Studying the Ethnography of People's mourning sounds (műr) during the Imposed War (A Case Study of Ilam Province)"

Purpose: Despite the years that have passed since the imposed war, the war remains present in our literature, history, and culture. Mourning is one of the very ancient traditions that has survived from ancient Iran, expressed in response to great tragedies such as the death of loved ones, elders, youths, warriors, and heroes of war. By understanding these mourning traditions, which evoke memories of the imposed war, the valor and sacrifices of that time, and the continuing spirit of patriotism and martyrdom, one can gain insight into an identity-forming element of the region. Given the role and function that "mourning" has in this community, studying it across all cultural and geographical areas of Ilam province, which is one of the war-affected regions, helps to better understand the culture of this area in how it experienced the war. Therefore, the aim of this study is to recognize the mourning and related traditions of the imposed war in Ilam province, to understand their themes and underlying messages, and to explore how the era of the imposed war is reflected in mourning practices across different regions and their differences.

Methodology: This research is qualitative and based on ethnographic methods and unstructured deep interviews conducted in Ilam province (its cities and villages) as one of the war-affected areas of the country. In this context, mourning traditions were collected and analyzed based on purposive sampling.



Findings: The study and analysis of the collected mourning traditions revealed that the experience of war has significantly influenced the mourning practices and their internal themes among the people of Ilam. Since these traditions manifest in mourning rituals and fall within the realm of ritual and traditional music, they also encompass patience, how to confront death, and the valuation of life and the status of martyrs. This study showed that, in addition to historical themes, the experience of war has led to the emergence of other themes such as coping with war, displacement, heroism, sacrifice, chivalry, the mythology of war martyrs, and the display of bravery associated with figures like Haj Qasem.

Conclusion: The recitation of mourning for the martyrs of Ilam is not limited to times of mourning; it sometimes includes songs that are expressed in times of longing and separation, filled with sorrow during the month of Muharram and the anniversaries of the deaths of youths or unknown martyrs. This is why the music and rhythm derived from it are woven into the minds of Ilam's children from an early age. The study of mourning traditions, alongside the customs observed at the time of death for martyrs, shows that the appreciation of heroes and martyrs, and the legends who sacrificed their lives to uphold national and Islamic values, is an integral part of the cultural fabric of this region, contributing to the continuity of these values among its people, making them precious and a vital part of the culture of this land.