Craft markets and service stations established in Kurdistan province (Iran) for Arba'in pilgrims

Local officials reported on Tuesday that tourism promotion programs were organized in Iran's western Kurdistan province, and craft markets and volunteer service points were set up along the routes leading to the Bashmak border crossing, in connection with the start of Arba'in pilgrims' journey to Iraq.

Infrastructure Preparation for Pilgrims

Pouya Talebian, Director General of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Crafts of Kurdistan, stated that a volunteer service station, or makveb, is being prepared near Lake Zarivar on the Marivan-Bashmak route to serve pilgrims heading to Iraq. Talebian noted that the Bashmak border crossing is one of the most suitable exits for Arba'in pilgrims due to favorable weather conditions during the pilgrimage season.

Markets and Centers in the Region

Furthermore, a craft market was created on the route used by returning pilgrims, in cooperation with the municipality and the Marivan administration. This allows local artisans to sell their products and popularize the tradition of buying local souvenirs. Talebian added that besides Bashmak, an exhibition of crafts, a shopping center, and a service station are also planned in the city of Korveh, as Korveh serves as an entry point for pilgrims traveling through Kurdistan province.

Tourism Promotion and Statistics

He also emphasized that information about tourist attractions throughout Kurdistan will be presented at the service stations to encourage pilgrims to visit the province as tourists in the future. According to the latest data from the Iranian Ministry of Interior, over two million people have registered on the Samah online platform used to organize Arba'in pilgrims.

Service and Religious Context

Approximately 750,000 pilgrims have already crossed the border into Iraq through six checkpoints: Mehran, Shalancheh, Chazabeh, Hosravi, Tamarchin, and Bashmak, to participate in the annual pilgrimage. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni stated that 22 government agencies are assisting pilgrims using available resources and facilities. He also specified that more than 3,500 makvebs have been established in Iran and Iraq, and transportation has been organized to facilitate pilgrims' travel to and from Iraq.

The Arba'in pilgrimage, held 40 days after Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Millions of pilgrims travel annually to the Iraqi city of Karbala to attend one of the world's largest religious gatherings.