Day 4
Karbala
Babylon is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, located in present-day Iraq. It flourished as the capital of the Babylonian Empire and reached its peak under King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. Babylon is renowned for its impressive walls, the Ishtar Gate, and the legendary Hanging Gardensโone of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was a center of Mesopotamian culture, politics, and learning, influencing civilizations for centuries.
Karbala is a holy city in central Iraq, deeply significant to Shia Muslims worldwide. It is the site of the 680 AD Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was martyred. The city is home to the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al-Abbas Shrine, attracting millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Karbalaโs heritage is a blend of religious devotion, historical resilience, and cultural richness.