The Imam Hussein Center, affiliated with the Media Department of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, held its fourth annual forum in Türkiye in the city of Hatay, which was selected as a symbolic and spiritual gesture of support following the earthquake that struck the city. The event was attended by religious, cultural, and social figures, along with a large gathering of followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Representative of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine: Imam Hussein's Movement Is a Divine Project That Preserved the Message Across Generations
The representative of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, Sheikh Ali Al-Qar'awi, affirmed that "the movement of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) was not merely a military confrontation confined to its time, but rather a comprehensive divine project to preserve the religion and ensure the continuity of the message. Its impact extended beyond the Battle of Karbala, and humanity continues to draw inspiration from its values of reform, freedom, and dignity."
He made these remarks during the forum, which was held under the theme "The Love of Imam Hussein Is a Symbol of Islamic Unity."
He explained that "one of the most significant manifestations of Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) strategic vision was taking his family with him, foremost among them Imam Ali ibn al-Hussein Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him), despite knowing that he would attain martyrdom, in order to ensure the continuation of the line of Imamate and to convey the truth of the Karbala movement to future generations," citing the Quranic verse: "Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imran over the worlds."
Sheikh Al-Qar'awi added that "Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) advice to his son, Imam Al-Sajjad (peace be upon him), especially the preservation of religion, patience, and avoiding oppression, prepared him to lead the stage following Ashura. Imam Al-Sajjad undertook the mission of strengthening Islamic awareness and preserving the message of Karbala," citing the Quranic verse: "And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs. (32:24)"
The speaker also addressed Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) stance with his infant son, explaining that it represented the height of oppression and exposed to the world the reality of Umayyad tyranny, while Imam Al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) continued to highlight this tragedy and transform it into an enduring humanitarian message that reinforced the principles of truth, justice, and resistance to oppression across generations.
At the conclusion of his remarks, the representative of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine expressed his appreciation to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) Foundation in Istanbul, particularly its Hatay branch, and to the Wise Woman Association, praising the organizers of the forum and the attendees whose participation contributed to the success of the event and the revival of Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) message and its unifying values.
Media Department Highlights Humanitarian Mission
The technical deputy head of the Media Department at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, Mr. Al-Hassan Neama, delivered the department's address, conveying the greetings of the representative of the Supreme Religious Authority, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalaei, and the Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, Mr. Hassan Rashid Al-Abayji.
He emphasized that "the movement of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) represents a humanitarian project that calls for freedom and justice," stressing the Holy Shrine's continued support for the people of Hatay, the strengthening of communication with them, and facilitating their visits to the holy shrines in Iraq.
He also affirmed that "Husayni media continues to fulfill its mission of promoting a culture of dialogue and coexistence while conveying the true image of the humanitarian and cultural projects of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine."
He explained that "the forum witnessed broad and distinguished participation," noting that Hatay was chosen because of its religious and social significance, as well as to send a message of moral support to the city's residents following the earthquake disaster. He also praised the role of the Ahl al-Bayt Foundation in ensuring the success of the forum and the continuation of cooperation to organize cultural and religious activities across various Turkish cities.
The forum also featured speeches by several religious and cultural figures, who stressed the importance of strengthening the values of Islamic unity and promoting communication among peoples, inspired by Imam Hussein's (peace be upon him) principles of reform and coexistence.
Hatay Mayor Welcomes Delegation from the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine
In his address, Hatay Mayor Khalil Ibrahim Ozgul welcomed the delegation from the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine arriving from the holy city of Karbala, as well as the followers and admirers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) attending the forum. He expressed his appreciation to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) Foundation for its efforts in organizing the event.
Ozgul stated that Hatay was hosting, for the first time, a forum of this scale bringing together such a large number of followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), noting that such gatherings contribute to strengthening religious and spiritual values while reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and coexistence within society.
He explained that Hatay continues to face the consequences of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 2023 and caused widespread destruction affecting nearly 90 percent of the city, making its residents in need of moral and cultural support alongside reconstruction efforts.
At the conclusion of his remarks, the mayor expressed hope for continued cooperation with the holy shrines, particularly the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, through the implementation of additional spiritual and cultural programs and activities. He also thanked the holy shrines for their attention to Hatay and their commitment to supporting its people despite the city's geographical distance from the centers of Islamic activity.
For his part, the director of the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Cultural Center in Istanbul, Mr. Sabah Al-Talqani, said that "the fourth annual forum in Hatay witnessed broad and distinguished participation," noting that the city holds religious and social significance because it is home to a large community of followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
He added that "holding the forum represents a message of moral, cultural, and educational support for the people of Hatay following the earthquake disaster," praising the role of the Ahl al-Bayt Foundation in ensuring the success of the event and emphasizing the continuation of future cooperation to organize cultural and religious activities in various Turkish cities.
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