Dr. Alireza Owtar, deputy head of the Shia Foundation of Türkiye, and his wife, Dilbar Owtar, a Quran teacher in Türkiye, were among the guests who traveled to Mashhad as part of a group of pilgrims and devotees and visited the exhibition of Astan Quds Razavi’s achievements.

Pilgrimage Journeys from Türkiye to Mashhad and Karbala

Dr. Alireza Owtar, deputy head of the Shia Foundation of Türkiye, spoke about the organization’s activities and the pilgrimage journeys undertaken by Shia Muslims from various European countries. He said that groups from Türkiye, Belgium, Germany, and other European countries travel to Iran and Iraq on pilgrimage tours two to three times a year. The size of these groups varies, ranging from 20 to 40 people or more.

Speaking about services needed by international pilgrims at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS), Owtar said: “One of my requests is that people who are familiar with the history and different sections of the holy shrine accompany international pilgrims and, when there is a suitable opportunity, explain the courtyards and various parts of the shrine to them.”

He continued: “Becoming familiar with the shrine and learning about its different sections is very important. Even I am not familiar with every detail of the shrine. I believe that guides who are proficient in the pilgrims’ languages could help them gain a better understanding of this spiritual place.”

I Love Iran as I Love My Own Country

Dilbar Owtar, a Quran teacher in Türkiye, also spoke about her activities and her role in accompanying pilgrims. She said: “In Türkiye, I teach the Quran to Shia women, and once or twice a year I travel with my husband. During these trips, I help women make pilgrimage journeys to Karbala and Mashhad.”

Expressing her affection for Iran, she added: “I love Iran very much. This country feels like my own, and being here gives me a wonderful feeling.”

Referring to pilgrims’ need to learn more about the shrine, the Quran teacher said: “If people who speak Turkish accompany pilgrims and explain the different sections of the shrine and its history, the journey will be more enriching for them. We, too, would like to learn more about the shrine.”

Solidarity of Shia Muslims in Türkiye with the People of Iran

In another part of her remarks, Dilbar Owtar discussed the response of Shia Muslims in Türkiye to recent developments and the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. She said: “In the early days of the war, we held a large march in the area where we live. People were eager to take part, and we even faced difficulties obtaining Iranian flags, so we had the flags printed in Istanbul.”

She noted that approximately 15,000 Shia Muslims live in their area and continued: “When the news of the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran was announced, we were deeply concerned and saddened. During those days, we visited the Iranian Consulate in Istanbul to offer our condolences and sent messages expressing our sympathy.”

Speaking about her feelings regarding the situation in Iran, she added: “Even though we are outside Iran, we feel concern and sorrow about the events taking place in the country. While we are here, we carry these feelings with us.”

Learning About the Scope of Astan Quds Razavi’s Activities

Commenting on her visit to the exhibition showcasing Astan Quds Razavi’s achievements, Dilbar Owtar said: “It makes me very happy to see that Imam Reza (AS) has such an extensive institution, with so many departments, activities, and people dedicated to serving others.”

Referring to her pilgrimage experiences in different religious cities, she added: “We came to Mashhad from Karbala and Najaf, and my companions have also developed a great affection for this city and the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS). Mashhad has a special atmosphere for us, and I hope God grants us the opportunity to return to this city and visit Imam Reza (AS) again.”