# Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Baba Nanak Shrine, Baghdad, Iraq — a historic Sikh site marking Guru Nanak's 1511 CE visit, now awaiting restoration after 2003 devastation. ![Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=%D8%B6%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AD%20%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%20%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%83.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: The Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad, Iraq — also known locally as Gurudwara Nanak Peer — is one of the most historically significant Sikh sacred sites outside the Indian subcontinent. Located in the Sheikh Maaruf neighbourhood of the Karkh District in the Iraqi capital, the shrine commemorates the traditional visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, to Baghdad, believed to have taken place around 1511 CE. Situated adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol, a revered Sufi saint, within the historic Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery, the shrine once stood as a powerful symbol of interfaith dialogue and the extraordinary geographical reach of Guru Nanak's udaasis (spiritual journeys). According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak arrived at Baghdad after visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina during his third udaasi — his great journey westward. Refused entry into the city, he spent the night in the cemetery outside Baghdad's gates, where he engaged in profound theological dialogues with senior Sufi figures including Pir Dastgir, a descendant of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order), and the revered saint Pir Bahlol Dana. These encounters left such a spiritual impression that local followers began venerating Guru Nanak as "Baba Nanak," and a small shrine was constructed in the cemetery in his memory. For much of its history, the shrine remained largely unknown to the broader Sikh community. It was rediscovered during World War I by Sikh soldiers serving in the British Indian Army in Mesopotamia, and subsequently restored twice — once during WWI and again in WWII. Personal accounts from the 20th century describe a modest but moving structure housing Arabic inscriptions and sacred relics. The 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq brought catastrophic destruction: looters stripped the site of its inscribed stone plaques and demolished its structures. By 2018, only an outer wall fragment and a single Mehrab survived, with a protective gate erected to safeguard the remains. Despite its current state of devastation, the Baba Nanak Shrine holds immense symbolic importance and is the subject of active international advocacy. In March 2023, India formally requested Iraq to undertake its restoration, with the matter raised at the level of national security advisors. It continues to attract Sikh pilgrims, historians, and interfaith seekers from around the world, drawn by its remarkable story of spiritual encounter, colonial-era rediscovery, and the resilience of sacred memory across centuries. It stands as a testament to the estimated 5,600-strong Sikh community in Iraq — representing 0.02% of the population — and to the universal reach of Guru Nanak's message. ## Significance The Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad holds profound religious and cultural significance for Sikhs worldwide. It is one of the very few historical sites outside South Asia directly associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism, and stands as a tangible testament to the extraordinary scope of his spiritual journeys and teachings. For Sikhs, the shrine embodies the core values of universal brotherhood, spiritual inquiry beyond religious boundaries, and Guru Nanak's principle of Ik Onkar — the oneness of the Divine. The legendary meeting between Guru Nanak and the Sufi saints of Baghdad is celebrated as a powerful example of interfaith dialogue, with respected Sufi figures reportedly recognizing and venerating Guru Nanak's spiritual authority. This moment of cross-tradition reverence resonates across both Sikh and Sufi communities. The shrine also holds deep significance for Iraq's estimated 5,600-strong Sikh community (approximately 0.02% of the population), many of whom trace the roots of Sikh presence in Iraq to Guru Nanak's very visit and the local community of followers that formed around his teachings. During both World Wars, the shrine served as a powerful rallying point for Sikh soldiers far from their homeland, connecting them to their spiritual heritage in extraordinary circumstances. On a broader level, the Baba Nanak Shrine has become an international symbol of heritage preservation and interfaith solidarity. It has galvanized global Sikh organizations, civil society petitions, and diplomatic efforts by the Indian government, making it a unique nexus of religious history, cultural identity, and modern geopolitics. Annual observances of Guru Nanak Gurpurab (the Guru's birth anniversary) continue to be marked at and in memory of the site by Sikhs around the world. ## Detailed History The history of the Baba Nanak Shrine is inseparably tied to the tradition of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Baghdad around 1511 CE. According to Sikh historical accounts, Guru Nanak undertook a series of long spiritual journeys known as udaasis, during which he traversed vast distances to engage with diverse religious communities. His third udaasi took him westward through Arabia and Mesopotamia. After visiting Mecca and Medina, he arrived at Baghdad, then a major center of Islamic learning, culture, and Sufi mysticism under the Safavid sphere of influence. Upon arriving at Baghdad, Guru Nanak was reportedly denied entry into the city proper and spent the night in the Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery outside its walls. During his stay, he engaged in deep spiritual dialogues with the senior Sufi figures of the city, most notably Pir Dastgir — a descendant of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, the twelfth-century founder of the Qadiriyya Sufi order — and Pir Bahlol Dana, a much-revered local saint. These conversations reportedly touched on metaphysics, the nature of the Divine, and the relationship between humanity and God. According to tradition, both saints were so moved by Guru Nanak's wisdom that they became his devotees, giving rise to a small local community that venerated the Guru as "Baba Nanak." It is believed to be this community that constructed the original shrine in the cemetery area. For nearly four centuries, the shrine survived as a local memory, largely disconnected from the Sikh community in Punjab. Its rediscovery by the wider Sikh world came dramatically during World War I. As Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army arrived in Mesopotamia as part of the Allied campaign, Captain (Dr.) Kirpal Singh, an Indian medical officer, identified and documented the shrine. In a letter dated October 15, 1918, he described it as "a humble looking building, known to very few people except Sikhs." His detailed layout of the shrine was later incorporated into the revised edition of Sardar Sewaram Singh's book on Guru Nanak's travels. Sikh soldiers undertook the first documented restoration of the shrine at this time. During World War II, Sikh regiments again stationed in Iraq visited the shrine and carried out further repairs, preserving it as a functioning sacred site. The shrine remained in reasonably good condition through the latter half of the 20th century, with personal accounts — including that of Gurmeet Singh Sandhu who visited in 1990 — describing an accessible and emotionally resonant place of worship. However, in the chaos following the 2003 US-led invasion, the shrine was looted and its structures demolished. The Iraqi Government expressed a wish to rebuild the shrine in 2007. Since 2018, a protective gate has marked the site's remnants. In March 2023, India formally raised the issue of restoration with Iraq at the level of National Security Advisors, with Indian NSA Ajit Doval presenting the request to his Iraqi counterpart Qasem Al Araji during the latter's visit to Delhi. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Prayer Room (Darbar) prayer_hall The central prayer room of the historic shrine, historically housing the sacred scriptures and serving as the focal point for congregational worship. Described in 1918 accounts as a humble but spiritually resonant space; now destroyed. ### Courtyard entrance A small open courtyard that formed the entrance to the shrine complex, where devotees would gather for collective prayers and spiritual discourses, adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol. ### Arabic Inscribed Stone Slab museum A historic stone slab bearing Arabic inscriptions commemorating Guru Nanak's visit to Baghdad and his spiritual dialogues with the Sufi saints. This artifact survived until the 2003 invasion when it was looted and lost. ### The Mehrab prayer_hall A Mehrab — an architectural niche typically indicating the direction of prayer in Islamic buildings — incorporated into the shrine's structure, reflecting its unique interfaith architectural context. One Mehrab was reported to have survived the 2003 destruction as of 2018. ### Protective Outer Gate (2018) entrance A gate erected in 2018 by Iraqi authorities to protect the remnant site of the former gurdwara from further damage. It currently marks the perimeter of where the shrine once stood, adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol in the Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required, shoes to be removed before entering any prayer space, modest clothing expected ### Photography Permitted with respect; avoid photographing local residents without consent ### Etiquette Approach the site with reverence; do not disturb adjacent Tomb of Pir Bahlol; maintain silence and respect as this is an active area of historical mourning and pilgrimage ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Unknown at present; historically the shrine served modest congregational gatherings Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad was historically a modest structure, deliberately simple in keeping with the austere nature of Guru Nanak's teachings. Based on the 1918 documentation of Captain (Dr.) Kirpal Singh and subsequent historical accounts, the shrine comprised a small prayer room (darbar), a compact open courtyard, and a stone slab inscribed in Arabic script commemorating Guru Nanak's visit and his spiritual discourses with the Sufi saints of Baghdad. Uniquely, the architecture of the shrine incorporated a Mehrab — a niche typically found in Islamic architecture indicating the direction of prayer — reflecting its remarkable setting within the Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol. This blend of Sikh devotional use and Islamic architectural elements made the shrine a singular monument of interfaith architectural heritage. Unlike the grand gurdwaras of Punjab featuring white marble domes, gilded finials (kalash), and sarovars (sacred tanks), the Baba Nanak Shrine was characterized by historical simplicity and intimacy. Following the 2003 devastation, only fragments of the outer wall and a single Mehrab survived the looting. A protective gate was installed in 2018 to secure the remnant site. Plans for restoration, if realized, are expected to incorporate both Sikh gurdwara design elements and sensitivity to the shrine's Islamic architectural context and historic character. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Prayer Room (Darbar) prayer_hall The central prayer room of the historic shrine, historically housing the sacred scriptures and serving as the focal point for congregational worship. Described in 1918 accounts as a humble but spiritually resonant space; now destroyed. ### Courtyard entrance A small open courtyard that formed the entrance to the shrine complex, where devotees would gather for collective prayers and spiritual discourses, adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol. ### Arabic Inscribed Stone Slab museum A historic stone slab bearing Arabic inscriptions commemorating Guru Nanak's visit to Baghdad and his spiritual dialogues with the Sufi saints. This artifact survived until the 2003 invasion when it was looted and lost. ### The Mehrab prayer_hall A Mehrab — an architectural niche typically indicating the direction of prayer in Islamic buildings — incorporated into the shrine's structure, reflecting its unique interfaith architectural context. One Mehrab was reported to have survived the 2003 destruction as of 2018. ### Protective Outer Gate (2018) entrance A gate erected in 2018 by Iraqi authorities to protect the remnant site of the former gurdwara from further damage. It currently marks the perimeter of where the shrine once stood, adjacent to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol in the Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The most sacred observance connected to this shrine, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhs in Baghdad and visiting pilgrims gather to offer prayers, recite Gurbani, and commemorate Guru Nanak's legendary visit to the city. Observed in October or November according to the Nanakshahi calendar. ### festival #### Baisakhi The Sikh harvest festival and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 CE. Celebrated by the Sikh community in Baghdad in April each year with prayers and communal gatherings. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrated by the Sikh community in Iraq to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Diwali. Prayers and community gatherings are held in memory of this important Sikh historical event. ### historical #### Commemoration of WWI Sikh Soldiers' Rediscovery An informal commemoration by history-minded Sikh groups marking the rediscovery of the shrine by Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army during World War I, particularly in memory of Captain (Dr.) Kirpal Singh's documentation of the site in October 1918. #### Restoration Advocacy Gatherings Periodic gatherings and prayer events organized by Sikh community organizations worldwide — including online and diaspora events — advocating for the restoration of the Baba Nanak Shrine as part of global heritage preservation efforts. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The shrine is not currently a fully functioning gurdwara. Following extensive damage during the 2003 Iraq invasion, only remnants of the outer wall and a Mehrab survive. Since 2018, a protective gate has been erected around the site. Visitors wishing to pay their respects should contact the local Sikh community in Baghdad for guidance and access arrangements. No formal langar (community kitchen) currently operates at the site given its damaged state. However, the local Sikh community in Baghdad organizes communal meals and prayers during important occasions such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab. The most important observance is Guru Nanak Gurpurab, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which falls in October or November. Baisakhi (April) is also celebrated by the Sikh community in Iraq. These occasions bring together the local Sikh community and sometimes attract pilgrims from abroad. ### history The shrine commemorates the traditional visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, to Baghdad around 1511 CE. Originally built by local followers, it was rediscovered by Sikh soldiers during World War I and restored twice — during WWI and WWII. It was devastated by looting after the 2003 invasion and has been awaiting restoration since, with India formally requesting Iraq to rebuild it in 2023. It is one of the very few sacred sites outside South Asia directly associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It marks the site of legendary interfaith dialogues between Guru Nanak and Sufi saints in 1511 CE, and symbolizes the universal reach of his spiritual journey. The shrine is deeply significant for the global Sikh community and Iraq's estimated 5,600 Sikhs. In the chaos following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, the shrine was looted by vandals who stripped it of its historic Arabic inscriptions, commemorative plaques, and other sacred artifacts. The structures were largely demolished. By 2018, only parts of an outer wall and a single Mehrab remained. The Iraqi government expressed a desire to rebuild it in 2007, and India formally raised the issue diplomatically in 2023. ### transport The shrine is located in the Sheikh Maaruf neighbourhood of the Karkh District on the west bank of the Tigris River in Baghdad. From Baghdad International Airport (approximately 20 km away), take a taxi or use ride-hailing services such as Careem. Ask the driver to take you to the Tomb of Pir Bahlol or Maqam Baba Nanak in the Sheikh Maaruf Cemetery area. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Baba Nanak Shrine in Baghdad Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit