Al-Najaf is a historic city located in the central part of Iraq, approximately 160 kilometers south of the capital, Baghdad. It is the capital of the Al-Najaf Governorate and holds great religious significance for Shia Muslims around the world. Known as the "City of Knowledge," Al-Najaf is renowned for its religious institutions, particularly the Imam Ali Shrine, which is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The city is situated on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River and is surrounded by vast desert plains. Its arid climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Al-Najaf has a population of around one million people, predominantly Shia Muslims, who are attracted to the city due to its religious and educational institutions.