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Najaf Ashraf: Restoration of historic porch of Alawi’s Holy Shrine to be completed by Eid Al-Ghadir

Najaf, Imam Ali holy shrine, Alawi holy shrine

SHAFAQNA- “We hope that the restoration project on the north side of the porch of Imam Ali’s (A.S) shrine will be completed by Eid Al-Ghadir,” the Deputy Minister of Industry and Art of the Atabat Reconstruction Headquarters said. 

The project of repairing and renovating the north and south minarets and the golden porch of the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A.S), located in Najaf, Iraq has been one of the projects of the Atabat Aaliyat Reconstruction Headquarters for the past few years. This renovation is being carried out by the Industrial and Artistic Deputy. The golden porch of the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) with its dome and garlands is considered as one of the unique masterpieces of architecture.

The construction of this porch began during the Afshari period and by the order of Nader Shah and was completed in 1777 AH. After that, up to the current period, different parts and annexes of porches, domes and spiers have been reconstructed 4 times. In the current period, from the beginning of June 2017, the initial negotiations were carried out with the trusteeship of the shrine and the Endowment Office, and the initial project plans were done by Iranian engineers.

In November 2017, the executive operation began, and since there were restrictions in the project operation, such as pilgrims’ traffic, the headquarters for the reconstruction of the holy sites (Atabat Aliyat) divided the project into three phases. The first phase includes the restoration of the south minaret and the south porch area, the second phase includes the restoration of the north minaret and the north porch area, and the third phase includes the the restoration of the middle area of ​​the porch of the holy shrine.

Mohammad Karimi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Arts of Atabat Reconstruction Headquarters, in an interview with Mehr News Agency, regarding the reconstruction, repair and development of projects on the north side of the Imam Ali (A.S) shrine, said: “Reconstruction and restoration of the gilded bricks of Najaf porch was divided into three phases. The southern part was opened and ready for operations during the Eid Ghadir last year.”

He continued: “All the tiles and other parts of the southern part of the porch of Najaf were dismantled, repaired and re-gilded. Afterwards, they were reassembled and replaced in the same old style and manner while preserving the past works. In the northern part of the Najaf porch, after retrofitting and strengthening the tiles, they were reinstalled again.”

Referring to the operations in the northern phase of the project, Karimi said: “The northern part of the Najaf porch, according to forecasts, was to be put into operation on Eid Ghadir this year. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the project was stopped and was delayed for nearly seven months. Given the newly opened ways for our presence and stay in Atabat holy sites, we hope that these executive operations will be completed soon.”

The Deputy Minister of Industry and Art of the Atabat Aaliyat Reconstruction Headquarters continued: “In the northern minaret of the dome of Amiral-Mu’minin (A.S), its brickwork parts have been repaired and its gilding has been done and installed. Currently, the chamber and Minaret of this dome are being strengthened and if there is no obstacle for our activities, we hope to complete the minarets in 2021 by continuing our activities.”

He added: “The parts and tiles of these minarets and chambers have already been gilded and only the execution part of the installation remains. Whenever the northern phase is completed, the third phase, which includes the restoration of the middle perimeters of the shrine, will be on the agenda.”

In response to the question when we can see the shrine and dome of the Amir al-Mu’minin (A.S) without scaffolding, Karimi said: “As planned, we have not yet reached the normal routine and a definite date cannot be predicted, but under normal circumstances it will take another year to complete the north side of the shrine. We hope that the project on the north side of the shrine will be completed by Eid Ghadir.”

Persian version

Read more from Shafaqna:

Najaf Ashraf: Inaugurating Hussainiyah of the Great Prophet (PBUH) near Imam Ali’s (A.S) shrine

Najaf Ashraf: Corona restrictions in Imam Ali’s (A.S) holy shrine

Vatican delegation visits Imam Ali’s (A.S) holy shrine

Karbala: 70 percent progress in construction of Tal Al-Zainabeiah+Video

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