# Karbala

> city in Karbala Governorate, Iraq

**Wikidata**: [Q199909](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q199909)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karbala)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/karbala

## Summary
Karbala is a major city in Iraq, serving as the capital of Karbala Governorate. It is a significant religious and cultural center, particularly for Shia Muslims, and is known for its historical and spiritual importance.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Karbala is located in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, at coordinates 32.616666666667° N, 44.033333333333° E.
- **Population**: As of 2014, the city had a population of 690,100.
- **Elevation**: The city is situated at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level.
- **Aliases**: Karbala is also known by various names including Kerbela, Qerbalá, Qerbala, Kerbala, カルバラ, Карбала, Querbela, Carbala, Querbala, كربلا, كربلاء المقدسة, الطف, and الغاضرية.
- **Official Name**: The official name of the city is كربلاء.
- **Postal Code**: The postal code for Karbala is 56001.
- **UN/LOCODE**: The UN/LOCODE for Karbala is IQKAR.
- **Capital**: Karbala is the capital of Karbala Governorate.
- **Twin Cities**: Karbala is twinned with Qom and Shahr-e Kord.
- **Significance**: The city is a major religious site for Shia Muslims, particularly due to the Battle of Karbala and the shrine of Imam Hussein.

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Karbala?**
Karbala is a major religious site for Shia Muslims, known for the Battle of Karbala and the shrine of Imam Hussein. It is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual importance.

**What is the population of Karbala?**
As of 2014, the population of Karbala was 690,100.

**Where is Karbala located?**
Karbala is located in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, at coordinates 32.616666666667° N, 44.033333333333° E.

**What are some alternative names for Karbala?**
Karbala is also known as Kerbela, Qerbalá, Qerbala, Kerbala, カルバラ, Карбала, Querbela, Carbala, Querbala, كربلا, كربلاء المقدسة, الطف, and الغاضرية.

**What is the elevation of Karbala?**
Karbala is situated at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level.

**What is the postal code for Karbala?**
The postal code for Karbala is 56001.

**What is the UN/LOCODE for Karbala?**
The UN/LOCODE for Karbala is IQKAR.

**What cities are twinned with Karbala?**
Karbala is twinned with Qom and Shahr-e Kord.

## Why It Matters
Karbala holds immense religious and cultural significance, particularly for Shia Muslims. The city is a major pilgrimage site due to the Battle of Karbala and the shrine of Imam Hussein, playing a crucial role in Islamic history and spirituality. Its historical and spiritual importance makes it a key location in the Islamic world.

## Notable For
- **Religious Significance**: Karbala is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims.
- **Historical Importance**: The city is known for the Battle of Karbala and the shrine of Imam Hussein.
- **Cultural Center**: Karbala is a significant cultural center in Iraq.
- **Population**: As of 2014, the city had a population of 690,100.
- **Geographical Location**: Karbala is located in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, at coordinates 32.616666666667° N, 44.033333333333° E.
- **Elevation**: The city is situated at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level.
- **Twin Cities**: Karbala is twinned with Qom and Shahr-e Kord.

## Body
### Location and Geography
Karbala is located in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, at coordinates 32.616666666667° N, 44.033333333333° E. The city is situated at an elevation of 28 meters above sea level. It is the capital of Karbala Governorate and is known for its strategic and religious significance.

### Population and Demographics
As of 2014, the population of Karbala was 690,100. The city is a major urban center in Iraq, with a diverse population that includes a significant number of Shia Muslims.

### Religious and Cultural Significance
Karbala is a major religious site for Shia Muslims, known for the Battle of Karbala and the shrine of Imam Hussein. The city is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual importance, attracting millions of visitors each year. The shrine of Imam Hussein is a central landmark and a focal point for religious activities.

### Historical Context
The Battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 AD, is a pivotal event in Islamic history. The battle resulted in the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his companions. This event is commemorated annually by Shia Muslims during the month of Muharram.

### Twin Cities
Karbala is twinned with Qom and Shahr-e Kord, both of which are significant cities in Iran. These twinning agreements foster cultural and economic exchanges between the cities.

### Infrastructure and Services
Karbala has a well-developed infrastructure, including a postal code (56001) and a UN/LOCODE (IQKAR). The city is equipped with modern amenities and services to support its population and the influx of pilgrims.

### Alternative Names
Karbala is known by various names, including Kerbela, Qerbalá, Qerbala, Kerbala, カルバラ, Карбала, Querbela, Carbala, Querbala, كربلا, كربلاء المقدسة, الطف, and الغاضرية. These names reflect the city's diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.

### Notable Landmarks
The shrine of Imam Hussein is the most prominent landmark in Karbala. The city also features other significant religious and historical sites that attract visitors from around the world.

### Economic and Cultural Exchange
Karbala's twinning agreements with Qom and Shahr-e Kord facilitate economic and cultural exchanges. These partnerships enhance the city's global connections and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

### Conclusion
Karbala is a city of immense religious and cultural significance, particularly for Shia Muslims. Its historical importance, combined with its modern infrastructure and services, makes it a key location in Iraq and the Islamic world. The city's twinning agreements further enhance its global connections and promote cultural and economic exchanges.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q344188)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://www.citypopulation.de/Iraq.html)
6. GeoNames
7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/iq.htm)
8. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
9. KBpedia