Khadamiyah

Literally towering over this mainly Shia Muslim suburb of Baghdad is the Khadamiyah shrine dating from 1515. Worshippers touch the brass door knockers  as they enter through the gates into the court yard to perform their prayer rituals.   Men, women and children, dressed in their Friday best,  come for the midday prayer and a chat in the shade of the high walls surrounding the shrine. As the sermon ends, they filter out through the massive wooden gates onto the street, where they congregate around carts laden with soft drinks and snacks. Across the street, the souk is open for business awaiting afternoon shoppers, making Khadamiyah a vibrant Baghdad neighborhood.