Al-Muḥammara

Mohammerah stands where the Karun reaches the Shatt al-Arab, a waterway leading past Basra to the Persian Gulf. An artificial channel connected the Karun to the great river and gave the town access to the interior of Khuzestan. In 1812 a sheikh of the Muhaisin rebuilt the settlement; rivalry with the Kaab chiefs at Fallahiya followed. Shortly after 1832 the Kaab leader declared Mohammerah a free port.