Imam Husayn Shrine

The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, marks the burial place of Husayn ibn Ali, who died in 680 CE, and is one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. The complex has a gilded dome and extensive courtyards and is central to major annual pilgrimages.

The shrine complex consists of an ornate inner sanctuary with a decorative metal enclosure over the tomb, surrounded by large paved courtyards and covered arcades that accommodate large numbers of worshippers. Religious art, metalwork and tile decoration feature throughout the buildings and interior spaces.

The site functions as an active religious centre and is the focus for large-scale rituals and processions, especially during commemorations linked to the martyrdom of Husayn. Outside peak pilgrimage periods the courtyards and inner shrine are accessible to visitors and pilgrims.

Husayn ibn Ali was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE and his burial site became a focal point for veneration soon afterwards; a succession of expansions and rebuildings over the medieval and modern periods produced the present complex. The shrine has been repeatedly repaired and enlarged over centuries to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.

The complex sits in the centre of the city of Karbala in central Iraq, a major pilgrimage city in the country. Karbala is located to the southwest of Baghdad and is the administrative centre of the governorate of the same name.

• Crowd advisory: Major pilgrimages, particularly Arba'een, draw very large crowds and can make access and movement around the shrine difficult outside smaller religious observances.

What to See #

• Inner Shrine: The inner sanctuary that houses the tomb and ornamental metal enclosure used by pilgrims to pay respects at the grave.
• Courtyards and Pilgrim Halls: Large open courtyards, ceremonial halls and ancillary structures that accommodate worshippers and processions during major pilgrimage periods.