Preparation for Convention
Delegates visit the prison in Akka where Baha’u’llah was incarcerated for a period of over two years.
Inside the prison is a spot where Mirza Mihdi, one of Baha’u’llah’s sons, fell from a skylight on the roof and passed away. Mirza Mihdi’s wish upon his deathbed was that pilgrims would be able to attain the presence of his Father. Delegates gathered at this spot before entering the prison cell where Baha’u’llah was incarcerated.
In the old city of Akka
Delegates visit the prison where Baha’u’llah was once held.
The House of Abbud in Akka, a residence occupied by Baha’u’llah from 1873–77, was another Holy Place visited by delegates today.
A delegate looks out of a window of a room adjacent to the cell that Baha’u’llah once occupied.
The narrow alleys of old Akka
In the prison where Baha’u’llah was once held, delegates offer prayers before visiting His cell.
Delegates listen to the story of Mirza Mihdi’s fall from a skylight and his tragic death.
The spot where Mirza Mihdi fell to his death.
Delegates approach the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Bahji.
Following a visit to the prison in Akka where Baha’u’llah was once held for two years and two months
The prison in Akka, called “The Most Great Prison” by Baha’u’llah
A delegate offers prayers at the spot where Mirza Mihdi fell to his death.
In the days before International Convention, delegates have a chance to visit Baha’i Holy Places in Haifa and Akka. Here a delegate stands on the balcony of the Mansion of Bahji.
Two delegates sit in the gardens outside the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Bahji.
Delegates leave the prison in Akka
Delegates from Switzerland enjoy the gardens in Bahji
Among those present for International Convention are Baha’is from all across the world. Here, two indigenous Bolivian delegates get ready to board a bus to begin a day of visiting Holy Places.
In the citadel of the prison
Delegates from Southeast Asia
The Ridvan Garden, located outside the city of Akka, was rented by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in 1875 and prepared for Baha’u’llah’s use. Baha’u’llah visited this garden many times during the latter part of His life.
The House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha, where Abdu’l-Baha lived from1896-1910. Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, was born here.
Delegates visit the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
Delegates from Cambodia sit together in Bahji
A delegate prays in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Bahji
Prayers are offered outside the Shrine of Baha’u’llah by delegates to the 12th International Baha’i Convention. In the days prior to the convention, representatives from some 166 countries have been preparing themselves spiritually for the election of the Universal House of Justice.
A delegate from Gabon prays in the gardens in Bahji
The House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
The Garden of Ridvan—“Ridvan” means paradise
Delegates enter the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha to visit and pray in the Holy Place where Abdu’l-Baha lived for several years
The House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
Delegates visit the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
The House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
A delegate from Switzerland enters the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
Delegates made visits to the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha in groups
Delegates at the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
Outside of the House of ‘Abdu’llah Pasha
Delegates sit around the fountain at the Garden of Ridvan
Delegates visit the Monument Gardens on Mount Carmel.
The period of spiritual preparation before International Convention included visits to Baha’i Holy Places in Haifa and Akka and the sacred Shrines on Mount Carmel and in Bahji.
Delegates visit the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa
At the House of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa
The resting place of Ruhiyyih Khanum in Haifa
A delegate approaches the House of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa
Delegates visit the House of ‘Abdu’l-Baha—the residence ‘Abdu’l-Baha occupied during the last years of His life
During the days preceding International Convention, delegates visited Baha’i Holy Places in Haifa and Akka in groups.
The House of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Haifa
The terraces below the Shrine of the Bab
