population: 1.1 million

extension: 28,824 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in museums, a great place to visit in Najaf is the Imam Ali Holy Shrine Museum. It features exhibits on Islamic art and history with a focus on the life and teachings of Imam Ali, one of the most important figures in Shia Islam.

If you're looking for similar places nearby, you might consider visiting the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, which has an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, or the Basra Museum in Basra, which showcases items from southern Iraq's rich cultural heritage.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Najaf (Iraq) according to local people are:

1. Biryani: a flavorful rice dish that's often made with chicken or lamb and spices such as saffron and cumin.

2. Qeema: a dish made with minced meat, usually beef or lamb, cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onion, garlic, and spices.

3. Masgouf: a type of grilled fish, usually carp or catfish, that's marinated in a spice blend before being cooked over an open flame.

4. Tashreeb: a soup-like dish made with bread, lamb, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.

5. Dolma: stuffed vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and peppers with a filling of rice, ground meat, and spices.

6. Kebab: grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb or beef, served with rice or bread.

7. Samosa: a savory pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and/or meat.

8. Aish: a type of flatbread that's typically served with dips such as hummus or baba ganoush.

9. Baklava: a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey or syrup.

10. Halva: a sweet confection made from sesame paste or flour mixed with sugar or honey and flavored with ingredients such as rosewater or cardamom.

Activities

If you're looking for fun activities that locals enjoy in Najaf, here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit the Wadi al-Salaam Cemetery: This is one of the world's largest cemeteries, and it's located just outside of Najaf. Locals often come here to pay their respects to loved ones and to explore the sprawling complex, which has been around for many centuries.

2. Attend a religious ceremony: Najaf is an important center of Shia Islam, and there are many religious ceremonies and events that take place throughout the year. These can be a great way to learn about local culture and connect with the community.

3. Take a cooking class: Iraqi cuisine is delicious and unique, and taking a cooking class can be a fun way to learn more about it. There are several places in Najaf where you can take classes and learn how to make traditional dishes like biryani, dolma, and kibbeh.

4. Visit the Najaf bazaar: The bazaar is a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. It's a great place to people-watch, sample local street food, and pick up some unique items to take home with you.

5. Explore the city's parks and gardens: Najaf has several beautiful parks and gardens where locals like to relax and unwind. The Al-Abbas Holy Shrine Gardens and the Al-Sahlah Mosque Gardens are both popular spots that offer a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle.