До 20 милиона души се очаква да присъстват на погребалните церемонии на бившия върховен лидер на Иран аятолах Али Хаменей, съобщиха иранските власти

The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, will serve as a profound symbol of Iran’s identity, unity, and ideological continuity. The elaborate ceremonies planned for July will traverse key religious and political landmarks across the country, reinforcing the deep intertwining of spiritual authority and state power in Iranian society. These events are expected to draw millions of participants, reflecting both national mourning and the immense reverence for Khamenei's role as both a religious leader and the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

The funeral processions and rituals will begin on July 4 in Tehran, where Khamenei’s body will be displayed for public veneration at the Mosalla complex—a sprawling religious and civic hub that has long served as a central site for political and religious gatherings. This location holds significant symbolic value, having hosted important speeches, national celebrations, and mass demonstrations that underscored the alignment between religious leadership and state governance. On July 5, a somber procession will take place through the main streets of Tehran, marking the final farewell to the political heart of the nation. The capital, home to most of Iran’s governmental institutions—including the presidency, parliament, judiciary, and military command—will witness this moment as a public expression of grief and a reaffirmation of the legitimacy of the leadership transition.

Following the ceremony in Tehran, Khamenei’s remains will travel to Qom, the spiritual center of Shia Islam in Iran, where he will be honored on July 6. Qom, known for its prestigious seminaries and theological scholarship, plays a pivotal role in shaping the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic. The visit to Qom underscores the dual nature of Khamenei’s legacy—he was both a political figure and a revered religious authority whose influence extended beyond the secular sphere into the realm of spiritual guidance. His presence here will allow high-ranking clerics and scholars to pay their respects, further cementing his status as a unifying figure within the religious community.

The journey continues to Karbala, Iraq, one of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims. Here, Khamenei’s body will be honored on July 7, coinciding with the commemoration of Imam Hussein, whose martyrdom in 680 CE remains a cornerstone of Shia theology. The pilgrimage to Karbala, traditionally marked by large-scale processions and acts of devotion, will provide a broader spiritual context for Khamenei’s life and death. Themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and resistance—central to the narrative of Imam Hussein—are likely to feature prominently in the ceremonies held there, drawing parallels between Khamenei’s leadership and the historical struggles of the Shia faith.

From Karbala, the funeral will proceed to Najaf, another major Shia holy city in Iraq, where the shrine of Imam Ali is located. This stop highlights the enduring significance of early Islamic figures in shaping the religious and political ethos of Iran. The inclusion of Najaf in the itinerary reflects the interconnectedness of Shia religious sites across borders and reinforces the idea that Khamenei’s legacy transcends national boundaries, resonating with the global Shia community.

Finally, Khamenei’s remains will arrive in Mashhad, his birthplace and a city deeply rooted in Shia tradition. The burial itself will take place on July 9, marking the culmination of the funeral rites. Mashhad, home to the Shrine of Imam Reza, is considered one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam, and the choice of this location for the final resting place of Khamenei underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Iranian religious culture. The grandeur of the ceremonies in Mashhad is expected to draw international delegations, including representatives from nearly 30 countries, underscoring the global recognition of Khamenei’s influence.

Throughout these events, the government has emphasized security measures due to the anticipated crowds and potential risks associated with such large gatherings. With temperatures expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, authorities have coordinated efforts with local police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to ensure smooth operations. Meanwhile, speculation about the health of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, who was seriously injured in the attack, persists. Although Mojtaba was named the new Supreme Leader shortly after his father’s death, he has remained largely absent from public view, fueling uncertainty about his current condition and future role in the leadership structure. As the funeral unfolds, these questions remain unresolved, adding layers of complexity to the mourning process.