Transformations in the Mourning Rituals of Muharram among Afghans Residing in Iran (Mashhad)

Abstract Among the significant contributions that religious rituals make are the production and reproduction of the identity and culture for the residents of a society. Some of the factors emphasizing the importance of examining the formation and modification of mourning rites of Afghan refugees include the marginalization of the Afghan refugee community in Mashhad, the need for creating a social network for identity restoration, and the impact of the mourning ritual on the production and sustainability of this social category. This study investigates the transformations in the mourning Muharram rituals among the Afghans residing in Mashhad and evaluating the relation of these transformations with the host societies. In this study, 12 Afghan immigrants living in Golshar (an area in Mashhad, were selected to participate in interviews. Given the cultural sensitivities of the geographical setting, it is vital to note that these participants were all male. The results of the study demonstrate considerable qualitative and quantitative transformation in the mourning ceremonies.