Indonesian Version

Iraq / Najaf / Attractions / Ali's Tomb

Historians say the tomb of Ali at Najaf was very likely built by Azoud ad Dowleh in 977; that it was burnt later and rebuilt by the Seljuk Malik Shah in 1086; and rebuilt yet again by Ismail Shah, the Safawid, in about 1500. No doubt numerous other hands have tinkered with it since. The tomb has the same style as those of Kerbela, Samarra and Kadhimain. It is a rectangular enclosure surrounding a two-storied sanctuary, containing the tomb, with a great dome over it. Infidels are not admitted.

The facade of Ali's tomb, seen from the main or northern gateway, is richly beautiful- the gold tiles have darkened handsomely with age. And through the doorway to the tomb itself you can see the glistening stalactite effect of mirrors and the harsh neon lights that are features of all the major shrines of Iraq. Pink, blue and yellow patterns of birds and flowers bedeck the archways into the courtyard which will soon be floored with marble brought from northern Iraq. Heavy wooden and gold doors lead in from the street opposite the covered suq, where you can buy 'worry-beads' (sibhas), finely worked gold ornaments, or ankle-length cloaks for winter or summer, some hemmed with gold braid.

back to content page