High-Level Turkish Delegations Attend Farewell Ceremony for Iran's Martyred Leader in Tehran

Today, July 3, 2026, Tehran is hosting one of the largest diplomatic and religious ceremonies in the modern history of the region. Following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint United States and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, the official farewell ceremony has begun at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran after a four-month delay due to war conditions and diplomatic negotiations [2][4].

Official Presence of Turkish Officials in Tehran The Turkish government demonstrated its solidarity with the Iranian nation and government by sending a high-level delegation. Cevdet Yılmaz, the Vice President of Turkey, arrived at Mehrabad Airport as the country's official representative and was welcomed by Iranian officials [1][3]. In addition to the official government delegation, Fatih Erbakan, the leader of the New Welfare Party (Yeniden Refah Partisi), has also attended the ceremony along with a delegation of Turkish political and religious figures to express his condolences [2]. This extensive presence indicates the importance of strategic relations between Tehran and Ankara in the current sensitive regional situation.

Details of the Ceremony at Imam Khomeini Mosalla The farewell ceremony in Tehran began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and military honors. One of the prominent details of this ceremony is the placement of the blessed flag of the Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) with the phrase "Ya Hussein" on the coffin of Iran's martyred leader, which has been widely reflected in international media [3]. Iranian officials have announced that the doors of the Tehran Mosalla will be open to the public 24 hours a day starting Saturday, July 4, so that millions of people from across the country can bid farewell to their leader [1].

Global Dimensions and Presence of International Delegations Ismail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that representatives from more than 100 countries are present at this ceremony. This list includes 8 heads of state, 12 speakers of parliament, and dozens of foreign ministers and special envoys [1][5]. Among those present are prominent names such as Dmitry Medvedev from Russia, Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq [2][5]. Notably, Iran has refrained from inviting representatives of European countries that officially supported the military attacks against the country [1].

The Procession Route; From Tehran to Holy Mashhad According to the announced schedule, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei will be transferred to the holy city of Qom on July 4 and 5 after the ceremonies in Tehran [3]. On July 8, his body will be taken to the cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq to visit the Holy Shrines; a journey taking place 69 years after his last visit in 1957 [1]. Finally, the final burial ceremony will be held on July 9, 2026, at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, and this day has been declared an official holiday and public mourning throughout Iran [4][5].