A Cultural-Anthropological Contemplation in the History of Baqīʿ Cemetery During the First Two Centuries A.H.

In Islamic and Shīʿa culture, historical subjects dealing with anthropological aspects have often been neglected. The Baqīʿ cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Islam and a pilgrimage site for Shīʿa muslims assumes considerable importance in anthropological studies.The present study explores the cemetery through the early Hijri centuries/c. 7th century A.D., adopting the anthropological approach. It is concluded that Baqīʿ has mostly served a social-ritaulistic function during this time. From a social point of view, the cemetry was used for residence, performing prayers, or forming assemblies. From a ritualistic point of view, it was used for various death rituals of Ḥijaz residents.Some of the anthropological and cultural features of this cemetery were revealed in the second century A.H. Most importantly, the cemetry aquired a legendary status among the Arabs and certain beliefs were formed regarding this divine and impressive state. Additionally, the cemetery grew in importance because of its identity. Concurrently with the stabilization of sect-related and religious identity, signs of sect-related and religious quarrels show up in the death rituals and especially burial rites at Baqīʿ.