A dialogue session entitled (The Cultural and Social Heritage of the Holy City of Najaf in the Holy Month of Ramadan)
On March 26, 2025, the office of the Iraqi Alamal Association in Najaf held a dialogue session entitled (The Cultural and Social Heritage of the Holy City of Najaf during the Holy Month of Ramadan). This session stems from the importance of the active role of civil society in promoting the culture of the social and cultural heritage of the Holy City of Najaf. Therefore, we took the initiative to hold this session with the attendance of guests Dr. Aqeel Al-Khaqani and Dr. Farah Al-Fadhli, facilitated by Mr. Jamal Al-Jawahiri, and attended by 76 diverse figures (Provincial Council, government institutions, academics, media professionals, activists, organizations and public figures) in the hall of the office of the Iraqi Alamal Association in Najaf. It lasted for 2 hours (9-11 pm). It discussed the most prominent customs and traditions that distinguish the city during the Holy Month of Ramadan. In this session, Mr. Jamal Al-Jawahiri spoke about the role of councils held in traditional Najaf homes in transmitting and promoting social culture. He focused on how these councils influence the consolidation of cultural identity in Najaf society and increasing cultural awareness among its members. Al-Jawahiri explained that councils were among the most important means of preserving social culture in Najaf, serving as a social and cultural center where people gathered to discuss religious and cultural issues, contributing to the creation of a connected society throughout history. He also highlighted the role of poets in these councils, and how they provided people with the opportunity to listen to accomplished poets and engage with literary culture through poetry and poets.
Al-Jawahiri pointed out that although the city of Najaf is known for its religious pride, Najaf society was and remains keen to preserve and develop its social culture. In addition to religious lessons, Najaf society placed a particular emphasis on cultural councils that fostered social awareness, making the city unique in its integrated religious and cultural aspects.
Najaf, as a cradle of knowledge and religion, was also the birthplace of a large number of distinguished poets and writers who left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural scene. Among the most prominent of these writers and poets were the poet Marouf al-Rusafi, who played a major role in modern Arabic poetry, and the scholar Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, who had a profound influence on Sheia and Arab thought. The poet Abdul Mohsen al-Kadhimi and the scholar mister Muhammad Hussein Fadl-allah were also cultural icons in Najaf who contributed to building and consolidating literary and religious culture.
Dr. Farah al-Fadhli spoke about the importance of women’s councils during Ramadan, as women organized intensive religious and cultural gatherings during important religious occasions such as the birth of Imam Hassan (peace be upon him), the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and the Nights of Destiny. These women’s councils formed an essential part of Ramadan culture in Najaf and contributed to spreading Najaf’s heritage in terms of customs and traditions, including food and clothing.
Dr. Aqil al-Khaqani also spoke about the importance of Najaf councils during Ramadan, particularly in terms of how these councils impact the local community by promoting the values of cooperation and mutual respect among individuals. He also highlighted some of the distinctive customs of Ramadan in Najaf, such as the preparation of special dishes that carry the traditional Najaf flavor, such as fesenjoon and qeema. These dishes are a staple on any Ramadan table, reflecting the authenticity and rich heritage of the city.
session distinguished in attendance by those interested in cultural and social heritage, and many participants commented the importance of paying attention to Najaf’s political, cultural, and social history. Attendees also recommended the need to enhance this interest through cultural and religious councils and schools that contribute to transmitting this heritage to future generations.
At the end of the session, participants agreed that councils in Najaf represent a cultural and religious meeting point, as they are not limited to one aspect of community life, but rather combine religion, culture, and customs, contributing to strengthening the city’s cultural and social identity. It was also emphasized that Najaf is a culturally diverse city, blending Arab-Islamic heritage with modernity, making it a distinguished artistic and literary center in the Arab world.
