The world’s largest cemetery, Wadi Al-Salam, is located in the holy city of Najaf in Iraq. With over six million bodies buried there, this cemetery holds great historical and cultural significance. According to UNESCO, Wadi Al-Salam, which translates to “Valley of Peace,” is the final resting place for numerous prophets, scientists, and royals. The cemetery covers a vast area, extending from the center of the city to the far north-west, accounting for 13 percent of the city’s total area. Furthermore, it continues to expand at a rate double its usual speed, as reported by Reuters in 2021.
When viewed from above, the cemetery resembles a city, with its graves resembling cramped buildings. It attracts visitors from various parts of the world, particularly Muslims who come to pay their respects. Wadi Al-Salam dates back to ancient times, even before the Middle Ages, as mentioned by UNESCO. It is the burial site of the kings of Al-Hira, as well as leaders from the Al-Sassani era, sultans, princes, and leaders from various states and dynasties.
The cemetery features different types of burials, including lower graves and high graves in towers. It holds universal value due to the presence of famous individuals buried there, such as Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. Additionally, Wadi Al-Salam represents a unique cultural tradition and reflects traditional land use practices.
According to Al-Jazeera, this cemetery holds great importance for Shia Muslims worldwide, serving as an important resting place. Approximately 50,000 individuals are buried here each year. The graves in Wadi Al-Salam are constructed using baked bricks and plaster, adding to its distinct characteristics.
Covering an estimated area of 917 hectares, equivalent to over 1,700 football fields, Wadi Al-Salam lacks any guiding maps for visitors to navigate its complex layout. The cemetery has been officially recognized as the world’s largest burial ground by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Overall, Wadi Al-Salam’s immense size, historical significance, and cultural importance make it a remarkable site attracting visitors from around the globe.
