Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab, Damascus

The Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab is a beautiful Iranian-style mosque and shrine in southern Damascus, Syria. It attracts Shia Muslim pilgrims from Iran and around the world who care far less about its blue-tiled architecture than about its sacred shrine of Sayidda Zeinab, daughter of the Shia martyr Ali and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Many tourists to Damascus miss the Sayyida Zeinab Shrine, but it is well worth a visit as it is a beautiful building and the best insight into the emotion of Shia Islam outside of Karbala and Najaf in Iraq. It is a simple taxi ride away and non-Muslim visitors are welcome, especially in the outer courtyard.

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History of Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab

The Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab is believed to house the remains of Lady Zeinab, the daughter of Imam Ali (the fourth Caliph). She was taken captive by the army of Yazid after the massacre of her brothers Hussein and Hassan at Karbala and Najaf. For Shia Muslims, this moment, when the family of Ali was betrayed, is the defining and most tragic moment of their history. Thus the atmosphere at Sayyida Zeinab is not one of quiet veneration, but one of passionate mourning with wailing, singing, crying, and chest beating.

The mosque dates from the 1990s, but was built on a pre-existing shrine.

What to See at Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab

See our Sayidda Zeinab Shrine Photo Gallery for a virtual tour of the outer areas of the shrine.

The mosque is a bit difficult to find, as it is hidden behind layers of shops, markets and hotels geared towards Iranian pilgrims. Look for one of the towering blue minarets; or better yet, just follow the flood of black-robed pilgrims flowing towards the entrance.

The mosque consists of a large courtyard with the shrine in the middle. Architecturally, it has all the typical traits of an Iranian mosque: ornate decoration featuring blue tile, gold, and mirrors. The mausoleum is topped with a glistening golden dome.

The courtyardof the mosque is filled with men and women marching in circles, chanting in Farsi or Arabic, and beating their chests. Often someone will be videotaping, and there will be one man leading the chant. As they chant and beat their chests, tears stream down their cheeks as the pilgrims feel the painful tragedy that Zeinab endured, losing her brothers and being taken captive. It is as if they are attending the funeral of their own daughter, and that is exactly the way the Shia see it.

The mausoleum itself is divided into a section for men and one for women, and shoes are left at the door. The space is relatively small and always crowded. Only a thin wooden fence that divides the two sections, and the wailing and sobs pour over the fence from one side to another. The lamentation is not just on the women's side: men young and old sit around in circles beating their chests, crying and chanting. Some of the men throw themselves against the tomb, clinging on to the bars that surround it, showering it with kisses. Others kneel and pray, their heads pressed against a piece of rock taken from the ground at Karbala.

There is also a Sayyida Zeinab shrine in Cairo, Egypt.

Quick Facts on Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab

Site Information
Names:Mausoleum of Lady Zaynab · Sayyidah Zaynab · Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque · Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab
Country:Syria
Categories:shrines; mosques; pilgrimage destinations
Faiths:Shi'a
Dates:1990
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:36.340901° N, 33.444627° E
Address:Damascus, Syria
Lodging:View hotels near Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. "The Shia Shrine of Sayyida Zeinab" - travel journal by HobWahid at iExplore
  2. "The Shrine of Sayeda Zeinab" - Syria Ministry of Tourism

More Information

© Martin Gray

Map of Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab, Damascus

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