Shrine of Maruf Karkhi

Baghdad, Iraq

---

The Maruf Karkhi in Baghdad, Iraq, is the burial place of Ma'ruf al-Karkhi, a highly respected early Sufi saint who lived during the 8th and early 9th centuries.

He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of Islamic mysticism and was the teacher of several important Sufi scholars, including Sari al-Saqati. The shrine is located in the historic Karkh district within the Sheikh Ma'ruf Cemetery. A mosque was built around his grave in the early 13th century and was renovated several times over the centuries.

In 2001, the complex was extensively rebuilt and expanded, becoming a prominent religious and pilgrimage site. Today, the shrine attracts worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors from across Iraq and beyond who come to honor Ma'ruf al-Karkhi's spiritual legacy. It remains an important symbol of Baghdad’s rich Sufi heritage and long tradition of Islamic scholarship.