Ashura ceremonies become less massive

Mourning events on the occasion of Ashura Day are being held in mosques in Azerbaijan today.

In this connection, the police have taken increased security measures. Reinforced police units have been deployed near mosques, with persons in civilian clothes present near them.

It should be noted that in recent years, there has been a decline in the number of participants in Ashura mourning ceremonies. If earlier thousands of people gathered in and around large mosques, now only a few hundred.

Today, no groups of young people in procession arriving at mosques in Baku chanting religious slogans have been seen, although in the past this was an integral attribute of Ashura.

Instead of the black flags raised to mark the mourning of the 12 imams, the Azerbaijani flag now flies over mosques.

The number of improvised tables with ehsan treats in memory of the imams on the streets has also decreased. Those who set such tables asked journalists not to take photos and videos.

In general, participants of the ceremonies are reluctant to contact the press, and only a few agree to speak on camera.

Usually it is customary not to work until 12 noon on Ashura, but every year fewer and fewer shops and cafes did not open by noon.

Observers explain the decline in Ashura celebrations as being due to the authorities' crackdown on active religious groups in recent years.

However, as believers at Ashura ceremonies noted in private conversations, "whoever has faith will still go to the mosques".