Consists of two floors, ground and basement, where the ablution spaces are housed, thus ensuring the smooth circulation of the visitors to the Holy sites.

Taking inspiration from the traditional forms of Iraqi Islamic architecture, where colonnades and arches dominate, together with the subtle elegance of the architectural language of the adjacent Safi Safa shrine, Dewan’s plans for Maqam Imam Zein Al Abdeen was heavily influenced by its highly significant location. The Maqam’s site is on the main road to the west of the old city of Najaf, on a clifftop overlooking the Sea of Najaf and the Imam Ali Holy Shrine.

Emphasising the visual relationship with both adjacent holy Shrines was an integral part of the design, and this was achieved through the creation of a central courtyard surrounded by open colonnades that complement the Maqam’s distinguished surroundings. The Maqam itself consists of two floors, ground and basement, where the ablution spaces are housed, thus ensuring the smooth circulation of the visitors to the Holy sites.