Thousands of Tehran residents gathered on Wedensday for a large-scale mid-Sha’ban rally, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS), marching from Valiasr Square to Haft-e Tir Square in the Iranian capital.

Why it matters

The commemoration event of Mid-Shabban on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS) went beyond a religious commemoration, serving as a public display of social solidarity, collective hope, and renewed commitment to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and the culture of awaiting Imam Mahdi (SA)'s reappearance.

The big picture

The month of Shaban is traditionally associated with hope, anticipation, and spiritual renewal.

The Ten-Day Dawn (Fajr) symbolizes the victory of divine and popular will in Iran’s contemporary history.

Organizers sought to connect these two occasions through a unified narrative in Tehran, highlighting the conceptual link between the Islamic Revolution and Islam.

State of play

The rally took place peacefully at midday, drawing families, youth, and various social groups from across the capital along one of Tehran’s central routes.

Key points

  • The rally covered the route from Valiasr Square to Haft-e Tir Square.
  • It emphasized the interconnection between religious belief and revolutionary identity.
  • The event highlighted public participation as a pillar of social cohesion.
  • Special focus was placed on engaging the younger generation with the concepts of hope and anticipation.

Go deeper

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