WANA (Nov 05) – In the first half of this year, more than 1,100 non-Muslim tourists from 56 countries visited the Holy Shrine of Fatemeh Masoumeh (S) — one of the most revered Shia pilgrimage sites located in the city of Qom, Iran. According to official data, American tourists topped the list of international visitors to this sacred destination.

 

Qom, often described as the spiritual and intellectual heart of Shia Islam, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Beyond its religious importance, the city has in recent years become a growing hub for cultural and medical tourism in Iran.

 

The International Affairs Office of the shrine reported that visitors from the United States, China, Turkey, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Russia, Germany, and Thailand represented the largest groups among non-Muslim tourists. Many of them came to explore Islamic culture and religious architecture, and also participated in interfaith dialogues and cultural programs organized by the shrine.

 

Kamal Soraya Ardekani, head of the shrine’s International Affairs Department, emphasized the role of the site in promoting Iran’s cultural diplomacy, saying: “The Shrine of Fatemeh Masoumeh is more than a religious monument; it is a center for interreligious dialogue and cultural exchange. Our goal is to make each visit not only a visual experience but also an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and mutual respect among cultures.”

According to Ardekani, foreign visitors receive multilingual cultural packages containing books and multimedia materials about Islam, the city of Qom, and the life of Fatemeh Masoumeh — the sister of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. These resources are available in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Russian, and are accompanied by experts who answer questions on religion and Iranian culture.

 

During the same period, more than 6,500 Muslim pilgrims from 30 countries also visited the shrine. Pilgrims came from Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, and even the United States.

 

Experts say the growing presence of non-Muslim visitors in Qom reflects a rising global curiosity about Shia Islam and Iranian culture. Despite political tensions and negative portrayals in some Western media, the city continues to attract a diverse range of international travelers interested in spirituality and intercultural dialogue.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Farasani, Director General of Qom’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department, announced the development of a Comprehensive Pilgrimage and Tourism Plan for Qom, aimed at improving infrastructure, extending visitor stays, and expanding cultural and recreational facilities. He said that roughly 3 trillion tomans (around $50 million) have been allocated for this plan, which includes projects such as culturally themed recreational areas, health tourism facilities, and Iran’s largest boutique hotel in Qom’s historic district.

 

Although figures reported by different institutions may vary, both local authorities and religious officials agree on one point: Qom’s international tourism is steadily rising.

 

Today, Qom is not only a destination for pilgrimage but also a symbol of dialogue, spirituality, and coexistence among cultures — a city that strives to share the message of peace and compassion at the heart of Islam with the world.