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Around 160 kilometers South of Baghdad is the holy city of Al-Najaf.
The Shrine of Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib is the focus of Al-Najaf. The
splendid golden domed structure used to house great quantities of
priceless objects, gifts of potentates and sultans.
The Wadi Al-Salam Cemetry is the worlds biggest, muslims from all
over the world consider it a great privallage to be burried in this holy
city.
Al-Najaf, not unlike other cities in the region, has suffered throughout
the ages at the hands of rival armies. The latest pillage came after the
1991 Intifadha (uprising), when Saddam Hussien's troops burned,
destroyed and systamatically looted Al-Najaf's traesures.
Prior to that disaster Al-Najaf was home to some of the best private
collections of literature (especially Islamic). It also had a great
Hawza (religious university) and was at the forefront of Modern
Iraqi literary renaissance.
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The Shrine of Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib, left, in Al-Najaf is
a glorious structure complete with magnifacent golden dome
and minarets. It contains the tomb of the Imam, who was
burried in Al-Najaf after his martyrdom during prayers in
Al-Kufa's mosque.
Imam Ali is both cousin and son in law to the Prophet Mohammed. During
his reign as Caliph he moved the capital from Al-Madina to Al-Kufa, which
was the first purpose built city of the Islamic age.
The Shrine contains the Iwan, left, or courtyard characteristic of Islamic
architecture. On its perimeter lie many rooms used for various purposes :
teaching, prayers, accomadation, storage etc..
The black and white photo shows the preparation of Hareesa, a popular
dish especially during Ashura.
Food is prepared in large quantities and handed out to members of the
publicand passers by. The picture itself dates to the 1950/60s.
