Ta'ziyeh

1 9.9

A traditional Iranian religious play that acts out the Battle of Karbala and shows mourning in Shi'a Islam

noun
/tɑːˈziːjə/

Literature

: Ta'ziyeh

Scholars have studied the Ta'ziyeh as a unique form of religious theatre that reflects themes of mourning in Shi'a Islam.

Examples

Each year, thousands gather to watch the Ta'ziyeh performances commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
Scholars have studied the Ta'ziyeh as a unique form of religious theatre in Iran.
The emotional impact of the Ta'ziyeh is heightened by its powerful music and stylized acting.
The Ta'ziyeh performance was captivating.
Every year, many people attend the Ta'ziyeh during Muharram.
Every year, many people attend the Ta'ziyeh during Muharram to honor the events of the Battle of Kerbala.
Each year, thousands gather to watch the Ta'ziyeh performances that depict the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

How Emotional

Passion play

3 8.4

Ta'ziyeh

Literature

1 9.9

opera

267 4.2

play

888 1.4

pageant

189 6.3

Surface Forms

Ta'ziyeh singular

Ta'ziyehs plural

Etymology

The word Ta'ziyeh comes from the Arabic word ta'ziya, which means 'condolence' or 'to console'. In Iran this idea of comforting people who lost someone grew into a public, dramatic ritual about the Battle of Kerbala, so Ta'ziyeh today is a mourning play that shows grief and honors the dead.