Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Hadi Mizban and Anmar Khalil

Pilgrims converge on Iraq's city of Karbala for the annual Arbaeen religious gathering, in photos

The top photos of the day by AP photojournalists - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims are making their way to the Iraqi holy city of Karbala ahead of Arbaeen, one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Many walk for days while others travel from neighboring countries, including Iran, crossing border checkpoints before continuing toward the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala. Along the routes, volunteers provide food, water and shelter to those undertaking the pilgrimage.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.