Imam Husayn Shrine (Karbala)
AbrahamicIslamicshrineMesopotamia680 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Karbala, Iraq
Country
Iraq
Region
Mesopotamia
Coordinates
32.6160, 44.0249
Era
680 CE - present
Site Type
Shrine
About
The shrine complex marking the grave of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala (680 CE) — the defining tragedy of Shia Islam.
Significance
The holiest site in Shia Islam; the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala is one of the largest human gatherings on earth, drawing 20+ million pilgrims to commemorate Husayn's martyrdom.
History & Historical Arc
Husayn refused allegiance to Umayyad Caliph Yazid I and was killed with 72 companions on 10 Muharram 61 AH; the event (A…
Archaeological Notes
The shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times — by Abbasids, Buyids, and Safavids; Saddam Hussein damaged it …
Key Features & Structures
- Golden dome and twin minarets over Husayn's grave
- Abbas ibn Ali shrine nearby
Visitor Information
Open to all Muslims; peak visits during Ashura (10 Muharram) and Arbaeen (40 days after Ashura).
Related Figures
Husayn ibn AliAbbas ibn AliYazid IZaynab bint Ali