Najaf
Sign in to saveNajaf is the capital city of the eponymous Najaf Governorate in central Iraq, about 160 km (99 mi) south of Baghdad. Its estimated population in 2024 was about 1.41 million people. It is widely considered amongst the holiest cities of Shia Islam and one of its spiritual capitals, as well as the center of Shia political power in Iraq.
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Najaf is a city in central Iraq, located about 160 kilometers south of Baghdad, with a population of roughly 1.41 million people as of 2024. It holds major religious and political importance as one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam and serves as a center of Shia spiritual authority and political influence in Iraq.
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Place details
- Region
- محافظة النجف
- Country
- العراق
- Population
- 482,576
- Timezone
- Asia/Baghdad
via · GeoNames
Article
23 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- History
- Prehistoric and ancient times
- Medieval and modern history
- Modern period
- Geography
- Climate
- Religious significance
- Economy
- Culture
- Religious tourism
- Sports
- Education
- Universities
- Najaf Seminary
- Infrastructure
- International relations
- Sister cities
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Najaf is the capital city of the eponymous Najaf Governorate in central Iraq, about 160 km (99 mi) south of Baghdad. Its estimated population in 2024 was about 1.41 million people. It is widely considered amongst the holiest cities of Shia Islam and one of its spiritual capitals, as well as the center of Shia political power in Iraq.
It is the burial place of Muhammad's son in law and cousin, ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib, and thus a major pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims. The largest cemetery in the world (Wadi-us-Salaam) and the oldest Shi'a Islamic seminary in the world (Hawza of Najaf) are located in Najaf.