Najaf – Portrait of a Holy City

This unique collection of scholarly essays examines the historical and social development of one of Iraq's most important cities, a center of religious learning and devotion for the Shi'i community for centuries. Leading Iraqi and international scholars illuminate Najaf's global spiritual and educational prominence and its modern role as a hub of economic and political activity.

The fifteen essays in this volume cover topics such as Najaf's architecture and urban design, as well as the preservation of its built environment; the impact of social movements and revolutions on the city; pilgrimage and religious authority in Najaf; and the city's libraries and intellectual development.

Bringing together a diverse range of scholars--each drawing from different historiographical and epistemological traditions--this book fills a serious knowledge gap about this important spiritual site for Shi'is.