Iranian Pilgrims Resume Journeys to Iraq

Two of the holiest places for Shi’ite Muslims – the cities of Karbala and Najaf – are located in Iraq. Devout Iranian pilgrims have traditionally journeyed to these cities each year to visit the burial sites of prominent Shi'ite religious figures. The Iranian government halted pilgrimages when the US invaded Iraq, fearing for the safety of the travelers. However, these measures did not deter many pilgrims, who have continued to make the journey illegally, regardless of the danger. At least 200 of these illegal pilgrims have been killed since the start of the Iraq War, mainly by bandits, unscrupulous smugglers, or land mines. Yet the tide of religious travelers has continued, unabated. As a result, the Iranian government has decided to resume legal crossings on an experimental basis, in the hopes of ensuring safer travels. – YaleGlobal