On Friday, 3rd of Sha’ban, corresponding to 24 February 2023, the 16th Annual International Spring of Martyrdom Cultural Festival was inaugurated at Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. The event was attended by the head of the Shi’a Endowment Office, General Secretaries of Holy shrines in Iraq, Eng. Naseef Jasim Al-Khattabi, Governor of Karbala, as well as a diverse group of religious figures, academics, scholars, professors, researchers, intellectuals, and media professionals representing 120 individuals from 44 countries. Furthermore, this global festival is held in celebration of the virtuous Imams (peace be upon them) birth anniversaries during the month of Sha’ban. Dissemination of Islamic culture and the principles of the Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) worldwide was the purpose of holding that festival which was organized by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. The festival also aimed at peaceful coexistence promotion, tolerance, and acceptance of others, beside openness to international expertise. The opening day featured a keynote address by His Eminence Sheikh Abd Al-Mahdi Al-Karbalai, Legitimate Overseer of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine affairs. That segment was followed by a speech by the Governor of Karbala, Eng. Naseef Jasim Al-Khattabi. Subsequently, the Kuwaiti poet Mohammad Al-Harzi recited poetic verses in celebration of the righteous Imams (peace be upon them) birth anniversaries. In addition, representatives from Asia, Europe, and Africa delivered remarks, followed by chants and panegyrics performed by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine choir. Moreover, as a unique segment of the program, a distinguished group of Iraqi scholars, innovators, and individuals whose achievements and expertise had significantly contributed to humanity, both within Iraq and abroad, were honored. Besides, the opening day concluded with a visit paid by festival guests to Karbala International Book Fair, in parallel with the festival.


Translated by Zahra' Ala', revised by Asst. Lect. Inam Mohammed