Imagine a place of peace amidst an industrial zone. That is the Cimetière musulman de Bobigny. It stands as France’s only Muslim cemetery, a testament to history.
Welcome to the Cimetière musulman de Bobigny. It is a unique and historically significant site. This cemetery tells a story of France’s colonial past and its relationship with the Muslim world. Founded in 1937, it provides a final resting place primarily for North African people.
The Cimetière musulman de Bobigny is closely linked to the Franco-Muslim Hospital. This hospital is now known as Hôpital Avicenne. The cemetery’s establishment was an exception to the laïcité of public cemeteries. This exception highlights the historical context of its creation.
Designed by architect Édouard Crevel, its architecture is neo-Moorish. It imitates Moroccan necropolises. White walls, flat roofs and green tiles are just some of the features. The style reflects a shared history between France and the Muslim world.
The Cimetière musulman de Bobigny holds around 7,000 plots. Originally, it served those who died at the Franco-Muslim Hospital. Later, it opened to Muslims proposed by the rector of the Grande Mosquée de Paris. Over time, the cemetery faced challenges.
In 1996, management transferred to an intercommunal syndicate. Since then, only Muslims from Aubervilliers, Bobigny, Drancy and La Courneuve can be buried here. Also those with family ties to existing graves.
In 2006, parts of the cemetery gained historical recognition. The entrance porch, the imam’s office, the mosque and the military square were listed as historical monuments. This acknowledges their importance to French history.
The Cimetière musulman de Bobigny also includes a military square. From 1944 to 1954, around sixty French soldiers were buried here. Seventeen of them are marked as “Mort pour la France.” Some fought in the 2nd Armored Division.
Several notable figures rest in the Cimetière musulman de Bobigny. These include Ahmed Merabet, the police officer murdered in the Charlie Hebdo attack. Also Boughera El Ouafi, the 1928 Olympic marathon champion and Mohamed Adjani, father of actress Isabelle Adjani.
Visiting the Cimetière musulman de Bobigny offers a unique experience. It is a place of reflection. Here, the stories of individuals and communities intertwine. It connects French and Muslim histories. The cemetery stands as a reminder of shared experiences. It recalls the past. It also highlights the evolving nature of French society.