Dana Smillie
themes: faith
Baghdad, Iraq
Shia women beat their faces and chests in mourning while a 'mullaya' sings praises to the martyred Imam Hussein on the seventh day of Ashura. Shia Muslims in Iraq are openly participating in Ashura festivities -- banned during the time of Saddam Hussein-- for the first time in years. While many Shia mark the days with trips to the major shrines in Iraq, others commemorate the time with private ceremonies in the home.
Shia women beat their faces and chests in mourning while a 'mullaya' sings praises to the martyred Imam Hussein on the seventh day of Ashura. Shia Muslims in Iraq are openly participating in Ashura festivities -- banned during the time of Saddam Hussein-- for the first time in years. While many Shia mark the days with trips to the major shrines in Iraq, others commemorate the time with private ceremonies in the home.
All Images © Dana Smillie. Portfolio design by Neon Sky.