During a press conference, the head of the Holy Shrines Development and Reconstruction Headquarters in Isfahan province highlighted the significant achievements of the organization in various fields, including religious, cultural, political, economic, and security aspects. Jafar Asgari, noting the organization's 18-year history, emphasized that over 216 projects have been implemented to enhance the shrine of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) in Iraq. These projects showcase unique Iranian cultural, artistic, and architectural works.
He stated that Iranians, including the people of Isfahan province, have played a special role in the reconstruction of the Holy Shrines, saying: We do not have a documented and reliable source about the role of Iranians in the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines and work needs to be done in this regard.
Asgari emphasized the importance of a global perspective on the Arbaeen pilgrimage, saying: Paying attention to the achievements of this global event and preventing any harm to it is essential, and universities play a fundamental role in this regard.
He added that the Arbaeen pilgrimage is a security backbone for Iraq, Iran, and the Shiite world, saying: There is a lack of research work in this area, and if scientific work and analysis are not done about it, this movement will become questionable.
Asgari emphasized the importance of enlightenment accompanying pilgrimages to shrines like those of Ahl al-Bayt (AS), including the Arbaeen pilgrimage. He suggested creating diverse and relevant content with the help of intellectuals. He also highlighted the need for enhanced infrastructure and services to cater to the growing number of pilgrims visiting these holy sites.
The head of the Development and Reconstruction Headquarters of the Holy Shrines in Isfahan province also said: Some people ask why, despite some economic difficulties in the country, expenses are made for the reconstruction of the Holy Shrines abroad, and in response to them, several points need to be raised.
He added: Firstly, according to beliefs and traditions, the shrines of the infallible Imams are cultural centers of Shiites, and if they are neglected, we will suffer losses, and on the other hand, we must introduce the Shiite resources and the tradition of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) well to the world.
Asgari also continued by emphasizing the necessity of providing appropriate services to the pilgrims of the Holy Shrines, saying: By investing in the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines, Iran is seen alongside the pilgrims, and on the other hand, the brotherly relationship between the people of Iran and Iraq is established and strengthened after eight years of war.
He emphasized the 123% increase in the vows of the people of Isfahan for the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines in the first 9 months of this year compared to the same period last year, saying: We do not have government resources, and from a religious point of view, we are not allowed to do this, but people voluntarily help with the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines.
He pointed out the support for dissertations on the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines, saying: There is a lot of research and scientific work on the achievements of the development and reconstruction of the Holy Shrines, which will be pursued at the international conference “The Role of Iranians in the Development and Reconstruction of the Holy Shrines in Past Eras.”
Ahmad Azizkhani, the executive secretary of the conference “The Role of Iranians in the Development and Reconstruction of the Holy Shrines in Past Eras,” also said that negotiations have been held with 2 Iraqi universities to hold the conference, stating: The main themes of this conference are the role of Iranians in the reconstruction of the Holy Shrines in the fields of civilization, economy, sociology, art, security, architecture, Islamic resistance, mourning rituals, and archaeology.