Published: December 08 2023
The Hungarian Islamic Community is planning to establish Hungary's first Islamic cemetery near Budapest in the next 1-2 years. This cemetery will cater to the growing Muslim population in Hungary and provide a place for their traditional burials.
Establishment of the Islamic Cemetery
The Hungarian Islamic Community has obtained all the necessary permits to establish the first authentic Islamic cemetery in Hungary. The ownership of the cemetery will belong to the community, and they have paid the price for the land. The exact location of the cemetery near Budapest and the M0 motorway is yet to be disclosed. The construction, administration, and relevant agreements are still pending.
Growing Muslim Population and Need for the Cemetery
While Hungary does not register those who follow Islam, it is estimated that there are over 50 thousand Muslims living, studying, or working in the country, including students and guest workers. Although there are parcels allocated for Muslims in Budapest, Pécs, and Debrecen, they are not sufficient to meet the community's needs. The increase in the number of deceased individuals from the Muslim community during the pandemic has filled up the existing Budapest parcel. The new Islamic cemetery aims to provide a solution for the next 100 years, with an expected capacity of 1000-1200 graves.
Costs and Funding
Initially estimated at HUF 40 million (EUR 104 thousand), the costs of the new cemetery have increased due to the need for additional infrastructure such as fencing, electricity systems, a garden well, and a mortuary. As a result, the total costs may exceed HUF 100 million (EUR 261 thousand). The Hungarian Islamic Community plans to collect funds from community members and expects significant support from Türkiye.
Burial Traditions and Timeline
The burials in the new Islamic cemetery will follow Islamic traditions. Cremation will be forbidden, and the bodies will be wrapped in a bedsheet with their feet pointing towards Mecca. An imam will lead the burial rituals, and relatives, friends, and those paying their respects will gather to pray together. Construction of the cemetery is expected to begin in early 2024, with a functional cemetery by 2025.
Questions & Answers
Where will the first Islamic cemetery in Hungary be established? The first Islamic cemetery in Hungary will be established near Budapest, close to the M0 motorway.
Who obtained the necessary permits for the establishment of the Islamic cemetery near Budapest? The Hungarian Islamic Community obtained all the necessary permits for the establishment of the cemetery.
How long will it take for the cemetery to open? The cemetery is expected to open in 1-2 years.
How many graves are expected to be in the new cemetery? It is estimated that there will be 1000-1200 graves in the new cemetery.
What will be the total cost of establishing the Islamic cemetery near Budapest? The costs for the construction of the cemetery, including building a fence, installing an electricity system, drilling a garden well, and building a mortuary, may exceed HUF 100 million (EUR 261 thousand).
Will the burials in the new cemetery follow Islamic traditions? Yes, the burials in the new cemetery will follow Islamic traditions. Cremation is forbidden and the body will be wrapped in a bedsheet with the feet pointing towards Mecca. An imam will lead the rituals.
When is the construction of the Islamic cemetery expected to start? The construction of the Islamic cemetery is expected to start in early 2024.
When is the new cemetery expected to become functional? The new cemetery is expected to become functional in 2025.
