Turkey’s Shiites mark Battle of Karbala

ISTANBUL

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Shiite Muslims in Turkey commemorated on Oct. 11 the Battle of Karbala, a bloody clash that took place more than 1,000 years ago in Karbala, located in present-day Iraq.

Commemoration ceremonies were held in Istanbul’s Halkalı district, the northeastern provinces of Kars and Iğdır, and several other provinces with the participation of both Caferis, a Shiite sect in Turkey, and Alevis.
Thousands of people, many of whom were dressed in black to express their mourning, gathered for Karbala ceremonies across the country. 

Speeches commemorating the Battle of Karbala, which took place some 13 centuries ago, were held during the ceremonies. 

The battle of Karbala, where Ali’s son, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussayn and his relatives and supporters were killed on the 10th day of Muharrem in 682 (year 61 of the Islamic calendar) by the forces of Yazid, son of the Umayyad caliphate, is commemorated every year by Caferis as well as Sunni Muslims.

Some Caferis perform the Battle of Karbala as a passion play to remember the pain experienced centuries ago.

Speaking at the parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Oct. 11, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said the Battle of Karbala meant “pain and sadness for us.” 
“It’s also a lesson and a warning. Those who don’t draw lessons from Karbala create new Karbalas every day,” Yıldırım said. 

“We will never tolerate the bloodshed of those who direct themselves towards the same Qibla [in prayer],” he added.