(The Baha'i World 1950-1954)

Tea House and Fellowship House, Green Acre, USA - 1924

Tea House, Green Acre, Maine, USA, 1924

Fellowship House, Green Acre, Maine, USA, 1924

Outskirts of Shiraz where the Bab often walked

(The Baha'i World 1930-1932)

First Baha'i Center in Mwalok Village, Sokehs, Ponape, Micronesia, - 1972

Partial group of the friends attending the dedication of the first Baha'i Center in Mwalok Village, Sokehs, Ponape, Micronesia, in 1972. Hand of the Cause Featherstone is the back row. 

(Baha'i News, August 1972)

Western Pilgrim House in Haifa - 1927

The northern flower gardens around the Shrine of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, Akka - 1924

(Star of the West, vol. 18, no. 7, October 1927)

'Abdu'l-Baha's House in 'Akka - 1898

'Abdu'l-Baha's House in 'Akka: where in 1898 He received the first pilgrims from the West -- Lua and Edward Getsinger. Photo by Effie Baker (1925). 
(Star of the West, vol.16, no. 5, August 1925)

The Reason for the Appearance of a Manifestation of God in a Given Place

The reason for the appearance of a Manifestation of God in a given place is not to honor a particular people or nation. Shoghi Effendi indicates a quite different reason in The Advent of Divine Justice and, more concisely, in a letter to an individual written on his behalf on 23 January 1944:

“The ever-recurring miracle in the establishment of every religion is that such poor instruments accomplish the work of God. It is to demonstrate the fact that God is the power that overcomes every obstacle, and that Revelations are divine in origin, that leads Him to always choose the worst people among whom to manifest His Messenger and the most obscure and helpless of the population -- relatively speaking -- to establish the foundations of His Faith. The Baha'i Dispensation is no exception to this rule, as you yourself have observed.”

Beyond these points is the fact that God, the Almighty Creator, does not have to justify His choice of a race or nationality from which to raise up a Manifestation. As all sacred scriptures tell us, He does as He wills and shall not be asked of His doing, and we bow in humility before Him. Besides, as you must know, conceptions of race, nation, oriental, occidental, and the like reflect earthly limitations and are not qualifications attached to the reality of the soul in the limitless realms of God. 

- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual Baha’i, dated 27, October, 1986; ‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001)

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (the Baha’i Temple) in Chicago “marks the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth."

"A most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence," are 'Abdu'l-Bahá's own words, predicting the release of spiritual forces that must accompany the completion of this most hallowed House of Worship. "From that point of light," He, further glorifying that edifice, has written, "the spirit of teaching ... will permeate to all parts of the world." And again: "Out of this Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, without doubt, thousands of Mashriqu'l-Adhkars will be born." "It marks the inception of the Kingdom of God on earth." 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘Citadel of Faith’)

The house of 'Abdu'l-Baha in Haifa, as it appeared in His days

(The Baha'i World 1954-1963)

The Guardian loved Africa

Africa, an untapped reservoir of spiritual potency and capacity, was the focal point of the beloved Guardian's Ten Year Crusade [1953-1963]. So important was its role in the development of the Plan and such joy did these victories bring to the heart of Shoghi Effendi during the latter years of his life, that Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum placed the continent of Africa in the most prominent position on the globe that surmounts the pillar above his grave. The significance of Africa in the history of the Baha'i Faith has thus been recorded for all time. 

- Violette Nakhjavani  (‘The Great African Safari’)

Heart of the Arc on Mount Carmel

Did you know that the “far-flung arc” on mount Carmel that accommodates the buildings of the Universal House of Justice, the International Teaching Center, the Center for the Study of the Text, and the International Archives, “surround(s) the resting-places of the Greatest Holy Leaf, ranking as foremost among the members of her sex in the Bahá'í Dispensation, of her Brother, offered up as a ransom by Bahá'u'lláh for the quickening of the world and its unification, and of their Mother, proclaimed by Him to be His chosen "consort in all the worlds of God". (Shoghi Effendi, ‘Messages to the Baha’i World 1950—57’; the Compilation of Compilations vol. I). This really highlights the incredible spiritual stations of these “three incomparably precious souls who, next to the three Central Figures of our Faith, tower in rank above the vast multitude of the heroes, Letters, martyrs, Hands, teachers and administrators of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh …” (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America'; ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I’)

Places visited by the Báb

Mount Carmel as of 1926

Looking up the slope of Mount Carmel, circa 1926. The Holy Tomb of the Bab and 'Abdu'l-Baha is seen behind the large white building in center. 

(The Baha'i World 1926-1928)

Another view of the Sacred Shrine as seen from the main street of Haifa leading up to the terraces below the Tomb 

(The Baha'i World 1926-1928)

Heart of the Planet

The World Center of the Faith located in Israel “geographically, spiritually and administratively, constitutes the heart of the entire planet..” 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘Messages to America’; ‘The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I’)

Religious Temples should be viewed as symbols of the divine uniting force

Among the institutes of the Holy Books is that of the foundation of places of worship. That is to say, an edifice or temple is to be built in order that humanity might find a place of meeting, and this is to be conducive to unity and fellowship among them. The real temple is the very Word of God; for to it all humanity must turn, and it is the center of unity for all mankind. It is the collective center, the cause of accord and communion of hearts, the sign of the solidarity of the human race, the source of eternal life. Temples are the symbols of the divine uniting force so that when the people gather there in the House of God they may recall the fact that the law has been revealed for them and that the law is to unite them. They will realize that just as this temple was founded for the unification of mankind, the law preceding and creating it came forth in the manifest Word. Jesus Christ, addressing Peter, said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." This utterance was indicative of the faith of Peter, signifying: This faith of thine, O Peter, is the very cause and message of unity to the nations; it shall be the bond of union between the hearts of men and the foundation of the oneness of the world of humanity.

1930s: Memorial to the King of the Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs, Isfahan, Iran

(The Baha'i World 1946-1950)

Baha'i Center, Hobart, Tasmania, cica 1949 - 63 Elizabeth Street

(The Baha'i World 1946-1950)

Baha'i National Center, India, circa 1948

(The Baha'i World 1946-1950)

1910: Chicago

Chicago Temple - interior

Cities of Europe and North America Visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha during 1911-1913

Europe: Thonon-les-Bains, Switzerland; Paris, France; Stuttgart, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; London, England; Clifton, England; Byfleet, England; Oxford, England; Edinburgh, Scotland

USA: New York, N.Y.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, Md.; Chicago, Illinois; Kenosha, Wis.; Cleveland, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Montclair, N. J.; West Englewood, N.J.; Jersey City, N.J.; Cambridge, Mass.; Boston, Mass.; Malden, Mass.; Medford, Mass.; Fanwood, N.J.; Morristown, N.J.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Dublin, N.H.; Green Acre, Eliot, Maine; Minneapolis, Minn.; St. Paul, Minn.; Denver, Colo.; Oakland, Calif.; Palo Alto, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; Sacramento, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah.; Pasadena, Calif.

Canada: Montreal, Quebec

(‘Baha’i Year Book 1925-1926’)

The Greatest Divine Institute – the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar

The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar [Baha’i temple] is the most important matter and the greatest divine institute. Consider how the first institute of his holiness Moses, after his exodus from Egypt was the 'Tent of Martyrdom' which he raised and which was the traveling temple. It was a tent which they pitched in the desert wherever they abode, and worshipped in it. Likewise, after his holiness Christ - May the spirit of the world be a sacrifice to Him - the first institute by the disciples was a temple. They planned a church in every country. Consider the Gospel, (i.e., read it), and the importance of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar will become evident. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Quoted in ‘Baha’i Year Book 1925-1926’)

Why do Baha'i Temples have nine sides?

Nine is the highest digit, hence symbolizes comprehensiveness, culminations; also, the reason it is used in the Temple's form is because 9 has exact numerical value of ' Baha' (in the numerology connected with the Arabic alphabet) and ' Baha' is the name of the Revealer of our Faith, Bahá'u'lláh.

The 9-pointed star is not a part of the teachings of our Faith, but only used as an emblem representing '9'. In telling people of the 9 religions of the world, that is existing religions, we should not give this as the reason the Temple has nine sides. This may have been an idea of the architect, and a very pleasing idea, which can be mentioned in passing, but the Temple has 9 sides because of the association of 9 with perfection, unity and ' Baha'. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; ‘Directives from the Guardian’)

1979: Seat of the Universal House of Justice under construction

(Baha'i News, March 1979)

Interior of room occupied by Baha'u'llah in Takur, Mazindaran, Persia

Haifa 1953

June 17, 1975: Excavation begins at site of Universal House of Justice Building

Joyfully announce commencement excavation site Universal House of Justice Building arc Mount Carmel. Contract removal forty thousand cubic meters rock and earth at cost approximately two hundred thousand dollars. Invite all believers contribute unstintingly building fund ensure uninterrupted progress historic undertaking.

Universal House of Justice

June 17, 1975

(Baha'i News, July 1975)

Work started on the construction of the Universal House of Justice Building in the heart of Mount Carmel. In the left background is the Archives Building and in the right background is the Shrine of the Báb.

January 1975: Bahamas National Haziratu'l-Quds

Negotiations for the acquisition of a building which is considered a landmark by Bahamian citizens were completed in Nassau at the end of January [1975], during a visit by Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. The structure, built by a former prime minister of the country, will serve as the National Haziratu'l-Quds of the Bahamas. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Nassau, the building is situated on a spacious lot which also includes a number of smaller buildings. It is well-landscaped and attractive, with a covered archway leading along the side of the building from the front to the back area. The visit of Mr. Mitchell also provided an opportunity for extensive proclamation of the Faith, with a half-hour program taped by Carl Bethel, program director of the government-owned radio station, WZNS, and an hour-long visit with Leon Turnquest, editor of the Nasseu Guardian.

(Baha’i News, February, 1975)

Chicago Temple Foundation Hall as it appeared in 1922-1930

(Baha'i News, November, 1974)

First Baha'i meeting place in Australia

Mr. and Mrs. Dunn's first flat in Avoca Street, Randwick, Sydney, N.S.W. First Baha'i meeting-place in Australia. 

(The Baha'i World, 1932-1934)

The Mansion of Bahji as of 1900s

The Mansion of Baha'u'llah at Bahji as it appeared during the time of the first pilgrimage of the Western believers in the early 1900s. 

(Baha'i News March 1976)

'Abdu'l-Baha's bedroom, Plaza Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, USA, April, 1912

(The Baha'i World 1932-1934)

One of the places Baha'u'llah stayed during His period of retirement

Takyiy-i-Mawlana Khalid in Sulaymaniyyih, Iraq, where Baha'u'llah stayed during His period of retirement.

(The Baha'i World 1932-1934)

The ‘Ark’ (Citadel) of Tabriz, Persia, where the Báb was confined in 1848

(The Baha'i World 1930-1932)

City of Tabriz, Persia, circa 1935

Green Acre in Eliot, Main, USA becomes one of the first Baha’i summer schools in the Western Hemisphere

Sanctified by a native peace pipe ceremony in 1894, the Sarah Farmer Inn, near the banks of the Piscataqua river in Eliot, Maine, became a conference facility for a variety of courses, including transcendentalism, evolution and comparative religion. Its open-minded atmosphere attracted people of many religions, cultures, and races. It provided a peaceful setting for fostering fellowship, understanding and unity.

After her pilgrimage to ‘Akka in 1900, Sarah Farmer, made the facilities at the disposal of the followers of the Faith which she had herself recently embraced. The center attracted many Baha’i speakers including some very famous like, Mirza Abu’l-Fadl in 1902. In 1912 Green Acre became specially blessed by the footsteps of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Who spent a week there and gave a number of talks. In one of them on August 17 He indicated that “In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts and binding together the East and the West. This is my hope. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 264). It is reported that ‘Abdu’l-Baha further indicated that one day Green Acre would become the site of the first Baha'i University and the second Baha'i Temple in the United States. The room in which ‘Abdu’l-Baha stayed is reserved nowadays for prayers and meditation.

1969: Bahji from the air

Bahji from the air looking northeast, 1969

(Baha'i News April 1969)

April 21, 1922: Shrines of both Baha'u'llah and the Bab were electrically illuminated for the first time

On the first day of Ridvan [1922], although Shoghi Effendi himself had left Haifa, the Shrines of both Baha'u'llah and the Bab were electrically illuminated for the first time, pursuant to arrangements made before the Master's ascension, but, again, supervised by Shoghi Effendi himself. 

- Ruhiyyih Khanum  ('The Priceless Pearl')

The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in 'Ishqabad, extensively damaged by violent earthquakes in 1948, was demolished in 1963 by the Russian authorities for safety reasons

A message from the Universal House of Justice:

August 25, 1963

To the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'í World

Dear Bahá'í friends,

The whole Bahá'í World will be grief-stricken at the news of the sad fate which has overtaken the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in 'Ishqabad, the first Temple raised to the glory of Bahá'u'lláh. [The temple was located in Turkmenistan, near the Iranian border, north of the Iranian province of Khurasan ] Due to its unsafe condition, resulting from earthquakes, the building has been entirely demolished and the site cleared.

The building of this edifice, the only structure of its kind to be raised and completed in the lifetime of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, was described by the beloved Guardian as "a lasting witness to the fervour and the self-sacrifice of the Oriental believers." This "enterprise," the Guardian further wrote, "must rank not only as the first major undertaking launched through the concerted efforts of His followers in the Heroic Age of His Faith, but as one of the most brilliant and enduring achievements in the history of the first Bahá'í century."[GPB, p. 300. The first Bahá'í century ended in 1944.]

The Bahá'í centre in 'Ishqabad was founded in the days of Bahá'u'lláh. Already during His lifetime preliminary steps had been adopted by the friends of that community to build, in accordance with the provisions of the Most Holy Book, a Mashriqu'l- Adhkar.[The Most Holy Book is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá'u'lláh's book of laws]

The room Bahá'u'lláh was born in

This is the room Bahá'u'lláh was said to be born in, appropriately between dawn and sunrise, November 12, 1817. It was the main parlor of the house of His father in Tihran. Panes in the upper window are colored red, blue, yellow and green. 

(Source: 'Land of Resplendent Glory', by the International Baha'i Audio-Visual Centre, 1971)

The Most Great Prison in Akka as seen in 1907

The Most Great Prison in Akka, Israel. This photo was taken by the late Hand of the Cause, Roy C. Wilhelm in 1907 

(Baha'i News, January 1965)

Baha’u’llah rented a house in Baghdad

Baha'u'llah arrived in Baghdad on 8 April 1853. The journey from Tehran had been very difficult and had lasted three months. After a few days in Baghdad, Baha'u'llah moved to Kazimayn, a Shi'i shrine city which at that time was some five kilometers north-west of Baghdad (it has since become incorporated into the city). The Iranian consul suggested to him that since Kazimayn tended to be full of rather fanatical elements, it would be safer for Baha'u'llah if he lived in Baghdad itself in the mainly Persian-speaking quarters on the west bank of the Tigris river. Baha'u'llah consented to this and rented a house there.  

- Moojan Momen  ('Baha’u’llah A Short Biography')

Bahá'u'lláh's Father's House in Tihran

The Tomb of Baha'u'llah at Bahji, in the years immediately following His ascension

(The Baha'i World 1932-1934)

1912: ‘Abdu’l-Baha lays the cornerstone of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in Wilmette

May 1st was a remarkable day, a day of very high distinction: 'Abdu'l-Baha laid the foundation-stone of the Mother Temple of the West. At Wilmette on the shores of Lake Michigan ample land had been purchased. On the site chosen for the construction of the Temple, a large tent had been raised and here, after inspecting the grounds, 'Abdu'l-Baha took His place to speak. He said:

“The power which has gathered you here today notwithstanding the cold and windy weather is indeed mighty and wonderful. It is the power of God, the divine favour of Baha'u'llah which has drawn you together. We praise God that through His constraining love human souls are assembled and associated in this way.

Thousands of Mashriqu’l-Aadhkars, dawning-points of praise and mentionings of God for all religionists will be built in the Orient and Occident, but this being the first one erected in the Occident has great importance. In the future there will be many here and elsewhere; in Asia, Europe, even in Africa, New Zealand and Australia;* but this edifice in Chicago is of especial significance ..."

'Akka -- May, 1967

'Akka from the air, looking west over the Mediterranean. Most Great Prison shown in center, Mosque to lower left. Photo taken in May, 1967.

Mount Carmel as it appeared to the first American pilgrims in 1898

Mount Carmel as it appeared to the first American pilgrims to visit 'Abdu'l-Baha in 1898. The building at the foot and on the left marks the place where Elijah, the Prophet, found shelter. On the summit is a convent. 

(Baha'i News, December 1971)

The Garden of Ridvan

Entrance to the Garden of Ridvan where Baha'u'llah declared His Mission in 1863 and after twelve days departed for Constantinople. ... The beauty of this garden is apparent through its service to humanity -- that is, it was a hospital then and two successive governments have used it similarly  ... [as] a center where bodily ailments are healed. 

(The Baha'i World 1926-1928)

Bahá'u'lláh's ancestral home in Takur, in the district of Nur

Baha’u’llah usually spent His summers as a boy at his ancestral home in Takur. He also visited it later in life before being exiled from Iran.