young and old Shia muslim men marching the streets of Nabatiyeh, during the annual commemoration of the death of Hussein, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, who was murdered in the battle of Karbala. in expression of grieve and guilt for not having saved Hussein, they injure their heads with razors and swords and tap on the wound while repeating the word “Haidar”, referring to Hussein’s father, Ali. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
before heading out to the streets, crowds of men, young and old, gathered in a hall in front of the mosque and went to the Sheikh who, with a razor, tapped three times on each of the men’s heads. as soon as blood would come out, they would begin tapping the wounds with their hand. some men went to the Sheikh holding their young child to have him do the same for them. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
as they rhythmically and continuously, for hours non stop, shouted “Haidar”, repeatedly, while following it with a rhythmic beating of their hands against their chests and their heads, all the while losing more blood from their systems, several men would enter a semi-unconscious state through which their bodies would continue repeating the same acts, in slower movements now. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
while marching, the men would shout “Haidar” following it with a rhythmic beating of their hands against their chests and their heads. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
the more time passed, the more men would start losing consciousness. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
more blood flowed from their heads as they kept marching. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
from time to time, some groups would stand in circles and repeat these movements while facing each other and making eye contact - their energy would then regenerate building more stamina to continue the march. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
shouting “Haidar” while rhythmically tapping the swords on their heads. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
after few hours, sounds of instruments being played started coming from afar - a group of men joined the crowds with their instruments, again, making everyone gather more energy and keep the ritual going. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
grieving and moving to the drum beats. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008
medical vans were parked around the square to tend to those who would lose consciousness. Nabatiyeh, south Lebanon, 2008