Baghdad, Iraq
Coordinates: 33.341848, 44.379868
Every year in February communities in Iraq honour Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام, a holy figure is Islam, who grants worshippers their wishes particularly those in need.
This is called as Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام feast.
This place is said to be the sanctuary of Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام. According to locals Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام is believed to have stayed here in the past for some time.
In the centre of Iraq, community members join on the bank of Tigris, which they believe is the sanctuary of Hz. Khizr عليه اسلام.
Dressed in traditional clothes they enjoy specially prepared dishes.
They deliver sugar, salt, henna, sweets and myrtle leaves and at night send lit candles on wood along the river, making vows for their wishes to be granted.
If the candles go out before reaching the other side, the wishes are said to come true.
Believers are encouraged to give to the poor on a Friday so their wishes are met.
Younger generations learn about the practice from older family members and at school.
Shared identification with the tradition has helped to build social cohesion within communities.
