Wadi-us-Salaam is the world's largest cemetery

Wadi-us-Salaam, known as the ‘Valley of Peace’, is considered the largest cemetery in the world. Located on the outskirts of the holy city of Najaf in Iraq, the site covers approximately 9.17 square kilometers.

Estimates suggest that between 5 and 6 million people have been buried there over the past 1,400 years. The cemetery is of immense spiritual significance to Shia Muslims due to its proximity to the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Shia Imam. Many believers seek burial near the shrine to be close to the Imam.

The site contains a vast labyrinth of graves, mausoleums, and narrow passages. It serves as a resting place for a diverse range of individuals, including ancient prophets, kings, religious scholars like Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, and modern soldiers from various conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and recent battles against ISIS.