Muslim Cemetery (Mizar) in Bohoniki

The Muslim cemetery (mizar) in Bohoniki (bo-ho-NEE-kee) is the largest surviving mizar in Poland. It dates from the 18th century, covers about 2 hectares, and was declared a Polish Historic Monument in 2012. It lies in a pine forest in the village of Bohoniki, in the Podlasie region near Sokółka and the Belarus border, and it is one of the most important memorials of Poland's Tatar community. It is a place for quiet reflection, not a typical tourist attraction.

Who the Tatars are and why this matters

Polish Tatars are a Muslim community that has lived in the borderlands of the old Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth for centuries. Their mizars, mosques and traditions make up a distinct part of the culture of northeastern Poland. This cemetery is one of the best places to see that heritage, and it is protected within the Bohoniki cultural park.

History

The cemetery was founded in the 18th century. The oldest legible gravestone dates from 1786, and about thirty stones from the second half of the 19th century survive. The oldest graves have two stones, at the head and the foot, but their inscriptions are now illegible. A presidential regulation of October 22, 2012 made the mizar a Historic Monument (Pomnik historii).

What to see

• The gate, with inscriptions in Arabic, Belarusian and Polish.
• Old stone gravestones edged with fieldstones, among the pines.
• The layout of the graves: they are placed so that the right side of the deceased faces Mecca, which means south here. Tradition says the soul leaves the body through the right side.

This is an active cemetery. Dress modestly, stay on the paths, do not step on graves, keep your voice down and do not photograph ceremonies without permission. These are general courtesy tips, not an official rulebook.

How long to plan and who it suits

Plan 30-45 minutes. Combine it with the nearby mosque in Bohoniki (about 500 m away, a separate site) and other stops on the Tatar Trail, such as Kruszyniany. It suits history and culture lovers, as long as they treat the place with respect. The ground is forested and uneven, so wheelchair users may find some paths difficult.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

We could not confirm official hours or fees. The cemetery is open and free to enter, but check with the Muslim Religious Community in Bohoniki for current details. Signs are mostly in Polish, and the currency is the zloty (PLN).

How to get here

Bohoniki is a few miles from Sokółka, about one hour by car from Białystok, which is the nearest large city. Public transport is limited, and a car is the easiest option. A paved parking area is visible in front of the gate.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you want to understand Poland's Muslim Tatar heritage in a quiet, authentic setting. Add the mosque and Kruszyniany for a full day on the Tatar Trail.

Nearby

The Bohoniki mosque, the mosque and mizar in Kruszyniany, the Tatar boulder in Maławicze Górne and the collegiate church in Sokółka.