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City in Karbala Governorate, Iraq
Photo: SFC Larry E. Johns, USA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Karbala (Arabic: كربلاء) is a city in Southern Iraq. It is considered one of the holiest cities in the country.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
مقام الامام الحسين
One of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, it contatins the grave of Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the prophet Muhammad.
مسجد الامام العباس, Masjid al-‘Abbās
The mausoleum of ‘Abbās ibn ‘Alī, located across from the Imām Husayn Mosque. ‘Abbās was the half-brother of Hasan and Husayn, and was the flag-bearer for Husayn in the Battle of Al-Taff. The majority of the design was done by Persian and Central Asian architects. The central pear shaped dome is an ornately decorated structure with two tall minarets on its sides. The tomb is covered with pure gold and surrounded by a trellis of silver, along with Iranian carpets rolled out on the floors.
Historical building, the burial place of the brave son of Imam Ali (AS), and half-brother of Imam Hussein. The shrine is especially revered by the Shia who visit it every year, in the month of Muharram, and various other times of the year, to honour his legendary martyrdom in the Battle of Al-Taff.
Shrine dedicated to Al-Hurr ibn Yazid Al-Tamimi.
A small spring, said to have been brought to life by Imam Ali, and a mosque.
الأقيصر
An archeological site in Ayn al-Tamr near Karbala that has been described as the oldest eastern Christian Church. In 2019, prayers were again said in the ruins of the church by Assyrians of the Chaldean Catholic Church.
قصر شمعون الأثري
Ruins of a palace dating back to the pre-Islamic period.
كهوف الطار
Large cave complex that has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
خان الربع
Also known as Khan al-Nukhaylah, this historical caravansarai dates back to the Ottoman era. The site has hosted cultural festivals from time to time.
Ruins of a historic castle dating back to the 8th century.
A prime example of Abbasid architecture, built in 775 AD. The fortress has been a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage since 2000.
Historic ruin located to the west of the city. The ruins sit in the middle of the desert, around 40 km away from the city. The ruin is cylindrical shaped, and it reaches more than 30 m from sea level. The origin of the ruins is unknown.
Historic bridge across the Al-Husseiniya river, built in 1550.
Within walking distance from the holy shrines. Includes several restaurants and a promenade along the river.
كربلاء ريحان روتانا
Luxury hotel along just outside the city, along road from Baghdad.
By plane
A new dedicated airport is under construction, but as of late 2020 it is unclear when it will open. The nearest major international airport is in Baghdad.
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