The Department of Architecture Draws Inspiration from Najaf… A Field Study at the Fatimah Courtyard

As part of its vision to reinforce applied education and promote awareness of Islamic architectural identity, the College of Engineering and Information Technology at Al-Zahra University (peace be upon her) for Women organized a religious and educational field trip for second-year students of the Architecture Engineering Department to the holy city of Najaf to visit the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the Fatimah Courtyard.

The visit, held on December 22, 2025, aimed to provide a hands-on experience enabling students to study the architectural and engineering characteristics of the sacred sites up close. Specialized engineers from the Holy Alawi Shrine provided detailed explanations on building styles, decorative patterns, and urban planning of the courtyard, enhancing the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application in architectural studies.

Approximately 60 students, accompanied by faculty members, participated in this integrated scientific and spiritual experience. The field trip contributes to preparing female professionals capable of drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Islamic architecture and applying it in contemporary engineering projects, in alignment with the university’s mission to integrate knowledge, values, and identity.

Media and Government Communication Department