Muharram Museum

 
 Relics at display in Muharram Museum (Courtesy : Ahrab News Com)

 Muharram Museum

 Prof.Mazhar Naqvi

The more you read about Muharram rituals, the more enlightened you become. Similarly, the more you search about the rituals of azadari in different cultures and countries, the more you become convinced about the miracles of Masoomeen. The existence of a Muharram museum in Tabriz is one such example. Up till now, the blogger was aware of Majlis, Zakiri, Marsiya, Sozkhwani ,Matam,Salam, Nauha, Imambara, Tazia, Alam, Taboot, Zuljana,Patka,Alam,Jhula, Pharera, Janjeer,Qama,Savari, Hazri,Nazr and Tasha as essential ingredients of marasim-e-azadari. The blogger always felt that each old Imambara in itself was a museum, for they contained relics dating back to Badshahi and Nawabi era. Hence, it was surely surprising to him when he came to know about the existence of a Muharram museum in Tabriz. Perhaps it is the only museum of its kind in the entire world but its model can be replicated elsewhere also, especially in those countries where Imamis are few and have erected Imambargahs or are in the process of initiating azadari rituals. As most of them are employed, well-settled and affluent by the blessings of Masoomeen, they can collect old Muharram relics from those who are unable to protect them for variety of reasons in Indian Sub-Continent. This will not only preserve the holy relics of antiquity but also offer an opportunity to the young Imami generation to have a glimpse of  the richly embroidered patkas, chandeliers, candle stands and zari mubaraks that are fine  examples of metal or wooden handicraft.  

As the objective of this article is to focus on Muharram museum, the blogger intends to write about a separate piece on Muharram handicraft later and would like its viewers to know about the Muharram museum of Tabriz. It is in fact an anthropological museum. Anthropolgy is study of people and Muharram ceremonies are deep embedded in the hearts of people in Iran and wherever Imamis, hence, the name Muharram museum. These ceremonies represent the quarrel of good and evil, oppressor and oppressed and the most important point they stand for Ashura . As a whole, it can be considered that the ceremonies held in Muharram all are symbolic.

The relics at display at Muharram museum symbolize all the ceremonies and traditions of Muharram in Iran and nearby areas. All are the elements of culture that strengthen the culture of the society. The signs and symbols are representing something beyond themselves, they could be abstract or natural but the signs, that considered here, are cultural signs. Sometimes the signs signify religious and mythological aspects relevant to the culture and the history of man.

At the  museum, symbols such as candles, lamps, cradles, various alams,panjas, patkas, flags are displayed. The aim of establishing such a museum is displaying material attractions and symbols used during azadari.  The location of the museum, is one of the oldest houses known Sehati's  home which is a a historical and cultural house in Tabriz city. Sehati’s home with brick facade is one of the most beautiful old houses in Tabriz. This home during Dr.A.Sehati's life time was used as a Hussainiya( Imambara) by members of his family. In 1999, it was  registered in national heritage list and subsequently restoration and consolidation of the operations carried out.Since then, it is being used as  a museum of anthropology and Muharram.The style of architecture shows that the building dates back to the end of Qajar dynasty. The house coveres an area of 409 sq. m in three floors. ( Reference available on request)