuhada, and Qadi Al-Hajat gates have also been planned. These access points are calibrated to fully accommodate expected crowd volumes.
