The History of the Shiite Pilgrimage
In Depth
A five-part series examines the split between Shia and Sunnis, from its origins shortly after the death of Muhammed in the seventh century to the modern-day upheaval in Iraq. Explore the series.
A Shiite pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala is now taking place in Iraq. This weekend, ceremonies commemorating the death of Imam Hussein — a revered Shiite martyr and a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad— will take place.
Michele Norris talks with David Patel, Cornell University professor and fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, about the significance of the pilgrimage and the violence that has surrounded it this year.
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