Karbala

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Karbala

Karbala , city (1987 pop. 296,705), central Iraq, at the edge of the Syrian Desert. The city's trade is in religious objects, hides, wool, and dates. Karbala is the site of the tomb of the Shiite leader Husein , who was killed in the city in 680. It is second only to Mecca in being a holy place visited by Shiite pilgrims. The tomb, with a gilded dome and three minarets, is the most notable building; it was destroyed by the Wahhabis in 1801 but was quickly restored by contributions from Persians and other Shiite Muslims. Iranian pilgrims to Mecca traditionally begin their journey at Karbala, and many pious Muslims bring the bones of their dead for burial there. It is sometimes transliterated Kerbela.

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Karbala

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Karbala a city in southern Iraq, which is a holy city for Shiite Muslims, being the site of the tomb of Husayn, grandson of Muhammad, who was killed there in ad 680.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Karbala." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 15 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Karbala." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (November 15, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Karbala.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Karbala." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved November 15, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Karbala.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Karbala Locked Down After Clashes News Wire article from: AP Online; 8/29/2007
	Iraq Govt Orders Karbala Investigation News Wire article from: AP Online; 9/2/2007
	Iraqi Gov't Orders Karbala Investigation News Wire article from: AP Online; 9/2/2007

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