Iraq's Shiite holy shrines: the spiritual centers that also shape the country's security landscape


SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region of Iraq —By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis

Beyond their religious significance, Iraq's five major Shiite shrines operate under distinct security arrangements involving state forces, shrine-affiliated units, and local protection structures.

 Iraq's five major Shiite holy shrines are not only centers of pilgrimage but also key elements of the country's unique security architecture.

Iraq's Shiite holy shrines—known as Atabat—are among the most important religious sites in the Islamic world, attracting millions of pilgrims each year from Iraq and abroad.

While these sacred sites are best known for their spiritual significance, they also occupy a unique place within Iraq's security architecture, with different shrines protected by a combination of state institutions, shrine-affiliated formations, and local security departments.

The Five Major Shiite Shrines in Iraq

Iraq is home to five principal Shiite shrines, each associated with revered figures in Shiite Islam.

Ataba Alawiya – Najaf

The shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, regarded by Shiite Muslims as the first Imam, is located in Najaf and is one of the holiest sites in Islam.

Ataba Hussainiya – Karbala

This shrine houses the tomb of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, whose death at the Battle of Karbala remains one of the defining events in Shiite history.

Ataba Abbasiya – Karbala

Located near the shrine of Imam Hussein, this shrine contains the tomb of Abbas ibn Ali, celebrated for his loyalty and sacrifice during the Battle of Karbala.

Ataba Kazimiya – Baghdad

Situated in Baghdad's Kadhimiya district, the shrine contains the graves of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.

Ataba Askariya – Samarra

The shrine in Samarra is the burial place of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hassan al-Askari, making it one of Shiite Islam's most significant pilgrimage destinations.

Different Shrines, Different Security Models

Although all five shrines are major religious landmarks, their security arrangements differ considerably.

Some rely partly on shrine-affiliated formations that operate within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) framework, while others are protected primarily by official state institutions.

Shrines With Affiliated PMF Units

Several of Iraq's major shrines maintain security formations commonly referred to as Hashd al-Atabat.

Among them are:

  • Imam Ali Combat Division, associated with the Najaf shrine.
  • Ali al-Akbar Brigade, affiliated with the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala.
  • Al-Abbas Combat Division, linked to the Al-Abbas Shrine.

These units were established during the campaign against ISIS and are generally viewed as shrine-affiliated formations within the broader PMF structure.

Kadhimiya: Security Led by State Institutions

The Kadhimiya Shrine follows a different model.

Protection of the shrine and surrounding district is primarily the responsibility of Iraq's Federal Police and other official security agencies.

The shrine administration also maintains an internal security department responsible for visitor management, access control, and site security.

Samarra: A Multi-Layered Security Structure

Security around the Askariya Shrine in Samarra is divided among several actors.

According to publicly reported arrangements:

  • Saraya al-Salam, affiliated with the Sadrist Movement, has played a major role in protecting the shrine since the ISIS offensive in 2014.
  • The Samarra Operations Command, including Iraqi Army and Federal Police units, oversees broader security across the city and surrounding areas.
  • The shrine's own internal security department manages pilgrim movement and access inside the sanctuary.

More Than Religious Landmarks

The Atabat are more than places of worship.

They are major religious institutions, centers of learning, charitable organizations, and economic hubs that receive millions of visitors annually.

Their protection reflects Iraq's broader security landscape, where official state forces, shrine-affiliated organizations, and local security structures often work alongside one another to safeguard some of the country's most important religious sites.

As Iraq continues to balance religious authority, state institutions, and evolving security challenges, the Atabat remain central not only to the country's spiritual identity but also to its complex security environment.

#Iraq #Najaf #Karbala #Samarra #Religion #Security #MiddleEast #KurdishPolicyAnalysis

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