Funeral Processions for Martyr Leader Confirmed in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking at a meeting of the Cultural and Social Commission of Iranian Metropolises, Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh, Tehran Municipality's Deputy for Social and Cultural Affairs, stated that coordination meetings have been held with various sectors, including film directors, artists, and poets, as the nation prepares for this major event.

"Based on current conclusions, Iran will witness at least three major farewell and funeral ceremonies," Tavakolizadeh said. He added that a decision regarding a potential procession in Iraq remains pending, but the ceremonies in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad are finalized.

Massive Infrastructure Preparations in Tehran

The deputy mayor revealed that Tehran is preparing to accommodate a massive turnout of 15 to 20 million people for the event.

"A three-day period has been designated for the farewell ceremonies to allow the public to pay their final respects," Tavakolizadeh explained. "The venue will likely be either the Tehran Musalla (Grand Mosque) or the Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini, with the final decision to be announced today."

Following the farewell ceremonies, the funeral prayers will be held, followed by the main procession. Officials anticipate that the procession in Tehran alone will span at least 24 hours. The body will then be transferred to Qom, and subsequently to Mashhad.

Final Resting Place Confirmed in Mashhad

Regarding the burial site, Tavakolizadeh confirmed that in accordance with the wishes and recommendations of those close to the late leader, the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad has been designated as the final resting place.

"Due to its location in eastern Iran, Mashhad is expected to host a significant number of pilgrims and mourners from neighboring Eastern countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Kashmir, and other parts of the subcontinent," he noted.

The IRGC provincial branch and the Astan Quds Razavi have put necessary measures in place for the Mashhad ceremony, with details to be disclosed in due course.

National Cooperation and Command

Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani has held consultations with mayors of other Iranian metropolises, who have expressed full readiness to support the logistics. Cities surrounding Tehran—including Qom, Karaj, Qazvin, Saveh, Semnan, Garmsar, and Varamin—will take on hosting responsibilities to provide accommodation and services for the millions of pilgrims traveling to the capital.

Tavakolizadeh concluded by stating that the overall command of the funeral procession will be handled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which will lead the core management of the event alongside municipal support.

The ceremonies are currently scheduled to take place during the end of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah and the beginning of Muharram.

End Article