Skip to master site navigation
The barracks square of the prison. Bahá’u’lláh was first held in a room adjacent to the square and later moved to his cell on the second floor of the building in the center of the photo.

The barracks square

When they first arrived at the citadel, the exiles were taken to rooms adjoining the barracks square. The floor of one of the rooms was covered in mud, and the heat and humidity, combined with the stench of the prison, so overwhelmed Bahíyyih Khánum that she fainted.

"So filthy and brackish was the water in the pool of the courtyard that no one could drink it. Three loaves of black and salty bread were assigned to each, which they were later permitted to exchange, when escorted by guards to the market, for two of better quality. Subsequently they were allowed a mere pittance as substitute for the allotted dole of bread. All fell sick, except two, shortly after their arrival. Malaria, dysentery, combined with the sultry heat, added to their miseries."(18)

Photo 9 of 34: The barracks square of the prison. Bahá’u’lláh was first held in a room adjacent to the square and later moved to his cell on the second floor of the building in the center of the photo.
Other Bahá’í Sites
The Bahá’í Faith
The official website of the worldwide Bahá’í community.
Bahá’í Reference Library
A website containing authoritative writings and guidance of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, as well as other Bahá’í texts.
The Universal House of Justice
An official website of the Bahá’í Faith that provides information about the Universal House of Justice and makes available selected statements and letters which have been written by it or prepared under its supervision.
Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
The official international website for the bicentenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, showing glimpses of the world-wide celebrations of this historic event.
A Widening Embrace
A documentary film about the community-building efforts of the Baha’i world.

National Bahá’í Communities
A page containing links to the websites of many national Bahá’í communities from around the world.
Light to the World
A feature film about the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Frontiers of Learning
This film captures the insights and experiences of people from four communities across the world whose efforts to build vibrant communities are at the frontiers of learning.
Arising to Serve
A film recounting highlights of the 41 regional Bahá’í conferences called by the Universal House of Justice in 2008.
Attaining the Dynamics of Growth
A selection of photographs of Bahá’í community life from around the world.

Bahá’í World News Service
The official news website of the worldwide Bahá’í community.
Bahá’í Media Bank
Photographs available for downloading.
Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office
The official website of the Bahá’í International Community’s Office at the United Nations. The site contains news and information about recent activity and provides access to BIC statements, reports, and other publications.
Close
The barracks square of the prison. Bahá’u’lláh was first held in a room adjacent to the square and later moved to his cell on the second floor of the building in the center of the photo.
The barracks square of the prison. Bahá’u’lláh was first held in a room adjacent to the square and later moved to his cell on the second floor of the building in the center of the photo. (Bahá'í World Centre archives, c. 1920)