City Guide: Najaf

Najaf, which was chosen by the members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference as the 2012 Capital of Islamic Culture, is located 160 km south of Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. Most of the city's population is made up of followers of Shia Islam. The grave of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and both the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is believed to be located in Najaf. Because of that belief, the city is an important place of interest from a religious perspective.
The city was founded by Calip Harun al-Rashid in 791 AD on the location where the grave of Ali Ibn Abi Talib was believed to be located. Over a thousand years, the two main activities in the city have been religion and commerce. The commerce brought by those who came to visit holy sites have given life to Najaf.

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• Tourist Attractions

  The saying “oasis in the middle of the desert” is quite fitting for Najaf. Najaf, on the banks of the Euphrates River, is located on a high hill. In the Wadi-us-Salaam region, located in the northeastern part of the city, there is a public cemetery. Tombstones that are shaped like miniature mosques or -more unique- little prayer rooms; are quite interesting. In addition to the lack of pictures of those who are buried there, the pink and green colors around are very interesting. This area, used as a burial site for more than seven centuries, is believed to have over 5 million graves in it.
  
  Just west of the cemetery and almost at the center of the old town, there is a shrine -Imam Ali Holy Shrine- which can be seen from anywhere in the city no matter how far. It is at the top of the list of places to see. Dating back to 977 AD, the shrine was built for Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was assassinated by the Kharijites. It was expanded and rebuilt by the Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah. The shrine took its current form after the completion of the renovations and additions made by Shah Ismail, the founder of the Safavid Empire.
  
  Bahr An Najaf, Sea of An Najaf in English, is an interesting depression. If there is any water left in the area, it flows in there. The section from the north part of Najaf until the southeast part of Al Hira city is known as Sea of An Najaf or Baniqya.
  
  Many buildings, which were bombed during the war are being renovated, including the administrative building of the city.
  

• Culture & Entertainment

  Different views were expressed concerning Ali Ibn Abi Talib's burial site, as it was kept a secret during Umayyad Caliphate. While some historians argue that Ali Ibn Abi Talib's grave is not in Najaf, others argue that the grave that is in Imam Ali Holy Shrine in Najaf, belongs to prophets Adam or Noah. Despite all that, for more than 200 million Shi'ites, Najaf is among the holiest of places. With its golden dome, twin minarets, and the desings in colors blue, green, and gold; it is a magnificent and must-see architectural monument.
  
  Najaf, while under Ottoman rule, became a center for Shi'ite belief and Islamic teachings; so much that the city is known as the City of Knowledge due to the higher education opportunities it presents, especially in religion.
  
  The Great Mosque of Kufa, where the fourth caliph of Islam  Ali ibn abi Talib was murdered while in Sujood, is located 10 km northeast of Najaf. The construction of the monument, which is one of the oldest mosques of Islam, dates back as far as the 7th century. It was adorned with gold, silver, emerald, and many more precious stones. The Great Mosque of Kufa with five gates and four minarets has survived to our day as a mesmerizing monument of cultural heritage. Today, it is located on an approximately 11 km square area which is busy and crowded by visitors almost all year round.
  
  The area where Hussein ibn Ali -the grandson Islamic prophet Muhammad, and the son of caliph Ali ibn abi Talib- was murdered along with his family and the Battle of Karbala took place can be seen just north of Najaf. For Shi'ite Muslims, the city of Karbala is as much of a holy place as Mecca, 

• Food & Drink

  Many Anatolian dishes are also in the cuisine of Najaf. Cooking traditions, dating back to Mesopotamian civilizations still prevail. Red meat and chicken are among foods widely consumed. Spicy kabobs, rice -pilaf-, barbecued vegetables, yoghurt and sweet tea are at the top of the list of local tastes.
  

• Shopping

  “Soug Elçibeer” is the largest shopping area in Najaf. Approximately 100 thousand people visit close to 200 stores daily. Jewelry, copper, spices, perfumes, carpets, and many more authentic products are among items sold there.
  On the parts of the city's organized streets from Imam Ali Holy Shrine to the east, a big bazaar is set up.
  

Ticket Sales Offices: Najaf

• Najaf: Airport Map Information

  Al Najaf Airport

  Address	:	Al Najaf International Airport Najaf Province, Republic of Iraq
  Phone	:	+964 (0)33 334935

• Najaf: Airport Map Information