Speaking in the ceremony held in Mashhad (northeast of Iran) under the aegis of Institute of Artistic Creations of Imam Reza shrine, Abdulhamid Talebi said: “In Mazarat Festival, photographers could beautifully show the relation between pilgrims and the shrine in light of spirituality”.

“In addition, these photographers helped present pilgrimage as the factor uniting Muslims across the world. On the other hand, they introduced themselves as harbingers of unity and defenders of shrines”, added he.

Talebi stressed that pilgrimage is one of the most important tasks of Imam Reza shrine, stating: “In fact, one of the most important promotion goals of the shrine is preparing the means for a desirable pilgrimage”.

Saying that pilgrimage is a religious term and worshipping practice, he noted: “Pilgrimage is a tangible and evident social symbol and religious identity in a society, and since it’s a collective rite, it’s rooted in religion”.

Talebi further pointed to the history of pilgrimage in pre-Islamic faiths and said: “Going to holy sites for pilgrimage has been a social and cultural act that entailed economic growth and formation of cities”.

He concluded his remarks by drawing attention to the role of pilgrimage in approaching God.