Sacred Sites and Pilgrimages in Iraq
A spiritual travel guide to Iraq, covering 4 holy places and pilgrimage destinations.
This guide lists 4 sacred sites in Iraq , connected to 3 spiritual traditions: Islam, Ancient Mesopotamian Religion, Yazidism. 1 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 1 are archaeological sanctuaries of ancient faiths. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in Iraq
Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur
Explore Babylon, city of the god Marduk, and the Ziggurat of Ur dedicated to the moon god Nanna, two great sacred sites of ancient Mesopotamia.
Imam Ali Shrine, Najaf
The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf holds the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam. Visit its golden dome, seminaries and the Wadi al-Salam cemetery.
Imam Husayn Shrine, Karbala
The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala marks the tomb of the Prophet's grandson and draws millions on the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest on earth.
Lalish
Lalish in northern Iraq is the holiest temple of the Yazidis, home to the tomb of Sheikh Adi. Visitors walk barefoot through this sacred valley.