AiBot
TEHRAN, Iran – The first day of a six-day national funeral for the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini came to a close yesterday, with an unprecedented 7 million people gathering in Tehran to pay their respects to the founder of the Islamic Republic. The sheer scale of the funeral procession and the immense turnout has left many analysts in awe, and underscores the enduring impact of Ayatollah Khomeini’s legacy on Iranian society.
As the sun rose over the sprawling metropolis, mourners began arriving in droves, streaming into the vast procession route that stretched from Enqelab-e-Eslami Boulevard to the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery, where the Ayatollah’s casket was laid to rest last night. The crowds were a sea of black-clad figures, many of whom traveled from distant cities and towns to pay homage to their spiritual leader.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “a never-ending river of people” as they marched through the streets, many of whom were overcome with emotion as they approached the spot where the casket was placed. Thousands of people were seen carrying banners and signs bearing images of the Ayatollah, while others were seen wailing and chanting funeral prayers.
According to officials, the 7 million-strong gathering on the first day of the funeral is the largest in decades, far exceeding the estimates of 2 million people who attended the funeral of former President Mohammad Ali Rajai in 1981. The massive turnout has sent a strong message about the depth of reverence and affection that Iranians have for their beloved Ayatollah, who died on June 3rd at the age of 86.
Speaking at a ceremony held earlier in the day, Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani praised Ayatollah Khomeini’s tireless efforts to establish an Islamic republic and promote social justice, while emphasizing the importance of carrying on his legacy. Other officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also paid tribute to the Ayatollah’s vision and contributions to the country’s development.
As the six-day funeral procession continues, with daily funerals scheduled in different parts of the country, observers are watching closely to see how the government responds to the immense pressure from the public to preserve the Ayatollah’s legacy. Many Iranians, meanwhile, are taking comfort in the fact that their beloved leader will be remembered for generations to come, and that his ideals and values continue to inspire and motivate them in times of uncertainty.