Sundial in Traditional Architecture: Shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf Al-Ashraf as "Case Study"

Authors

  • Mahmood Rezooky Janjun Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Iraq
  • Neda Abdameer Mubarak Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Babylon, Hillah 51001, Babylon https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7010-5221
  • Rawaa Abd Munaf Al-Shlah Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Babylon, Hillah 51001, Babylon https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8520-620X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31272/jeasd.2459

Keywords:

Astronomical design, Courtyard, Imam Ali shrine, Iwans, Sundial design, Technical sustainability

Abstract

Building the shrines of Muslim imams in Iraq has a profound spiritual impact on the souls of its pioneers. Therefore, the designer was interested in creating an atmosphere that matches the spiritual and worship situation and linking it to a sustainable astronomical design in the architecture of the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). This was mentioned vaguely. Therefore, the research problem emerged about the relationship between the design of traditional sundials symbolically and sustainably. The goal is to reveal the relationship of the architectural design of the shrine’s architecture to the cosmic phenomenon represented by sundials. The current study adopts the analytical approach through two axes. Theoretical section: Collecting data related to sundials. In the practical study, five sundials in the shrine’s architecture were examined practically and in accordance with astronomical laws, and photographs were taken that confirmed the operation of the sundials in a sustainable manner annually.

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Key Dates

Received

2024-11-02

Revised

2025-12-01

Accepted

2025-12-28

Published Online First

2026-02-25

Published

2026-03-01

How to Cite

Janjun, M., Mubarak, N. ., & Al-Shlah, R. (2026). Sundial in Traditional Architecture: Shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf Al-Ashraf as "Case Study". Journal of Engineering and Sustainable Development, 30(2), 220-233. https://doi.org/10.31272/jeasd.2459

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