 MProcher's Iraq Travelogues | | | |
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| Page Views: 1,407 Last Visit to Iraq: - | Kerbela Impressions by MProcher - last update: Sep 11, 2002 |
city of the two shrines The city of Kerbela is dominated by the two shrines that are located in the heart of it. One shrine is dedicated to "Imam Hussein" the other one to "Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas". Both are highly honoured martyrs in the islamic history. They are very important for the muslims who follow thw Shiitic direction. There is an enormous amount of Irani pilgrims each year coming to visit the shrines/mosques in Kerbela. Pic shows: a pedestrian area between the two mosques. |
Hussein Shrine Who could look at this child and still say that any kind of sanctions are helpful?! Only the poor people have to suffer - not a dictator or the high society. This is really cruel! |
c People in the courtyard around Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas Shrine |
Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas Shrine Women in front of main gate |
Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas Shrine The decorated part of a minaret and the sign for prayer: different coloured flag to show which kind of prayer and a light that can be switched on after sunset |
Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas Shrine Decorations at the wall of the courtyard |
Imam Abu al-Fadhil al-Abbas Shrine Decorations at the wall of the courtyard |
Hussein Shrine Hussein is the most important martyr for any muslim who belongs to the shiitic islam. Hussein was the son of Ali who was married to Fatima, daughter of the prophet Muhammad. When he was killed in a battle (middle of 7th century) with his opponent Muawiyya the religion islam got split into the party that acknowledged Muawiyya as the legitimate leader of the islamic community (because islamic tradition precises that the leader has to be the best and not a successor by blood): the Sunna. The party who believed Hussein as a direct descendant of Muhammad is the Shia. |
Hussein Shrine There are many entrance gates, styled quite similar with individuell differences |
Hussein Shrine another gate |
Hussein Shrine main entrance to the inner part |
Hussein Shrine gold plated minarets |
Hussein Shrine Most of the Iraqi mosques have walls decorated with coloured flagstones. To find pictures is not normal as islam originally does not allow any picture of an animal or a human being. Nevertheless there are many pictures, even animals or human beings, what is a result of old Persian influence. |
Hussein Shrine Not only a geometric symbol but kalligraphy! Kalligraphy is a special for of writing widely used in Arab countries. Letters and words are modiefied that much - you mostly can no more read what is written. But it is not important to read it the design is the impression. This one has been touched by people many times to show their veneration. |
Hussein Shrine Many people like to stay in the courtyards of a mosque: it's quiet, it's clean, nice atmosphere |
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 Comments for MProcher about Iraq | | | | |
kielorla Wed Jul 7, 2004 22:36 UTC
Very Nice page, Iraq has a very rich and interesting history but too bad all the wars have destory everything. Even when it become tourist friendly, all the historical sites had been destory. We can only rely on photos for its beauty. | LanaFromRiga Thu Mar 11, 2004 14:44 UTC
Interesting Tips and impressive pictures. Are ziccurats in Iraq now? Or we can see them only on history books? | beret Thu Jan 8, 2004 15:48 UTC
Nicely done. I cannot imagine anyone visiting this country on holiday anytime soon. Great photos and writing. Thank you. | manuelEB Sat Oct 4, 2003 09:27 UTC
Well done! For a moment I though all Iraq related pages here were propaganda by occupation forces. Yours deserve to be number one. |
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