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The setting

The life of Bahá’u’lláh and the events associated with the birth of a new revelation from God unfolded in the 19th century in the Islamic world of Iran and the Ottoman Empire.

The stern control of those two central powers dictated Bahá’u’lláh’s movements His entire life, starting in what was then called Persia, where He was born.

Map with overlay depicting the approximate boundaries of Iran and the Ottoman Empire in 1850 and the route of Bahá’u’lláh’s forced exile from His home in Tehran to the prison city of ‘Akká.
Map with overlay depicting the approximate boundaries of Iran and the Ottoman Empire in 1850 and the route of Bahá’u’lláh’s forced exile from His home in Tehran to the prison city of ‘Akká. Map with modern names and borders.
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.
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The route of Bahá’u’lláh’s banishment across Iran and the Ottoman Empire superimposed over the major cities and boundaries of countries today.(Bahá'í World Centre archives)