Historic graveyard in Tuz Khurmatu dating back over 400 years faces neglect

TUZ KHURMATU — A historic cemetery, known locally as the Graveyard of Strangers, located in the district of Tuz Khurmatu, Salah Al-Din governorate, and is believed to be over four centuries old. Local historian Ahmad Germki explained to 964media that the site contains graves of both locals and the Ottoman-era residents who died far from their homes centuries ago.

Germki stated, “The cemetery is called the Graveyard of Strangers because it holds the remains of those who were buried far from their homeland.” He noted that the oral tradition suggests the cemetery dates back to the Ottoman era, though shifting environmental conditions have obscured many of the graves over time.

Germki added, “The exact history remains unclear, but based on the design of the graves and oral traditions, the site could be at least 400 years old.” Some gravestones are unmarked, while others bear dates that trace back to 1850, providing further evidence of the cemetery’s historical significance.

However, Germki highlighted the neglect the site has faced over time. “Rain, erosion, and flood have caused some of the graves to be destroyed or lost,” he said. “Unfortunately, many of the Tuz Khurmatu’s historical landmarks, including this cemetery, remain unrecognized and unprotected.”

The cemetery also holds members of prominent Kurdish tribes from the Tuz Khurmatu area, such as the Zangana, Bayat, and Dawda clans.

However, Germki warned that the cemetery is rapidly deteriorating due to a lack of preservation efforts. “No walls or protective measures have been put in place. At this rate, the site might not survive for much longer.”

Germaki called for urgent action to document and preserve the site before it is lost to history.