Basiji pilgrimage on Iran-Irak war frontline

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Iran. Khuzistan Province. March 22, 2009. Remains of Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) frontline zone, close to the Iraqi border. Every year, during the celebration of Nowrooz, the Iranian new year, thousands of Iranians from all over the country, called "Rahian-e Noor" (Caravan of light in Persian), helped by state organizations, gather on former battle fields to commemorate their loved ones who died as soldiers or Basijis. All expenses of this pilgrimage being paid by the State, makes it...
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Iran. Khuzistan Province. March 22, 2009. Remains of Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) frontline zone, close to the Iraqi border. Every year, during the celebration of Nowrooz, the Iranian new year, thousands of Iranians from all over the country, called "Rahian-e Noor" (Caravan of light in Persian), helped by state organizations, gather on former battle fields to commemorate their loved ones who died as soldiers or Basijis. All expenses of this pilgrimage being paid by the State, makes it a favored touristic destination for families of humble background. The Iran-Iraq War was one of the deadliest armed conflicts of the last quarter of the twentieth century, leaving one million victims.

Iran. Province du Khouzistan. 22 Mars 2009. Restes de la ligne de front de la guerre Iran-Irak (1980-1988), près de la frontière irakienne. Chaque année, lors des célébrations de la fête de Norouz, le nouvel an iranien, des milliers d'iraniens de tout le pays, appelés "Rahian-e Noor" (la caravane de lumière en persan), aidés par des organisations gouvernementales, se rassemblent sur les anciens champs de batailles pour commémorer leurs proches tombés comme soldat ou bassidji. La prise en charge totale des frais de déplacement et logement par l'état, font de ce pèlerinage un évenement touristique prisé des familles les plus modèstes. La guerre Iran-Iraq fut l'un des conflits armés les plus meutriers du dernier quart du vingtième siècle, faisant environs un million de victimes.
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