Najaf: The Sacred Jewel of Iraq

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeمع السلامة
  [ma'a al-salama]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكراً
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذراً
  [aatharann]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaifa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an ara alqaima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل لحم
  [ana la akl lahman]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajda!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insraf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atasil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatl]
• How much is it?كم الثمن؟
  [kam althaman?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جداً
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsaeer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsa'at alwahida]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsa'at al'ashira walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [aldhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدًا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tureeni (ala alkhareeta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilat alqadima?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tazkirat (ila ...)]

Najaf was founded in the 8th century AD by the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid. It quickly became a significant city due to its proximity to the resting place of Imam Ali, a central figure in Shia Islam.

The Imam Ali Shrine is the most important religious site in Najaf. It is believed to be the burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam and the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam. The shrine has been a pilgrimage destination for millions of Shia Muslims throughout history.

Najaf has long been a center of Shia Islamic scholarship. The Hawza, an Islamic seminary system, has educated many of the leading Shia clerics and scholars. This tradition of learning has been maintained for over a thousand years, making Najaf a crucial center for religious education.

During the Safavid Empire (1501-1736), Najaf gained prominence as a key city in the Shia world. The Safavids, who promoted Shia Islam as the state religion, invested heavily in Najaf's religious institutions and infrastructure, further solidifying its importance.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Najaf has played a significant role in Iraqi politics. It was a focal point during the 1920 Iraqi revolt against British rule and later during the 1991 Shia uprising against Saddam Hussein's regime. The city continues to be a bastion of Shia political and religious activity.

During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Najaf was a strategic city due to its religious significance and its location near the Iran-Iraq border. The city suffered from military operations and political repression, but it remained a symbol of resilience for its inhabitants.

After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Najaf became a central location for the new political dynamics in the country. The city saw conflict between coalition forces and Shia militias, particularly the Mahdi Army. Despite these challenges, Najaf has been a site of reconstruction and political discourse in the new Iraq.

Najaf is served by the Al Najaf International Airport (NJF), located about 10 kilometers from the city center. It has direct flights to and from major cities in the Middle East, including Dubai, Istanbul, and Tehran, as well as some European destinations. From Baghdad, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi. The bus journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic and security checkpoints.

Najaf has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get around the city. Ensure you negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter. Public minibuses (known as 'coasters') are available for local travel, though they can be crowded. Car rentals are also an option but driving can be challenging due to local traffic conditions. Walking is feasible for short distances, especially in the city center.

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but cash is typically preferred. ATMs are available, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when visiting smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Currency exchange is available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices in the city.

Najaf is considered relatively safe for tourists, especially in the areas surrounding the Imam Ali Shrine and the old city. However, it is important to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night and steer clear of areas with low visibility. Crime targeting tourists is rare but can occur; remain vigilant and keep personal belongings secure. Check for any travel advisories before your visit.

In case of an emergency, dial 104 for police, 115 for ambulance, and 113 for fire services. The main hospital in Najaf is the Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, which provides emergency medical services. It is advisable to carry a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their heads with a scarf, especially when visiting religious sites. Men should avoid wearing shorts. Religion: Do respect religious customs. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and shrines. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'As-Salamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you) and respond with 'Wa Alaikum As-Salam' (And peace be upon you). A handshake is common among men but less so between men and women. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Najaf like a local, visit the bustling souks in the old city where you can buy traditional Iraqi goods, from spices to handmade crafts. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share stories about their city and its rich history. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Imam Ali Shrine, a focal point of the city. Another highlight is the Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery, the largest in the world, offering a unique historical perspective.