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Have You Ever Imagined a Cemetery the Size of 844 Soccer Fields? This Place Exists in Iraq. The Valley of Peace, or Wadi al-Salam, is not just a giant cemetery – it is the largest necropolis in the world, with a history of 1,400 years and an impressive six million bodies buried. But despite its vastness, the space is running out, and land prices are skyrocketing.
In addition to its colossal size, this cemetery is one of the most sacred in the Islamic world, receiving pilgrims and mourners year-round. But what makes this place so special? And how can a cemetery be “full”? Let’s explore the history and challenges of the largest necropolis in the world.
Where Is the Largest Necropolis in the World?
The Valley of Peace is located in the city of Najaf, Iraq, one of the holiest places for Shia Muslims. What makes this cemetery so special is its proximity to the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and considered the first Shia imam.
Shia Muslims from all over the world dream of being buried there, believing that resting close to this sacred site facilitates the passage to the afterlife. This desire causes the cemetery to receive bodies not only from Iraq but also from various other countries.
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The Impressive Size and Growing Occupancy
With an area equivalent to 844 soccer fields, the Valley of Peace is a true sea of tombstones that extends as far as the eye can see. But despite this vastness, the space is becoming increasingly contested.
About 50,000 new bodies are buried there every year. With the increasing demand, the price of plots has skyrocketed. In 2014, a family plot of 25 square meters cost around 5 million Iraqi dinars – a value that has almost doubled in recent years.
A Place of Pilgrimage and Tradition
The Valley of Peace is not just an ordinary cemetery. It is a center for religious rituals and ancient traditions. The burial follows a specific routine:
- The body is washed, an important ritual in Islam.
- Wrapped in a white cloth, it is taken to the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- Funeral prayers are offered before burial.
- The body is carried around the shrine before proceeding to the cemetery.
- Verses from the Quran are recited before the final burial.
This tradition makes the Valley of Peace a place of great spiritual significance, where each burial is an event filled with symbolism and faith.
The Impact of Conflicts on the Necropolis
Unfortunately, Iraq’s history is marked by conflicts, and this has directly impacted the number of burials in the cemetery. Since 2014, when ISIS occupied a third of the country, burials have increased drastically.
The average number of burials, which previously ranged from 80 to 120 per day, has risen to 150 to 200 daily. This increase reflects not only the war losses but also the widespread violence that has plagued the region in recent years.
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