The city of Samarra in Iraq prepares to host Shia pilgrims visiting the city to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hassan Askari, peace be upon him.
Samarra is home to al-Askari Holy Shrine, containing the mausoleums of Imam Hadi and Imam Askari, peace be upon them, the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams, respectively. The holy shrine is being covered in black as preparations to an atmosphere of sadness and grief.
Monday, the 8th day in the lunar Hijri month of Rabi al-Awwal, marks the martyrdom anniversary of the 11th Imam, peace be upon him.
Like every years, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the city this year to mourn the sad occasion.
