The inaugural ceremony of an exhibition entitled "Destination of Love", showcasing a collection of photographs, posters and paintings with the theme of Ashura, was held at ECI diplomatic art gallery on 18 October 2015, attended by members of diplomatic corps based in Tehran, Reza Bangiz, a prominent Iranian painter, scholars of arts and faculty members of Al-Zahra (Sa) University, the co-organizer of the event.
" Muharram is one of the very few historical events of all times that have left a tremendous impact on societies specially cultures and arts." Said Iftikhar Husain Arif, President of ECO Cultural institute at the opening ceremony.
"The martyrdom and the ultimate sacrifice of Aba Abdillah Imam Husain (a.s.) in Karbala to protect Islam, made this event internationally relevant which is observed all around the world." He added.
Appreciating ECO Cultural Institute for organizing the exhibition, Dr. Shad Ghazvini, Head of Iran's Association of Visual Arts, said: " We mainly aim to visualize the transcendental concepts of our religious beliefs at this exhibition."
Referring to twelve-year history of the exhibition, she expressed hope that the next edition will be held displaying works by artists from ECO countries as well.
"the issue of Ashura is defense of the truth and the truth defense is admired in every religion, belief and country; also the artists make efforts to expose this truth. " Said Dr. Mousavi Lar, Head of the Board of Directors, Art Research Association of University Al- Zahra(a.s.).
The ECO Cultural Institute contribution brought the international prestige to the event and raised our understanding on Ashura at the regional level."