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At Site Where Iran’s Slain Leader Lies, Some See a Symbol of His Failures
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was mourned at the Grand Mosalla mosque complex in Tehran, which remains unfinished and in disrepair nearly 40 years after construction began.
- The mosque features incomplete minarets, cracked and missing tiles, and a deteriorating parking lot, highlighting its neglected condition.
- The state had hoped to showcase strength and resilience during Khamenei’s funeral, but the mosque’s shabby state contrasted with this image and symbolized unfulfilled promises to critics.
- Despite its flaws, the Grand Mosalla was chosen for the funeral due to its large capacity, accommodating the massive crowds attending the weeklong services.
