Hungary’s first ever Islamic cemetery to be built near Budapest
Probably more than 50 thousand Muslims live, study or work in Hungary. Zoltán Bolek, the leader of the Hungarian Islamic Community, said they would like to create Hungary’s first authentic Islam cemetery near Budapest. Furthermore, they obtained all the necessary permits. As a result, the cemetery may open in 1-2 years.
According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, the Hungarian Islamic Community will own the cemetery, and they paid the price for it. They acquired the approval in principle of the Hungarian government to create the first Islamic cemetery in Hungary. However, the location is not yet public.
Mr Bolek said the cemetery will be close to Budapest and the M0 motorway. What is left is the construction, administration and signing of the relevant agreements.
Hungary does not register those who follow Islam, but Mr Bolek estimated their number to be 50 thousand plus the students and guest workers. There are parcels created in Budapest, Pécs and Debrecen for Muslims, but they are not enough.
He said the first authentic Islamic burial took place in 1919 in Hungary. A Turkish military officer and his wife were buried, the former served as a member of the Ottoman military mission in Budapest during WWI. However, the Budapest parcel will become full because the pandemic increased the number of dead in the Muslim community as well.
The costs of the new cemetery skyrocketed
The venue of the cemetery is close to the M0 motorway but not yet shared. Mr Bolek believes there will be 1000-1200 graves, which will be a solution for 100 years for the Muslim community living in Hungary.
Interestingly, they calculated HUF 40 million (EUR 104 thousand). But it came to light that they had to build a fence, install an electricity system, drill a garden well and build a mortuary. As a result, the costs may exceed HUF 100 million (EUR 261 thousand). They plan to collect the money from community members, but expect significant help from Türkiye.
The burials will be held following the Islamic tradition in the new cemetery. Cremation is forbidden, the body will be wrapped around with a bedsheet, and the feet will point towards Mecca. An imam will lead the rituals. Relatives, friends and those paying their respects will pray together, Mr Bolek said.
He added the construction would start in early 2024. Based on the plans, the new cemetery will become functional in 2025.
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Great news. It was time for it.
Why? Students and guest workers should not be buried in Hungary. Soldiers of the Ottoman Empire were buried with everyone. No Muslims complained, Turkey was and is quite happy to let the Muslim soldier rest wherever they were buried.