Documenting the Endangered Historic Houses of Najaf

The project focuses on the historic houses of Najaf, a city in central Iraq shaped by Islamic learning and pilgrimage, with the aim to document and understand the rapidly disappearing traditional domestic architecture of its old town. The project examines how these houses -characterised by their intricate wooden shanasheel, lightweight upper storeys, and unique multi-chambered subterranean serdabs – reflect local adaptations to climate, as well as broader cultural, social, and economic transformations.

The project specifically investigates both the above-ground and subterranean architectural features of Najaf’s historic houses, their construction techniques, and their significance within the urban fabric, spanning centuries of development. While much has been written about Najaf’s religious and historical importance, the role of its domestic architecture in shaping urban life remains underexplored.

Documentation will help to raise awareness of Najaf’s disappearing heritage, may encourage action to preserve some structures, and will provide a permanent record of buildings which may soon be lost.

Status

Completed

Type

Recording & Documentation

Location

Najaf, Iraq

Funder

The British Institute for the Study of Iraq

Partner

University of Kufa

About the project

The project is funded through a British Academy Strategic Research Grant awarded to the British Institute for the Study of Iraq (BISI). The project is a partnership between BISI and the ArCHIAM Research Centre, in collaboration with our partners in Najaf.

The key thematic strands of investigation and associated questions of the project are:

Urban change and development: How rapid urban expansion and modern construction impact the survival of traditional domestic architecture in Najaf.
Climate and environment: How the architectural adaptations, including windcatchers and multi-chambered serdabs, respond to the extreme climate of central Iraq.
Architectural heritage and material culture: How the unique design elements of Najaf’s houses—both above and below ground—reflect a distinct architectural and cultural identity.
Preservation and documentation: How recording and studying these structures can support heritage awareness and potential conservation efforts.

The project outcomes include:

Extensive documentation of Najaf’s historic houses, preserving records for future study.
Drawings and architectural documentation, ensuring detailed technical records.
Photogrammetry and 3D modelling, providing an interactive visual record of the structures.
Exhibitions, bringing the findings to wider audiences and promoting heritage awareness.
Publications, disseminating research insights and analysis.