Jannat al-Baqi (Al-Baqi Cemetery)
Al-Baqi, next to the Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah
Jannat al-Baqi in Madinah: the oldest and largest cemetery of the city, about 180,000 square metres beside the south-east wall of the Prophet’s Mosque, with a modern marble wall.
In short
- Address
- Al-Baqi, next to the Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah
- City
- Madinah
Overview
Jannat al-Baqi, also called Al-Baqi or formerly Baqi al-Gharqad, is the oldest and largest cemetery in Madinah. Saudipedia places it beside the south-east wall of the Prophet’s Mosque and gives its area as about 180,000 square metres. It is one of the best-known historic sites of the city and is passed by many visitors on their way to and from the mosque.
Location
The cemetery lies immediately east and south-east of the Prophet’s Mosque, so hotels around the mosque are within a few minutes’ walk. Its coordinates are approximately 24.467 N, 39.616 E. Use the Prophet’s Mosque as your reference point: you can see the cemetery wall from the eastern side of the mosque plaza.
History in brief
The site has been used for burial since the early period of the city. During the second expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque under King Fahd the cemetery was brought alongside the new courtyards, and a new marble-clad wall was built around it. Today it is an enclosed burial ground.
Visiting
- Opening arrangements and access for men and women are set by the authorities and posted at the entrances, so check the signs on arrival.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low; the site is a working cemetery.
- Follow the posted rules on photography and do not photograph other visitors.
- Early morning and the cooler evening hours are the most comfortable times.
Nearby
- The Prophet’s Mosque, directly adjacent
- Hotels around the mosque plaza
- Masjid Quba and the other historic mosques of Madinah by car