Ta'ziyeh is the only indigenous form of musical theater in the Islamic World. Ta'ziyeh, which means "mourning" in Farsi, refers to about 200 epic productions that are several centuries old. Ta'ziyeh, is traditionally performed outside of Iran's large cities in outdoor arenas.

One Ta'ziyeh, from the 18th century called the "Battle of Hor," tells the story of a general who sets out to kill the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed but changes his mind after hearing celestial voices. Hor and his young son die as martyrs protecting the grandson, Imam Hussein.