AhlulBayt News Agency: A large-scale memorial ceremony honoring Iranian martyrs drew thousands of mourners and prominent dignitaries to Istanbul's Halkalı district on Thursday, reaffirming solidarity with the Axis of Resistance and the principles of Islamic unity.
The gathering, held on April 9 following the afternoon prayers, commenced at the Zaynabiyah Mosque Cultural Center before a solemn procession moved toward the Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Cultural Center. Participants marched through the streets chanting "Labbayk Ya Hussein," waving flags, and reciting elegies in tribute to the fallen.
The ceremony was attended by a broad spectrum of figures, including Sheikh Salahuddin Ozgunduz, Dr. Akbar Fallahnejad—representative of the International Department of the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution—Iranian Consul General in Istanbul Ahmad Mohammadi, as well as representatives from Turkish political parties, civil society leaders, and religious scholars.
The event began with a moment of silence for all martyrs, followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran.
In his welcoming address, Ahad Talan, head of the Jafari Scholars Union, emphasized the global significance of Iran's stance. "The war waged by the Islamic Republic of Iran against savage imperialists and bloodthirsty Zionists was not merely a battle for homeland and nation; it was a struggle for the defense of faith and humanity," Talan stated. "This honorable struggle will be recorded in history as a model for future generations."
Talan further acknowledged the material damages inflicted by an "unjust war," expressing confidence in Iran's swift reconstruction through the efforts of its people and the support of friendly nations. He also conveyed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the people and officials of the Republic of Türkiye.
Hasan Babur, head of CAFERİDER, condemned the actions of "imperialist and Zionist structures," highlighting recent strikes that he said resulted in the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution's companions and commanders, alongside approximately 180 young girls in an attack on a primary school. "During this forty-day period, thousands have been martyred in Iran and Lebanon. We honor all of them and pray for their mercy," Babur added.
Echoing the sentiment of resilience, Hojatoleslam Fallah Nejad addressed the crowd regarding the deep mourning in Iran over the past forty days. "Despite their profound grief and nightly calls for justice in the squares, the Iranian people have never bowed to imperialism and Zionism," Fallah Nejad said, praising the steadfastness of the Iranian armed forces. He specifically thanked the Turkish nation—including Sunni, Shia, and Alevi communities—for standing shoulder to shoulder with Iran during these "difficult days."
In a keynote address, Hojatoleslam Ozgunduz stressed the defeat of divisive plots aimed at fueling sectarian or ethnic strife. "This war could have devolved into a Shia-Sunni or Arab-Persian conflict, but that goal was thwarted, and the Republic of Türkiye did not allow such a deviation," Ozgunduz declared. He urged the Muslim Ummah to remain vigilant against imperialist conspiracies designed to sow discord.
The memorial concluded with eulogies performed by a panegyrist of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), with attendees paying their final respects to the martyrs of Iran.
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