MICHAEL APPLETON

IRAQ: SHIITE PILGRIMAGE

In April of 2003, the Shiite Muslims of Iraq made the pilgrimage to Karbala to worship at the Festival of Arbaeen for the first time since Saddam Hussein took power in the late 70’s. The event symbolizes the oppression and struggle of the Shiites. Occurring just weeks after the fall of Baghdad, the festival drew millions of emotional worshipers from all around the country for four days of religious ceremonies.

Shiite Muslims exit the Al Hussein Mosque as they gather in Karbala, Iraq for the festival of Arbaeen.
   
Worshipers ceremoniously touch the walls to the entrance of the Al Hussein Mosque before prayer.
   
Men crawl their way through the street of Karbala.
     
  
A crowd of Shiite men vie for position as they chant and worship.
   
Shiite Muslims pray together during the festival of Arbaeen.
   
Worshipers walk along the road to Karbala on their way to the festival of Arbaeen.