Tabbaa, Yasser & Mervin, Sabrina, Najaf, The Gate of Wisdom. History, Heritage and Significance of the Holy City of the Shi’a, photographies Erick Bonnier, Paris, Unesco Publishing, World heritage Series, 2014, 200p.

Najaf: The Gate of Wisdom is an introduction to one of the world’s most sacred cities, illustrated with over 120 specially commissioned photographs and written by authors with first-hand experience of the city. The resting place of Imam ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib – considered by Shi’i Islam the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad – Najaf is endowed with a unique spiritual significance for millions of Muslims.

This book traces the city’s history to the present day by surveying its urban form and major religious monuments, and offering vivid portraits of its people. It also provides insight into Shi’i rituals from pilgrimages to passion plays and funerals in the cemetery of Wadi al-Salam, and explains Najaf’s role as a centre of learning and religious authority.

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