THE IRAQI SERIES, DAY 6 & 7
NAJAF – KARBALA
World’s largest cemetery & sweets. As we approach the centre of Iraq, we head to an area famous for shrines and, believe it or not, sweets.
SNACKS SWEET ENOUGH TO MELT YOUR TEETH!
Iraq is a land of sweet temptation. The chai? Don’t even get me started – it’s so sweet it could give you a sugar rush just by looking at it. The locals drink it like water, but you might want to keep an eye on your blood sugar!
WHERE IS NAJAF?
Najaf, a holy city in Iraq, is home to one of the largest cemeteries in the world and countless sacred shrines. If you ever find yourself here, prepare for an experience unlike any other.
Najaf
World’s largest cemetery & sweets
GREAT MOSQUE OF KUFA
You only think you have seen mosques until you visit the likes of Najaf and Karbala, which is like nothing I have ever seen. The size of these places would rival any other building in the world, and with the number of people that are here each day, I can see why.
World’s largest cemetery & sweets
DAILY INFO….
- HOTEL – Al Sahla $80/night (Najaf)
- ATTRACTIONS – (+rating)
- Kufa Mosque
- Imam Ali’s house
- Imam Ali Shrine
- Najaf Cemetery
- Imam Hussein
- Karbala’s sweets
- Al Khaydhar Fortress
- Altar Caves
IMAM ALI SHRINE
After visiting the Great Mosque of Kufa, one of the world’s oldest mosques, and then Imam Ali’s house, we proceeded to his shrine in the centre of Najaf. Considered as the first Imam (prayer leader), the shrine is one of the most visited in the world.
World’s largest cemetery & sweets
NAJAF’S SNACKS
Iraq is famous for its sweets, so it would have been rude not to check out the options and get a few free samples in the bazaar. Locals refuse to take payment, and I wonder why I even brought money. There were many winners, but the best had to be this noodle peanut butter option. There were no noodles or peanuts in it, but there is no other way to describe it…🤷🏻♂️
World’s largest cemetery & sweets
WORLD’S LARGEST CEMETERY
Built within the city of Najaf, just across the road from the bazaar, is the world’s largest cemetery, at a completely overwhelming size, with graves as far as the eye can see. The cemetery, called Wadi Al Salam, is an incredibly sacred site due to its proximity to the Shrine of Imam Ali, a place where people like to be buried.
If you visit here, don’t expect it to be organised like cemeteries at home. Due to the high cost of real estate, graves are often placed in every available space. Walking your way through is more akin to an obstacle course than anything else! For more on exploring ancient sites, check out
World’s largest cemetery & sweets
RELATED READ: GETTING INSIDE THE ANCIENT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
IMAM HUSSEIN SHRINE
After a long day, we finally made it to the Imam Hussein Shrine (believed to be Mohammad’s rightful predecessor), the daddy of shrines here in Iraq, and one that over 20million people will walk to as part of their Arba’in pilgrimage. I hate to say it, but we only think Christians are devoted to their religion, but when you see this part of the world and how strictly they follow Islam, it does make you wonder.
WHERE IS KARBALA?
Located in southern Iraq, Karbala is a city of immense religious significance, home to the Imam Hussein Shrine and a place of pilgrimage for millions of Muslims worldwide.
Karbala
Day 7 – AL KHAYDHAR FORTRESS & ALTAR CAVES
We kicked off the morning with a hearty breakfast and some impromptu hospitality from a Saudi couple, who invited me to join them. The man spent the next 20 minutes asking me to visit his family in Al Qatif (and showing me what was in his mouth, lol), not far from the Bahrain Border. It is one of many examples of the friendly nature of the people in the Middle East.
Next, we then headed to the Al Khaydhar Fortress, a defensive fortress used by traders on the Silk Road route. It’s in the middle of absolute nowhere, not far from the lawless region of Al Anbar, which we hope to explore in a few days, and hence why we had to get a police escort, our first of the trip.
After a quick stop at the Altar Caves, we headed back to the Shrine of Imam Hussein for another look – it was that good! And then finished out the night with some local bites – the best in the country!
TODAY’S YOUTUBE VIDEOS
If you want to see today from a different perspective and catch a few different stories from the front row, then check out today’s YouTube videos below.
FINAL THOUGHTS
People did wonder why I wanted to spend almost 3 weeks travelling around Iraq, but when you get days like these, you can really see how much there is to explore.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
160/229
FAQs
What is the significance of the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf?
The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf is one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. It marks the burial place of Imam Ali, the first Imam and cousin of Prophet Muhammad.
Why is Najaf Cemetery (Wadi Al Salam) the largest cemetery in the world?
Wadi Al Salam is the largest cemetery in the world due to its immense size and the number of graves. It holds sacred significance, as many wish to be buried near the Imam Ali Shrine.
What makes the city of Karbala so important in Islamic history?
Karbala is the site of the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred. It is a symbol of resistance and justice in Shia Islam.
What is the significance of the Great Mosque of Kufa in Iraq?
The Great Mosque of Kufa is one of the oldest mosques in Islam and a historical site in Kufa. It is the place where Imam Ali was mortally wounded and holds great religious importance.
What is the historical importance of the Al Khaydhar Fortress in Iraq?
The Al Khaydhar Fortress was a key strategic location along the Silk Road. It served as a defence point for traders and travellers during medieval times.
NEXT UP
Ready for more adventure? In the next post, I will explore one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces in Babylon!!
This post is part of The Iraqi Series, for the entire series click here or for episode 1, click here.
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Question Time
- Are you interested in learning about other religions?
- Would you walk 1,500 miles as part of a pilgrimage?
Let me know in the comments below . . .
