%2c_circa_early_to_mid_20th_century.jpg) Photograph taken within the Guru Nanak's shrine in Baghdad (Baba Nanak Shrine), circa early to mid 20th century | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 8042, 0.02% | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Baghdad | |
| Religions | |
| Sikhism | |
| Languages | |
| Iraqi Arabic • Punjabi · Hindi • Urdu |
Sikhism has a historical presence because of travels byGuru Nanak throughout the region, and Sikh soldiers stationed in Iraq duringWorld War I andWorld War II.[1]
It is estimated that there are 8045 Sikhs currently living in Iraq, forming 0.02% of the population[2]
Guru Nanak travelled vast distances in four major journeys with hisMuslimMinstrel,Bhai Mardana. During the western Udasi (journey), he travelled across the Muslim world and at one point stayed outside ofBaghdad. According to historical sources he held a dialogue with Sheikh Bahlool Dana, aSufi saint. At some point, a shrine to Guru Nanak was built alongside Bahlool Dana's tomb.[1] In the chaos following the2003 invasion of Iraq looters or vandals stripped the monument of religious texts and a plaque commemorating the meeting.[1]
The Monument still exists but condition of the structure is not good, people reside nearby call thisBaba Nanak Shrine, it is close to Al Muthunna near to Baghdad. Guru Nanak is traditionally locally known asNanak Peer in Iraq.[3][4]
![[icon]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aWiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This sectionneeds expansion. You can help byadding to it.(February 2011) |
During both World Wars, Sikh soldiers in theBritish Army were posted in Iraq. DuringWorld War I, the shrine to Guru Nanak was rediscovered by a Sikh captain, Dr Kirpal Singh, after having been forgotten for centuries. In the early 1930s, Sikh soldiers repaired the shrine and during World War II continued its upkeep.[1]
Rare is a saint who has travelled and preached as widely as Guru Nanak Dev. He was known as Nanakachraya in Sri Lanka, Nanak Lama in Tibet, Guru Rimpochea in Sikkim, Nanak Rishi in Nepal, Nanak Peer in Baghdad, Wali Hind in Mecca, Nanak Vali in Misar, Nanak Kadamdar in Russia, Baba Nanak in Iraq, Peer Balagdaan in Mazahar Sharif and Baba Foosa in China, said Dr S S Sibia, director of Sibia Medical Centre.
 | ThisSikhism-related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
