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Historical view of Baghdad and the Tigris River.

Bahá’u’lláh declares His mission

Bahá’u’lláh had been in Baghdad for ten years. Fearing that His growing acclaim would re-ignite popular enthusiasm in Iran for the new religion, the regime of the Shah successfully pressed the Ottoman authorities to send Him farther away.

In April 1863, before leaving Baghdad for Constantinople (Istanbul), Bahá’u’lláh and His companions camped in a garden on the banks of the Tigris River for twelve days. Bahá’u’lláh told these few friends that He was the Promised One foretold by the Báb — foretold, indeed, in all the world's scriptures. Today, the most joyous of Bahá’í holy days is the Ridván Festival, which celebrates the anniversary of those twelve days.

Photo 5 of 5: Historical view of Baghdad and the Tigris River.
The Bahá’í Faith
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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.

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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.

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The official news website of the worldwide Bahá’í community.
Bahá’í Media Bank
Photographs available for downloading.
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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.
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Historical view of Baghdad and the Tigris River.
Historical view of Baghdad and the Tigris River. (Effie Baker, c. 1930)