Karbala, Iraq

Welcome to Karbala, a city in central Iraq that is considered a holy city for Shia Muslims. Best known as the location of the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD and for the shrines of Hussain and Al Abbas, Karbala is a thriving tourist destination for Shia Muslims and the tourism industry in the city boomed after the end of Saddam Husseins rule. Tens of millions of Shiite Muslims visit the site twice a year, rivaling Mecca and Mashhad by the number of pilgrims annually. The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali is commemorated annually by millions of Shiites. Up to 34 million pilgrims visit the city to observe ʿĀshūrāʾ (the tenth day of the month of Muharram), which marks the anniversary of Husayns death, but the main event is the Arbaʿīn (the 40th day after Ashura), where up to 40 million visit the graves. Most of the pilgrims travel on foot from all around Iraq and more than 56 countries.

Karbala is located about 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Baghdad, and a few miles east of Lake Milh, also known as Razzaza Lake. Karbala is the capital of Karbala Governorate, and has an estimated population of 1,218,732 people (2018).

The city began as a tomb and shrine to Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and grew as a city in order to meet the needs of pilgrims. The city and tombs were greatly expanded by successive Muslim rulers, but suffered repeated destruction from attacking armies. The original shrine was destroyed by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil in 850 but was rebuilt in its present form around 979, only to be partly destroyed by fire in 1086 and rebuilt yet again.

Karbala experiences a hot desert climate with extremely hot, long, dry summers and mild winters. Almost all of the yearly precipitation is received between November and April, though no month is wet.

Some religious tourism attractions in Karbala include Al Abbas Mosque, Imam Husayn Shrine, and Euphrates. Karbala is also home to Karbala Northeast Airport and Karbala International Airport. Karbalaa FC is a football club based in Karbala.

Come and experience the rich history and culture of Karbala, a city that holds a special place in the hearts of Shia Muslims around the world.