tazia
Quick Summary
The term "tazia" refers to two related aspects of Shi'ite Muslim observances, particularly during the month of Muharram.
Firstly, a tazia is a replica of the tomb of Husain, the martyred grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. These replicas are carried in processions as part of the Shi'ite festival of Muharram.1
Secondly, tazia is also the name for a Muslim passion play that is celebrated by Shi'ites. These plays reenact the suffering and martyrdom of the 12 Shi'i imams, with a central focus on the events of the Battle of Karbala. The word "tazia" itself originates from an Arabic term meaning "mourning for the dead". These passion plays, known as ta'ziyyah, became a significant form of religious expression in Persian classical tradition, particularly during the Qajar dynasty.21
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IslamShiʿism…participate in passion plays called taʿziyahs. Such celebrations are, however, absent from Egypt and North Africa.
Read More…participate in passion plays called taʿziyahs. Such celebrations are, however, absent from Egypt and North Africa.
Read More
Islamic artsPassion plays (taʿziyyah)Quite different was the passion play, derived mainly from early Islamic lore and assembled as a sequence of tragedies representing Shiʿi martyrdom. Both the shadow play and the passion play were interlarded with musical prologues, accompaniment, and interludes, but these were not necessarily an…
Read MoreQuite different was the passion play, derived mainly from early Islamic lore and assembled as a sequence of tragedies representing Shiʿi martyrdom. Both the shadow play and the passion play were interlarded with musical prologues, accompaniment, and interludes, but these were not necessarily an…
Read More
pageant…passion play known as the taʿziyah (“consolation”) is performed during the first 10 days of the month of Muharram. Recounting, in often highly emotional and graphic detail, the martyrdom of the descendants of ʿAli, the son-in-law of Muhammad, the pageant retains elements that date back to the 10th century. The…
Read More…passion play known as the taʿziyah (“consolation”) is performed during the first 10 days of the month of Muharram. Recounting, in often highly emotional and graphic detail, the martyrdom of the descendants of ʿAli, the son-in-law of Muhammad, the pageant retains elements that date back to the 10th century. The…
Read More
theatrical productionReligious…at the Muslim festival of taʿziyah. As in ancient Greece, these festivals extended over many days and involved the whole community. In the 20th and 21st centuries, as popes and other religious leaders traveled around the world to address the faithful, huge outdoor ceremonies became the norm, often with staging…
Read More…at the Muslim festival of taʿziyah. As in ancient Greece, these festivals extended over many days and involved the whole community. In the 20th and 21st centuries, as popes and other religious leaders traveled around the world to address the faithful, huge outdoor ceremonies became the norm, often with staging…
Read More

