Thousands of Shi'ite Muslims in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, marked the mourning period of Ashura on October 12. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson and rituals include Shi'ite men performing acts of self-flagellation. (RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service)
Shi'ite Muslims Mark Ashura In Baku
Thousands of Shi'ite worshipers pray and beat their chests near the Mashadi-Dadash Mosque in Baku. They use this symbolic gesture as part of the Ashura ritual to remember the pain suffered by the Prophet Muhammad's grandson during his martyrdom.
A young Shi'ite worshiper in Baku. The festival of Ashura honors the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was killed in the year 680, and his death laid the foundations of the Shi'ite faith.
Shi'ite women weep as they listen to prayers outside the Mashadi-Dadash Mosque in Baku. Displays of mourning are made throughout the festival of Ashura, which reaches its peak on October 12.
Thousands of Shi'ite mourners listen to prays outside a mosque in Baku on October 12.
Imam Haji Shahin preaches to Shi'ite faithful at the Mashadi-Dadash Mosque in Baku.
A Shi'ite worshiper at Ashura commemorations in Baku.
Thousands of people lineup in the courtyard of the Mashadi-Dadash Mosque for Ashura prayers.
Shi'ite worshipers sing prayers to honor Imam Hussein, the martyred grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Worshipers and Imam Haji Shahin at the Mashadi-Dadash Mosque in Baku.
Shi'ite mourners beat their chests in a ritual to honor the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.