Saednews: Undoubtedly, visiting the tourist attractions of Karbala is highly appealing for those interested in pilgrimage trips or for religious pilgrims and tourists visiting Iraq.
According to the Saednews news and analytical platform, you have probably considered traveling to Karbala and visiting the historical and religious sites of this beautiful city many times. We all know Karbala as a religious and sacred city because it is the burial place of many Shia Imams. Iranians and other pilgrims from around the world travel to this city to visit the shrines of the Imams (peace be upon them).
If you are planning to travel to Karbala, it is best to first learn more about its religious and historical sites. This way, you can make the most of your time and visit many of these places. In this article, we introduce the most famous tourist attractions of Karbala.
The Shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)
One of the most famous and beautiful places in Karbala that most pilgrims visit is the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). This shrine is the burial place of Imam Hussein, along with two of his sons, Ali Akbar and Ali Asghar. Additionally, some of the companions of Imam Hussein, who were martyred during the Battle of Karbala, are also buried in part of this shrine.
The shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is one of the most beautiful shrines in Karbala, with its stunning architecture that attracts the gaze of all who visit. This shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, so its exact age is not clearly known, and it is continuously being renovated.
The Shrine of Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him)
Located to the northeast of the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), about 400 meters away, is the shrine of Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him). Hazrat Abbas was the first son of the first Shia Imam and is said to have had great devotion to Imam Hussein and his companions. He was also one of the flag-bearers and commanders of Imam Hussein’s army during the Battle of Ashura. Hazrat Abbas went to the Alqama River to bring water for the thirsty children of Imam Hussein and was martyred by the enemies. The architectural style of this shrine is distinctly Islamic, with a dome, minarets, a water fountain, and porticos.
The Spring of Imam Ali (peace be upon him)
One of the significant pilgrimage sites and tourist attractions in Karbala is the Spring of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). According to narratives, this spring appeared during one of the important wars of the early Muslims. When Imam Ali (peace be upon him) felt thirsty after long battles, he lifted a stone, and fresh water emerged from under it. It is believed that the spring and its water are sacred, and many Muslims visit it to seek healing for various ailments. This spring is located near the Razazah Lake, in the middle of a dry desert.
Between the Two Shrines (Between Al-Haramain)
One of the most beautiful courtyards you will encounter while visiting the shrines of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him) is "Between the Two Shrines" (Between Al-Haramain). This space, which historically was filled with commercial and residential buildings, was transformed into a large courtyard during Saddam Hussein's time for better access to both shrines. From this courtyard, you can admire the beautiful views of both shrines simultaneously.
The Tent of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)
In addition to the shrines, the Tent of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is one of the most beautiful and captivating places to visit in Karbala. Located between the two shrines, it is associated with the tent of Imam Hussein’s army. The first tent and shrine belong to Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him). In the center of the tent, where Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) was, you can see several tall, green domes. The structure of this tent is made from bricks in the shape of a caravanserai, symbolizing the 16 caravans that carried the martyrs from Karbala to Kufa. There is also a well here, famously known as Hazrat Abbas's well.
The Indian Castle in Karbala
A historical site in Karbala is the Indian Castle, which was built during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar to improve the comfort of pilgrims. However, he passed away before the castle was completed, and after his death, Seyed Ali Tabatabai finished the project. This historical and beautiful site dates back to the early Qajar period in Iran, and visiting it is highly recommended for tourists and pilgrims.
The Old and Large Markets of Karbala
One of the most beautiful places in Karbala where you can shop for various souvenirs is the old markets. These markets are covered and open, selling various local handicrafts and souvenirs related to Karbala. Prices in these markets are significantly lower compared to other places, and walking through these markets will give you a chance to explore the old architecture of Karbala.
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced some of the most famous tourist attractions in Karbala. Most of the sights in Karbala are religious, and pilgrims visit the city to pay their respects. However, among these attractions, there are also valuable historical sites worth exploring.
