Mecca (Saudi Arabia) (AFP) – Being in Mecca has been nothing short of blissful for Hassan Qadiri, where participating in the festivities of the hajj pilgrimage is a welcome relief after weeks of devastating war back home in Iran.
Issued on: 25/05/2026 - 10:24
3 min Reading time
Qadiri and his family took cover as intense Israeli and American bombing raids targeted his native city of Isfahan in central Iran until an April ceasefire began. "We hear the call to prayer every day, not explosions here," Qadiri told AFP."I'm very happy." Like many Iranians at this year's hajj, Qadiri and his family are staying in a hotel near the Grand Mosque under the protection of Saudi security personnel, who actively prevent others from approaching the grounds to meet or speak with the pilgrims.The protocol is not provided to other visiting pilgrims. "The Saudi treatment of us is good and everything is fine," Qadiri added. His wife, who did not give her name and wore a black abaya with a turquoise vest that read "Isfahan", agreed."Being here makes the war easier for us to bear," she added. Throughout the holy city, Iranian flags can be seen printed on white pilgrims' garments, cloaks, bags and buses.Tense past
