Pilgrims Journey to Karbala Along Historic “Scholars’ Road” During Arbaeen

Pilgrims Journey to Karbala Along Historic “Scholars’ Road” During Arbaeen
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Hunderds of thousands of Arbaeen pilgrims continue their march on foot toward Karbala via the historic “Scholars’ Road,” a route that links the city of Kufa in Najaf to the holy city of Karbala. The path, which winds through palm groves along the banks of the Euphrates River, holds deep historical and emotional significance, particularly for elderly pilgrims.

The route earned its name during the Ba’ath regime, when religious scholars and pilgrims used it to reach Karbala discreetly, avoiding government surveillance that sought to suppress the Arbaeen pilgrimage and other Shia rituals. In those years, the road was narrow, and travelers often concealed themselves among the palm trees to complete the journey.

Today, the “Scholars’ Road” has been developed and paved, accommodating the millions of pilgrims who travel from Iraq and abroad each year for the Arbaeen commemoration. Service tents and Hussaini processions now line the route, offering food, water, and rest facilities to participants in the mass pilgrimage.

Many older pilgrims, including seminary teachers, say walking this route brings back vivid memories of their past journeys under challenging circumstances, turning their annual trek into both a spiritual devotion and a tribute to resilience.