MNA� Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has arrived in the holy city of Mashhad to mark the martyrdom anniversary of the 8th Shia Imam, Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (PBUH).


According to the Governor of Khorasan Razavi, Alireza Rashidian, the President�s visit to Mashhad is unofficial and aimed at attending the mourning procession for the martyrdom of the eight Shia Imam at Imam Reza�s Mausoleum in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi.

However, President Rouhani is also scheduled to meet with officials of Khorasan Razavi where a report on the measures taken by the country�s executive bodies, as well as the implementation status on various projects in the province will be discussed.

A number of development and economic projects of the province completed so far will come on stream on Thursday in the presence of President Rouhani.

Wednesday November 30 is a national holiday in Iran when the country mourns the martyrdom of�Imam Reza by taking part in rituals across Iran, but mainly by gathering at Imam Reza�s Mausoleum in Mashhad. Thousands of pilgrims from other countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Azerbaijan also make a trip to this holy city on this day to join other Shias in the ritualistic mourning.