Mourning ceremonies are underway in five cities across Iran and Iraq. Iranian state media has reported that millions have gathered to pay their final respects to the supreme leader, who died in late February.

The large crowds symbolize both a display of strength for the Islamic Republic of Iran and deep sorrow for Ayatollah Khamenei. During his decades-long leadership, he reinforced Iran’s stature as a regional power and strictly suppressed any opposition. The coffins are adorned with the Iranian flag.

A photograph taken in Tehran shows the procession on Monday. Journalists were informed that the route was shortened due to the immense size of the crowd. Instead of the planned 17 miles, officials indicated that the procession would proceed slowly from a central road to Azadi Square.

On Tuesday, the ceremonies took place in Qom, known for its Shiite Muslim studies. Mashhad is set to host the final city in this funeral program on Thursday. The ayatollah will be interred at the shrine of Imam Reza, regarded by many Shiites as a spiritual successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

The selected sites for these ceremonies underscore both the supreme leader’s status and his clerical prestige.

Image Credit: Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times

Written by Peter Robins. Abdi Latif Dahir, Yeganeh Torbati, and Leo Sands contributed reporting.