Karbala is a city located in central Iraq, southwest of the capital Baghdad, known for its historical and religious significance, particularly to Shia Muslims. It is the site of the Battle of Karbala, fought in 680 AD, during which Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his followers were killed by the forces of the Umayyad caliph. The city is a major center of pilgrimage, as it is home to the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al Abbas Mosque, which house the tombs of Husayn ibn Ali and his half-brother Al-Abbas ibn Ali, respectively. Every year, millions of Shia pilgrims from around the world gather in Karbala to commemorate Ashura, the day of Husayn's martyrdom. The city's economy largely relies on religious tourism, with many hotels, shops, and facilities catering to visitors. Despite past tensions and conflict, Karbala remains a symbol of resistance and holds immense cultural and spiritual significance within the Shia community.
