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Valley of Peace Cemetery: A City of the Dead

Explore the world's largest cemetery in Najaf, Iraq, a sacred site for Shia Muslims with millions of interments and a rich history.

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Wadi Al-Salam, or the Valley of Peace Cemetery, is the world's largest cemetery, located in Najaf, Iraq. This sprawling necropolis holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims, with over six million interments and a history stretching back over 1400 years.

A brief summary to Valley of Peace Cemetery

  • 2894+CR4, Najaf, Najaf Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Dress modestly out of respect for the religious significance of the cemetery.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to navigate the vast cemetery and learn about its history and significance.
  • Be aware that security can be stringent; keep identification and travel documents with you at all times.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Al Najaf International Airport (NJF), a taxi is the most direct way to reach Valley of Peace Cemetery. The ride typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a reasonable price should be between $25-$30. There are no additional tolls or mandatory access fees.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses and shared taxis (service taxis) operate within Najaf, but may not directly serve the cemetery entrance. You can take a bus or shared taxi towards the Imam Ali Shrine, which is nearby, and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the cemetery. Bus fares are very inexpensive, typically less than $1. Service taxis charge a similar low fare per person. Be prepared for crowded conditions.

  • Walking

    If you are already near the Imam Ali Shrine, the Valley of Peace Cemetery is located to the north and east. It is within walking distance, though the cemetery is vast, so prepare for a long walk if you plan to explore extensively. There are no entrance fees for the cemetery itself.

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Discover more about Valley of Peace Cemetery

Wadi Al-Salam, meaning 'Valley of Peace' in Arabic, is more than just a cemetery; it's a sprawling city of the dead located in Najaf, Iraq. As the world's largest cemetery, it covers an area of 1,485.5 acres and houses the remains of over six million people. Its origins trace back to the Parthian and Sassanid eras, with continuous burials for over 1400 years. For Shia Muslims, Wadi Al-Salam holds immense religious significance. Its proximity to the Shrine of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam and fourth Sunni Caliph, makes it a desirable final resting place. Shia traditions suggest that Imam Ali has the power to intercede for the deceased, lessening their suffering. It is believed that those buried here will be raised from the dead with their spiritual leader on Judgment Day. Religious edicts encourage Shia Muslims to bury their dead here, contributing to the cemetery's continuous expansion. Visiting Wadi Al-Salam offers a unique, if somber, experience. The landscape is a dense collection of tombs, ranging from simple graves to elaborate structures adorned with Koranic calligraphy. Some family burial lots have risen in cost due to land scarcity. The cemetery also contains the purported tombs of prophets Hud and Salih.

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