TEHRAN – The restored and renovated Golden Iwan of Imam Ali (AS) Shrine in Najaf, Iraq, was unveiled on Friday in a grand ceremony at the holy shrine of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS).

According to Haidar Rahim, head of the Media Department of the Holy Alawi Shrine, the restoration and reconstruction of the Iwan of Najaf required a long period of time and an exceptionally high level of precision due to its technical complexity, particularly in the areas of gold plating, enamel work, and structural renewal.

“This project was launched under the direct supervision of the Holy Alawi Shrine and was carried out with the benefit of the perspectives and expertise of international specialists,” he added.

Regarding the source of the gold used in the Iwan, he clarified: “No public donations or foreign assistance were used in this project. The gold utilized is the same rare gold that had previously been removed from the Iwan due to wear and damage, transferred to the treasury of the Shrine, then melted down, restored, and reused to replace the damaged sections.”

“All costs and materials, including the gold, were fully provided from the Shrine’s own reserves and treasuries. This project was completed without imposing any financial burden on pilgrims or devotees of Ahl al-Bayt,” Rahim noted.

“The unveiling of the Iwan of Najaf marks not only the completion of a major architectural project, but also the emergence of a renewed manifestation of the grandeur and magnificence of the Holy Alawi Shrine,” he underlined.

The Holy Alawi Shrine typically refers to the sacred complex in Najaf, housing the tomb of Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of Shia Muslims. It is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, hosting massive events and religious activities.

The Golden Iwan of the Imam Ali (AS) Shrine in Najaf is a magnificent architectural feature adorned with gold, featuring two tall golden minarets, intricate tilework, and inscriptions praising Imam Ali (AS), serving as a significant spiritual landmark and a focal point for pilgrims.

Originally built in the 7th century, the shrine has been expanded, restored, and adorned over centuries by various Muslim dynasties. Today, it stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, renowned for its golden dome, ornate iwans, intricate tilework, and exquisite calligraphy. The shrine’s iconic Golden Iwan, facing the main courtyard, is a symbol of both spiritual radiance and artistic excellence.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Imam Ali (AS) Shrine holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. For millions of pilgrims who visit Najaf each year, the shrine is a place of prayer, reflection, and seeking justice and wisdom, values deeply associated with Imam Ali’s life and teachings. The city of Najaf itself has grown around the shrine, becoming a major center of Islamic learning and home to one of the world’s most important Shi‘a seminaries.

The shrine is also a living institution, carefully maintained and continuously restored by the Holy Alawi Shrine administration, which oversees preservation projects aimed at safeguarding its historical and spiritual legacy. These efforts ensure that the shrine remains not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of Islamic heritage and unity across generations.

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