Represented by the Alawi Assembly for Islamic Research and Studies, the Imam Ali Holy Shrine brought to a close the proceedings of the Second International “Heritage” Conference, which was held over two consecutive days on 22–23 January 2026. The conference brought together researchers from nine Arab and international countries and featured the presentation of more than 90 scholarly studies.
Honoring Authors, Editors, and Researchers
In a statement to the News Center, Shaikh Salam Al-Nasiri, Head of the Alawi Assembly for Islamic Research and Studies, said:
“In today’s closing session of the conference, we honored the authors whose works were unveiled, as well as the scholars who contributed to the critical editing of heritage manuscripts, in addition to the researchers and guests who participated in the conference.”
Research and Critical Editing of Manuscripts Documenting Najaf’s Heritage
He added:
“The Second International “Heritage” Conference is considered one of the significant academic gatherings that shed light on Najafi written heritage preserved in the libraries of Najaf and other collections. The conference aimed to introduce rare manuscripts and the hidden treasures contained within them, and to familiarize scholars and those interested in heritage studies with their importance. It also emphasized the necessity of conducting scholarly research and critical editing of this civilizational, intellectual, and scientific heritage preserved in Najafi and non-Najafi collections that document the legacy of Najaf.”
Attracting Specialized Researchers in Najafi Manuscript Heritage
For his part, the Head of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, Professor Dr. Hadi Al-Tamimi, stated to the Shrine’s News Center:
“With the support of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine and the continuous efforts of the Alawi Assembly for Islamic Research and Studies, the Scientific Committee worked for a full year to attract authors specializing in Najafi manuscript heritage and manuscript collections, whether in Najaf al-Ashraf or in libraries around the world that preserve Najafi written heritage. As a result, more than 90 research papers were received, of which 58 were accepted and presented at the conference. The Scientific Committee intends to publish the accepted studies in a special volume dedicated to this conference.”
Honoring the Participants
It is noteworthy that during the closing session, researchers and contributors to the organization of the Second International “Heritage” Conference were honored with certificates of appreciation. The conference comprised six main thematic axes, presented through morning and evening sessions, in addition to introductory panels, reflecting the depth and academic richness of this international scholarly event.
