Najaf to be declared cultural capital of Islamic world in 2012

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini said here on Wednesday that the Iraqi city of Najaf will be declared as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2012.
Hosseini is accompanying President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in is fourth round of provincial tour of Ardebil province.

“Such a move will certainly help promote cultural communication between the two Muslim countries of Iran and Iraq,” he said.

Iran is ready to launch cultural and artistic activities in the religious city and this has been discussed during recent meetings with Iraqi officials, he said.

Referring to the numerous cultural and historical commonalities between the two nations, Hossieni also said that designation of Najaf as the cultural capital of the Islamic world will be in the interest of the Muslim world.

Najaf is on one of the holiest cities in Iraq which is home to the shrine of Imam Ali (AS), first infallible Imam of Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) household.

All the ratifications made during the third round of the provincial tours have all been implemented, he said.