Karbala (redirected from Kerbala)

Karbala (kär`bələ), 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, Kerbela

a town in central Iraq: the chief holy city of Iraq and centre of Shiah Muslim pilgrimage; burial place of Mohammed's grandson Husain. Pop.: 460 000 (2005 est.)

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Karbala 

a city in Iraq, in the Euphrates valley. Administrative center of Karbala muhafazah (province).

Population, 83,300 (1965). It is a major commercial and transportation center. Karbala’s cannery, which processes vegetables, fruits, and meat, was built with the help of the USSR. There is also textile industry and handicrafts industry.

Karbala arose in the seventh century on the site of a battle in 680 between the troops of Husein, son of Caliph Ali and grandson of Muhammad, and the troops of Caliph Yazid. According to legend, Karbala is the site of the tomb of Husein, who was killed in the battle. It is one of the cities considered holy by Shiite Muslims and is a pilgrimage center.