UC Santa Barbara

The Arbaeen Walk, traditionally a Shia Muslim pilgrimage in Iraq commemorating Imam Hussain, has evolved from a sectarian ritual into a multifaceted global event. Historically, under regimes like Saddam Hussein's, the pilgrimage was suppressed, symbolizing Shia resistance. Post-2003, following the U.S. invasion and the rise of Shia influence, the Arbaeen Walk experienced a resurgence, attracting over 20 million participants annually, including diverse nationalities and faiths. This transformation reflects its shift from a purely religious observance to a cultural and socio-political phenomenon, highlighting both unity and internal discursive dynamics within the Shia community.