TEHRAN – Tehran’s Andisheh Cultural Center is displaying a collection of rare photos and documents on the destruction of Al-Baqi, the first cemetery of Muslims in Medina where several Imams and relatives of the Prophet Muhammad (S) are buried.

Entitled “Jannatul Baqi” (The Garden of Baqi), the cemetery was first built by Muslims commissioned by the Prophet Muhammad (S) and it was demolished by King Ibn Saud on the 8th of the Islamic month of Shawwal in the year 1345 AH (April 21, 1925). This year, 8 Shawwal corresponds with 24 July.

Imam Hassan (AS), Imam Sajjad (AS), Imam Muhammad Baqer (AS) and Imam Jafar Sadeq (AS), the second, fourth, fifth and sixth Imams of the Shia are buried in the cemetery.

The exhibit has been set up to remind the younger generation of this sad day and introduce those responsible behind this heart-breaking incident, the center announced in a press release published on Saturday.

It also aims to raise awareness and condemn the act and help prepare a condition to restore the cemetery.

“Garden Is Lasting” by director Ahmad Ebrahimi, a documentary chronicling the destruction of the cemetery, is scheduled to be screened during the exhibit.

The exhibit will be running until Friday at the center located on Shariati St, Andisheh Park.

RM/YA