Hawzah News Agency (Najaf, Iraq) - The competition was held in the categories of Quran memorization, recitation and interpretation, the website of the Astan (custodianship) of Imam Ali (as) holy shrine announced.

Ninety women from different parts of the Arab country took part in the competition in the holy city of Najaf, south of Iraq.

It was organized by the Astan's Women's Quranic Activities center on Saturday and Sunday.

Mardhiya Haidar, head of the center, said the Quranic event was aimed at promoting the Quranic culture among women in the country.

She said a number of Quranic schools and institutes cooperated in holding the contest.

A number of Quran experts forming the panel of judges evaluated the contenders' Quranic skills.

Winners of the competition were announced and awarded on the second and final day.

Quranic activities have significantly developed in Iraq since the 2003 overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein.

There has been a growing trend of Quranic programs such as competitions, recitation sessions and educational programs held in the country in recent years.