Wadi al-Salam: Cemetery larger than many countries

While burial rituals vary greatly across cultures, cemeteries themselves share many similarities. They may differ in landscape, religious significance, or architectural style, but their purpose remains the same. However, one cemetery stands out not only for its historical and religious importance but also for its sheer scale—larger than the population of some countries. This is Wadi al-Salam, the "City of the Dead," located near Najaf, Iraq.

What is the Location?

Wadi al-Salam (meaning "Valley of Peace") is situated in the Iraqi city of Najaf, a site of immense significance for the Shiite Muslim world. The cemetery is home to the shrine of Ali ibn Abu Talib, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a revered pilgrimage destination. Over the centuries, many prominent Shiite figures have also been buried here. As a result, Shiite Muslims from across the world wish to be laid to rest in Wadi al-Salam, with bodies even being transported from other countries for burial.

Spanning an area of 917 hectares—about 13% of the total area of Najaf—Wadi al-Salam is officially the largest cemetery in the world and has been recognized in the Guinness Book of Records.

A Population Exceeding That of Numerous Countries

The cemetery contains approximately 6 million graves, exceeding the populations of Singapore, Denmark, and Lebanon. This staggering number is due in part to its 1,400-year history but also to Iraq’s turbulent past, marked by wars and conflicts.

According to Al Jazeera, in 2019, an estimated 50,000 new graves were added to Wadi al-Salam annually. The Iraq War (2003–2011) alone saw the number of burials surge dramatically, with up to 250 new graves dug each day at its peak. A gravedigger who spoke to USA Today described working non-stop on some days during the conflict.

Iraq had already suffered devastating losses in previous wars. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) claimed an estimated 1.5 million lives, followed by further casualties from the Gulf War (1990–1991) and the subsequent internal conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

However, reports indicate that since 2011, the security situation in Iraq has significantly improved, slowing the rate of new burials.

A Battlefield Amid Conflict

Throughout Iraq’s modern history, Wadi al-Salam has not only been a resting place for the dead but also a site of violent conflict.

During the uprisings following the Gulf War, many sought refuge within the cemetery’s vast expanse. Later, during the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the cemetery became a battlefield, sustaining significant damage.

Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, UNESCO added Wadi al-Salam to its World Heritage List in 2011. Reports suggest that beneath the tombs, over 50 human remains are buried in layers, likely due to war-related emergencies and lack of space.

A cemetery is not merely a resting place—it is a repository of history, memory, and cultural identity. Each grave marks the end of an individual’s journey, but their impact on society continues.

Wadi al-Salam stands as a silent witness to Iraq’s past and a monument to millions whose stories remain woven into its vast, sacred landscape.