KARBALA'

also spelled Kerbela city, central Iraq. The city is Iraq's foremost holy city and lies 55 miles (88 km) southwest of Baghdad, with which it is connected by rail. The city's religious importance derives from the Battle of Karbala' (AD 680) between the Sunnite and Shi'ite sects of Islam. Husayn ibn 'Ali, the Shi'ite leader and grandson of Muhammad, was killed, and his tomb remains one of the greatest Shi'ite shrines and pilgrimage centres. It was destroyed in 1801 but was soon rebuilt. Shi'ite Muslims consider burial in Karbala' a sure means of reaching paradise; the city therefore has extensive cemeteries. The city is also a departure point for pilgrimages to Mecca. Karbala' still functions as a trade centre. The city's older section is enclosed by a wall, with the newer buildings to the south. Karbala' has often been a centre of discontent with the country's rulers, both foreign and native. About half of the city's population is of Iranian descent. West of Karbala', out in the desert, are the ruins of the castle al-Ukhaidir. There is controversy about its date and purpose, but this fortified palace was probably built in the late 8th century. It is Sasanian in style. Pop. (1985 est.) city, 184,574.