The splendid Iranian-built Sayyida Zeinab Mosque on the site of the burial place of Sayyida Zeinab, granddaughter of Mohammed, is about 10km south of the city centre, in a neighbourhood that is popular with Iranian pilgrims and is now home to most of the city's Iraqi refugees. Stylistically, the mosque is similar to that of Sayyida Ruqqaya in the Old City, with a glistening gold onion-shaped dome, intricately decorated blue tiles covering its façade and two freestanding minarets.
Women will have to don a cloak, available at the entrance, before entering, and men should wear trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. The main entrances to the sanctuary are on the northern and southern sides, and non-Muslims may stroll the courtyard that surrounds the central mausoleum as well as take a peek at the glittering interior, lined with mirrored tiles and dripping with chandeliers, although they can not actually enter the mausoleum. Their eyes brimming with tears, the Muslim faithful kiss and stroke the silver grate surrounding the tomb of Zeinab, a much-venerated descendant of the Prophet.
To get here, take a microbus for Karajat as-Sitt from Sharia Fahkri al-Baroudi in the city centre; at Karajat as-Sitt change to a different microbus for the mosque.
