We arrived in Mashhad at a very important time for the people of Islamic faith. It is the anniversary of Emam Reza's death and the city receives millions of pilgrims coming to the Holy Shrine. In this 10 Pictures series, we share our experience during this religious event.
Location: Holy Shrine, Mashhad, Iran
01.11.18 After checking in our hotel we went in for a bit of sightseeing. The Holy Shrine is open 24/7 and even at 11pm, the people are still here doing their prayers.
01.11.18 We plucked up the courage to enter further into the shrine area and couldn't believe our eyes. The place is so immaculately decorated, the camera did no justice.
02.11.18 The next day we came with a local who offered to give us a tour. He said around the country black flags/banners are flown to mourn for the death of the 8th Emam (we're not exactly sure what an Emam is, but they're really important in Islam)
02.11.18 Our local guide took us a level further down the shrine and the prayer hall is huge! It was really packed because midday prayers was about to start. We left just before they locked all the doors.
05.11.18 Around the Holy Shrine there are many stations giving out food and tea for all visitors to the city. Some of the visitors come by foot!
05.11.18 We went to the very center of the Holy Shrine which has the tomb of Emam Reza. All the worshippers are in a trance, shouting and rubbing their hands on the gold/silver surfaces. We got into the crowd to look closer but there were so many people squashed in there we got stuck in the crowd. Eventually we got squeezed back out on the other side.
05.11.18 Visitors may be lucky and get a ticket for a meal at the Holy Shrine. They are like Golden Tickets so people would often beg for a ticket outside the restaurant. Our friend helped us get one using our passports and he got one too to come with us.
05.11.18 Inside the "Holy" restaurant, we got served dinner which was eggplant and beef on saffron rice, with yoghurt and bread.
07.11.18 Throughout the city, neighbours will make a large pot of "Shole". Shole is eaten only during this time and requires a lot of stirring – 8 hours at least! The entire neighbourhood is invited.
10.11.18 Within the Holy Shrine vicinity, roads are closed as group of worshippers play drums, and sing prayers, and do so very loudly. The poor people in hotels trying to get sleep aren't going to unfortunately.