Specialized Studies Unit on Ziyarat al-Arbain

The Specialized Studies Unit on Ziyarat al- Arbain is one of the leading centers contributing to the advancement of scientific research and the development of knowledge related to this sacred event. The unit focuses on documenting the human and cultural values highlighted through Ziyarat al- Arbain, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of its cultural and social significance. It follows and supports a wide range of research and studies covering various aspects of the Ziyarat, including intellectual, cultural, and statistical dimensions. Through a dedicated electronic platform, outstanding research is reviewed and evaluated, with the best selected for presentation at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This promotes knowledge dissemination and strengthens academic communication. The unit also strives to provide an advanced scientific environment for researchers from all over the world, enhancing cultural collaboration and open dialogue on issues related to Ziyarat al- Arbain. The unit is committed to using modern technologies to improve the quality of services offered to visitors and to facilitate the management of the millions of pilgrims who gather annually for this grand occasion. Its efforts aim to strengthen cultural and social cohesion between Muslims and the peoples of the world, promoting high values that reflect the spirit of humanity. We look forward to achieving further accomplishments in the future, always striving to serve humanity and promote noble values that contribute to building a cohesive and tolerant society.

Unit's Tasks

• Organize and manage the annual scientific conferences, seminars, and specialized workshops related to Ziyarat al-Arbain.
• Contribute to the preparation of the annual scientific plan for the unit and its branches, ensuring alignment with set objectives.
• Promote scientific cooperation and communication with universities, institutions, and research centers.
• Attract researchers from Iraq, the Arab world, and internationally to contribute to the Encyclopedia of Ziyarat al-Arbain.
• Develop the Specialized Ziyarat al-Arbain Library, supplying it with modern and diverse scientific publications.
• Prepare the annual statistical bulletin on Ziyarat al-Arbain to document and analyze data related to the pilgrimage.
• Oversee the preparation of periodic reports on services and hospitality during Ziyarat al-Arbain, ensuring their maintenance and preservation, and propose new heritage elements for UNESCO registration.
• Monitor media coverage of the Ziyarat al-Arbain ritual to ensure comprehensive and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and evaluate studies and surveys related to Ziyarat al-Arbain, analyzing religious, social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
• Organize and manage periodic meetings for the Academic Scientific Council on Ziyarat al-Arbain, as well as specialized committees in areas like health, environment, transportation, economy, politics, and society.
• Follow up on studies and research related to the International Ziyarat al-Arbain Conference and apply findings to improve the pilgrimage.
• Monitor submitted research and select participants for the International Ziyarat al-Arbain Conference via an electronic platform.
• Document the intellectual output of researchers from the international conference after linguistic review and publish it in the Ziyarat al-Arbain Scientific Journal.
• Develop and maintain the Ziyarat al-Arbain website, uploading the center’s publications and publishing the Ziyarat al-Arbain Scientific Journal in March and September.
• Collect data and statistics related to Ziyarat al-Arbain through surveys.
• Provide an environment conducive to foreign and Arab researchers to explore the culture of Ziyarat al-Arbain and the human values embodied by the pilgrims (cooperation, dedication, volunteerism, peaceful coexistence) and encourage them to write reports documenting their experiences.