Reflection of Imam Hussein (AS) and Ashura mourning ceremonies in the works of European tourists in Safavid Iran

The recognition of the Shiite religion in the Safavid period led to the gradual spread of Shiite religious customs, especially the ceremonies related to the martyrdom and birth of the Imams (AS) and Shiite holidays. Religious mourning, especially the mourning of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, was most evident in these rituals and ceremonies. Although there are reports of this issue in the historical sources of the Safavid period, the travelogues of European tourists are considered as suitable examples for research due to their more attention and, of course, their shortcomings and mistakes. The diversity and differences, along with their obvious mistakes on this subject, along with the representation of purely vulgar opinions and even their combination with their personal opinions, have led to the review and critique of this ceremony, despite the reflection of this ceremony in their reports. These reports should be considered as the purpose of this study. Accordingly, the main question of the research is how the mourning ceremonies of Imam Hussein (AS) and Ashura are reflected in the travelogues of European tourists in Safavid Iran? The findings of the research, which have been done by library study method and based on the translated travelogues of these tourists and by descriptive-analytical method, show that they are an incomplete drawing without a correct understanding of the nature of Imam's uprising. Hussein (AS) and the philosophy of holding mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein (AS) and Ashura.