BIC NEW YORK, United States — The worldwide Baha'i community has learned that the house of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, in Baghdad, Iraq – a profoundly sacred site known as the Most Great House – has been destroyed. The precise circumstances surrounding the demolition are not yet clear.

Bani Dugal, the Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations said: "This deplorable act has robbed people throughout the world of a priceless piece of their spiritual heritage."

"While the details are not yet clear, there should be no doubt as to the Baha'i community's strength of feeling about this terrible and shocking deed", she continued.

"The Baha'is of the world are, of course, heartbroken by the news. Yet, as always, they remain positive and focused on their efforts to promote peace and contribute to the betterment of their communities", she added.

The Most Great House was Baha'u'llah's place of residence for much of the time of His exile from Iran to Baghdad, Iraq. The site is located close to the banks of the River Tigris.