Arbaeen, falling on August 14 this year, is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. It marks the 40th day after Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Millions of Shia Muslims from Iraq, Iran, and beyond walk long distances to Karbala, home to the Imam’s shrine, to take part in mourning rituals.

The Tariq al-Ulama path was established by religious scholars during a period when visiting the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) was banned, giving it the name “Route of the Scholars.” Each year, Arbaeen pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and other countries retrace this traditional route on foot to reach the holy city.