Introduction about Al Hilla in Iraq Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Introduction about Al Hilla in Iraq - Assignment Example During Muslim rule, it was a major centre of education and Islamic scholarship. Among its renowned scholars were the historian and astrologer Muhammad ibn Tawus al-Alawi al-Hasam (Singh, 2004: 425), and the Shia legalist recognised as the Imam of his time, Ahmad ibn al Mutawwaj (Cole, 2002: 34). The city is now predominantly occupied by Shias. All Hilla was also visited by the famous Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta in the 14th century on his way to Baghdad (Dunn, 1986: 97). At the time of the Usmanian (Ottoman) Empire, Al Hilla was a major administrative centre and it remained so during the period of the British Empire. In 1920, heavy fighting took place in the city during an uprising against the British, and in 2003, the city again witnessed heavy fighting against the US Army during the rule of Saddam Hussein. Over the past decade, Al Hilla has been the scene of several bomb attacks due to the American occupation of Iraq, but the situation is relatively peaceful once