Using Tasooa and Ashoora ceremonies in the central part of Tehran as a religious- cultural tourism potential

Religious–cultural ceremonies have roots in believes and convictions of a nation or a society. Nowadays these ceremonies are considered as cultural attractions for tourism. In different eras, they were prevalent among people as celebrations and mourning ceremonies and in many cases they were presented in the form of dramas. Because revival of traditional ceremonies in all countries worldwide was used as a means for developing cultural tourism, therefore, introducing one of the most moving mourning ceremonies in Iran will represent a historical event for all Shiite Moslems in the world. These mourning ceremonies can be utilized as part of tourism development for the benefits of cultural tourism in Iran.In this study, we used practical and cohort research. Data collection was based on library research and field study (measurement) within the study scope. We used observation tools, questionnaire, interviews, and survey method in a descriptive-analytical and inferential- analytical statistical analysis.With the help of two-sample statistical model, and use of “t test for two independent groups” we compared the opinions expressed by bazaar merchants, merchants around bazaar, mourning groups and relevant officials about Tasooa and Ashoora ceremonies and their potential as Religious-cultural tourism.The study showed that Tasooa and Ashoora ceremonies in the opinion of bazaar merchants, merchants around bazaar, mourning groups and relevant officials have the potential attractiveness for tourism. They also believed that holding such ceremonies in the traditional form and in certain large religious places and revival of Tazieh (Tasooa and Ashoora play) could be beneficial. About 3.5 percent of bazaar merchants are totally against holding Tasooa and Ashoora ceremonies inside bazaar.