Najaf's traditional 'Abā' cloak craft survives in old city's narrow alleys

NAJAF, Iraq — In the narrow alleys leading to the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf's Grand Bazaar, tailors working in workshops of just two to three square meters continue hand-stitching the traditional men's overcoat known locally as "Abā-yı Necefi," a craft passed down for generations. The Najaf-made abā is distinguished from similar garments produced in other cities by the quality of its wool, its light weight—with some models weighing no more than 250 grams—and its careful stitching. Production begins with high-quality thread, followed by cleaning, sorting and processing stages, before the fabric is sewn together using techniques handed down over centuries. Tailor Abbas Mohammed said the most prized variety is the "vabr," woven from the fine hair of young camels and traditionally worn by tribal leaders, clerics and notables. City resident Muhsin Haffafi added that Najaf historically imported aba fabrics from Iraq, Syria and Iran and tailored them in its own style, with the main varieties today including vabr, "Londnī" and a lightweight summer version. Bazaar shopkeeper Abu Ali Najafi said local clergymen often wear the same abā for many years, directing their spending toward books and scholarly works rather than new fabrics or linings. No further details on the scale of production or number of workshops were immediately available.