Kufe

Kufe is a name used for several places and uses, with the most common reference being the Iraqi city of Kufa. In Arabic, the city is al-Kūfah, historically located on the left bank of the Euphrates and now part of Iraq’s Najaf Governorate. Kufa emerged in the 7th century during the early Islamic period as a garrison town and quickly developed into a political and intellectual center. It is closely associated with the formative years of Islamic governance and scholarship and is известна for the development of Kufic script, one of the earliest calligraphic forms of Arabic.

In modern references, Kufa is often identified with its contemporary locality near the city of Najaf. Because transliteration from Arabic varies, the name is sometimes rendered as Kufe, Kufah, or al-Kūfah in non-Arabic texts. This variation can lead to confusion with other places or with the broader historical and religious associations tied to the city.

Beyond the Iraqi city, the name Kufe may appear as a surname or as a toponym in other regions, although such uses are far less common and typically rely on local linguistic traditions. In most contexts, Kufe will point to the Iraqi city or to the historical-cultural associations linked to Kufa.

The article on Kufe primarily identifies the Iraqi city, while noting that transliteration differences can produce alternative spellings. When encountered, the specific context—historical, religious, or geographical—helps determine the intended reference.