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'No pilgrims': Iraq's holy cities fall silent

Najaf's Imam Ali shrine sits quiet as pilgrims who once filled its courtyards stay away amid the Middle East war.

Published May 3, 2026, 9:40 PM EDT | WFMZZ

In Najaf, the majestic Imam Ali shrine stands quiet, its vast courtyards emptied of the usual flow of visitors. The multilingual whispers of pilgrims that echoed before the Middle East war have largely disappeared as the conflict keeps worshippers away.