One of them is Haci Akyurek, who lost his dog seven months ago. “I wanted my dog to be buried in Amsterdam because I live in Amsterdam myself. But I couldn’t find a place anywhere. Everywhere, it’s full.”
Cremation is not an option for Akyurek and many other Muslims. “We Muslims believe, we came from earth and we also have to go back to earth.” In addition, he thinks it is important to be able to get to the grave. “Once every two or three weeks I come here on Saturday morning. Then I will talk to her here. I tell what happened and how my life is doing.”
Maikel Zonneveld owns the animal cemetery. “I think forty percent of my customers have a Muslim background at the moment.” He points out that an animal cemetery in Amsterdam has recently been lifted. “I think that that is why A lot of customers now choose me. “