Dr Ali Naji Attiyah

Dr Ali Naji Attiyah, Assistant Professor at the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Kufa

Host: Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL

Project Title: Intangible Heritage of Najaf

Research Supervisor: Professor Edward Denison

Dr Ali Naji Attiyah Diebil is an Assistant Professor at the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Kufa. With support from BISI, he had a Visiting Scholarship at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.

During his time in the UK, Dr Ali Naji looked at the relationship between tangible and intangible cultural heritage and ways to increase awareness of its importance.

The historic centre of the city of Najaf, Iraq is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture, a centre of scientific and human development. A revival of the historic city centre will help keep these values at the centre of the community.

Dr Ali Naji's research will lead to the creation of an action plan which can then be applied locally by Kufa University students to help safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of Najaf.

Listen to Dr Ali give a lecture on The Role of Intangible Cultural Heritage or about the enhancement of cultural diversity for peace and in an interview by Dr Mehiyar Kathem.

You can also watch Dr Ali's webinar titled, The Future and Sustainability of Najaf’s Cultural Heritage on our YouTube page. In this seminar, Dr Ali explores the traditions practiced in Najaf by the pilgrims, residents, students, and workers and talks about sustainable approaches to protect the spiritual value of Najaf's historic centre.