Timcheh Mozaffarieh, Tabriz، Symbol of Muharram Mourning in Tabriz

 Muharram Mourning Ceremonies in Tabriz

The mourning rituals of Muharram are among the richest and most diverse cultural elements of Iran. Across the country, people commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions in Karbala during this month. Over centuries, these mourning practices have taken distinct forms according to the culture and geography of each region of Iran.

Tabriz is one of the cities where the traditions of mourning for Imam Hussein are particularly renowned and vibrant. In this city, mourning processions move through the streets while reciting elegies in the Azerbaijani language, showcasing the devotion of the people to Imam Hussein and his sacrifices in defense of justice and freedom. Among the various mourning traditions of Tabriz, the ceremonies in Mozaffarieh Bazaar hold a special character and are held annually with a remarkable presence of the city's people.

The mourning procession begins at Timcheh Sadiqiya, reaches its peak upon arriving at Timcheh Mozaffariya, and concludes there. According to an ancient tradition, the processions enter Timcheh Sadiqiya through the Sandoqchi Gate, and after passing through the Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Brokers’ Bazaar, Hat Sellers’ Bazaar, and Sugar Sellers’ Bazaar, they finally arrive at Timcheh Mozaffariya.

The movement of the processions in the Tabriz market is carefully organized so that all 28 mourning groups can reach Timcheh Mozaffariya at the designated time to perform their rituals. These groups come from the historic neighborhoods of Tabriz, including Davachi, Amirkhiz, Kucheh Bagh, Rasteh Kucheh, Delkhun, Shahid Ghazi, Maralan, Jamish Ava, Mir Choban, Khiyavan, Baghmisheh, Entezariyun, Sheshgelan, Qara Aghaj, Varji, Abuzar, Chustuzlar, Lil Ava, Hukm Ava, Sorkhab, Seelab, Ami Zein al-Din, Charandab, and Nobar.

Since the establishment of the Mozaffariyeh Timcheh in 1926 (1305 Solar Hijri), shopkeepers have served mourners during the period of the ceremonies. According to an old tradition, from the 8th to the 12th of Muharram, no shops in Mozaffariyeh Timcheh are open, and everyone joins in organizing the mourning rituals and serving the participants.

Usually, at the front of the mourning processions walk the Sayyids (descendants of the Prophet Muhammad), elders, and senior community members, showing the respect people have for them. Young people walk in the middle of the procession, and children follow at the end. Each mourning group has one or more Miandar (leaders) who supervise and guide the movement of the procession. To stir more excitement and emotion among the mourners, the Miandar sometimes calls out loudly or recites certain phrases, inviting the participants to chant elegies or recite religious verses.

According to ancient tradition, mourning processions are performed in three forms: “Arab,” “Ajam,” and “Chain-wielders.” The Arab group wears a lower garment resembling an Arabian skirt called an atak, and a shirt-like upper garment. A square section of the shirt over the chest is left open, exposing the chest during chest-beating. Members of this group wear black clothing and, during the ritual, raise both hands in unison to beat their chests.  The Ajam group typically wears black suits and shirts. They hold the edge of their coat with the left hand while rhythmically striking their chest with the right hand in a slow triple beat.

The Chain-wielders wear shirts and trousers, usually in black. They beat their shoulders with the chains they hold in their hands as part of the mourning ritual.