Istanbul Hosts ‘Hussain; Symbol of Islamic Unity’ Conference
The speakers of the conference emphasized the role of Imam Hussein (AS) in uniting the Ummah, the website of the Astan (custodianship) of Imam Hussein (AS) holy shrine, reported.
The conference, which was organized by the Imam Hussein (AS) Cultural Center affiliated with the International Media Center of the Astan, in cooperation with the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) Foundation in Turkey, witnessed the presence of an official delegation from the holy city of Karbala.
It began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, and then Sheikh Ali Akbar Yurtsun, Chairman of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) Foundation, welcomed the audience.
In his speech, he emphasized that the existence of the Astab is a bridge for communication and brotherhood among Muslims. He also appreciated the prominent role of the Imam Hussein (AS) Cultural Center in coordinating and holding this conference.
Sheikh Ali al-Qara’awi, a representative of the Astan, said in his speech, “We gather in the holy month of Muharram under the banner of Imam Hussein (AS), who is the embodiment of dignity and freedom, to review his eternal uprising as a symbol of the unity of the Ummah and the true voice of truth.”
He noted that when Imam Hussein (AS) said: “I have only risen to reform the nation of my grandfather,” he intended this call to remain eternal and unite the Ummah on the path of faith and righteous deeds.
He continued: “His resounding cry that ‘we will never submit to humiliation’ is an interpretation of the noble verse: ‘And God will never give the disbelievers power over the believers.’”
Hassan Neema, deputy head of the media department of the Astan, referred to the media of the Astan, saying it is a mission-oriented project that combines professionalism and identity and goes beyond rituals to address human issues, justice, and coexistence.
“Our media is not limited to covering events; rather, it addresses contemporary concerns, combats extremist ideology, and speaks to the world in its own language,” he stated.
He explained that the opening of the Imam Hussein (AS) Cultural Center in Istanbul is in line with this approach and acts as an intellectual and human bridge with Turkish society.
He called for expanding this presence to other countries, emphasizing that Imam Hussein (AS) is an eternal cry for freedom in the face of injustice and a voice for justice when the truth is silenced.
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The activities of the conference were not limited to lectures; they also included screenings of documentary films produced by the Astan’s media department. These screenings addressed the health, organizational, and social services provided to pilgrims, as well as the Astan’s achievements in education, social welfare, and services for people with special needs.
An exhibition was also held, featuring photographs documenting the history and heritage of Karbala, its religious and cultural sites, and immortalizing the memory of this holy city through the lens of creativity.
The following day, the event moved to the Fatima al-Zahra (SA) Mosque in the Asian part of Istanbul. A mourning ceremony was held with speeches and elegies in praise of Imam Hussein (AS). The ceremony ended with the distribution of blessed gifts from the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) to participants in a religious competition.
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