Baha'is celebrate anniversary of their faith

The house of the Bab in Shiraz, Iran, where the Bab announced that He had come to herald a new age for humanity, was destroyed by Revolutionary Guardsmen in 1979. It was one of the most holy sites to Baha'is.

HAIFA, Israel, 21 May 2007 (BWNS) -- May 23 marks the anniversary of the night in 1844 when a young man in Persia named Siyyid Ali-Muhammad quietly announced that He was a Messenger of God, come to herald a new age for the world of humanity that would fulfill prophecy for Christians, Muslims, and followers of other religions.
For the people who are now Baha'is, it was the birth of their religion.
Baha'i communities around the world celebrate the anniversary with special devotional programs and gatherings on the evening of May 22. Believers suspend work, and children and youth take off from school.
A 25-year-old merchant at the time of His declaration in 1844, Siyyid Ali-Muhammad became known as the Bab, which is Arabic for "gate." He said His mission was to prepare the way for a universal Messenger of God who would soon appear, as predicted in the scriptures of the world's major religions. One of the followers of the Bab, later known as Baha'u'llah, announced in 1863 that He was that Messenger.
Baha'is consider both the Bab and Baha'u'llah to be founders of their faith.
The Bab's declaration of His station was made in the city of Shiraz in what is now Iran. He almost immediately attracted a large following, which governmental and religious authorities found threatening. Some 20,000 of His followers were killed, and the Bab Himself was executed by firing squad in 1850 in the northern Iranian city of Tabriz. His remains are entombed in Haifa in a beautiful, golden-domed shrine surrounded by gardens on the side of Mount Carmel.
BWN-SW-07 05 21 -1-DECLARATIONOFTHEBAB07-547-N

Tribute to the His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II,
king of SAMOA

Bahaism
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3835

The article lists the Baha'i Faith as the second-fastest-growing religion in the world, after Islam, with the following comment:
Bahaism
Growth rate: 1.70 percent
Adherents: 7.7 million
Behind the trend: High birthrates in India
Areas to watch: Bahais are spread throughout the world, but a good chunk—around 1.8 million—live in India. The Bahai faith, an offshoot of Islam, was founded in 1863 in Iran by Bahá’u’lláh, who claimed to be the latest in a line of prophets stretching from Abraham to Jesus Christ to Mohammed. Today, Bahais often suffer persecution in the Middle East; it probably doesn’t help matters that the world headquarters of the Bahai faith are in Haifa, Israel.
It is based on a Christian project:
*Growth rates over the period from 2000 to 2005; all figures from the nondenominational World Christian Database, a project of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

BAHA'IS ELECT NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES

GIZO, Solomon Islands, 16 May 2007 (BWNS) -- Surrounded by a tent community
of refugees from the recent earthquake and tsunami, the Baha'is of the
Solomon Islands forged ahead with their annual convention where they elected
the nine members of the national governing council of their faith.

When the earthquake hit the South Pacific on April 2 and the resulting
tsunami crashed into the Solomon Islands, a number of people from the area
were at a meeting at the Baha'i center in Gizo, a small provincial capital.

The Baha'i center there happens to be on a mountain -- the highest point on
that particular island -- so no one at the meeting was hurt, but a number of
participants returned home to find their villages destroyed. The young
granddaughter of a Baha'i couple was among the 28 people who died.

Since then, families have camped on the property of the Baha'i center --
which had already been designated the venue for the annual national Baha'i
convention April 27-29. Delegates to the convention said that far from
dampening the spirit of the meeting, the presence of the refugees created a
warm and loving atmosphere for the gathering.

"The friends have manifested nobility, patience, and radiant acquiescence in
enduring their hardship," the delegates wrote in a message from the
convention. The refugees -- who are receiving aid from their national Baha'i
organization, from the government and from international relief agencies --
are now in the process of rebuilding their homes or looking to relocate.

The newly elected governing council, called the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Baha'is of the Solomon Islands, was one of 178 similar institutions
formed in nations and territories around the world in recent weeks. Baha'i
annual conventions are traditionally held in late April during the period
known as Ridvan, commemorating Baha'u'llah's declaration of His mission in
1863.

At national conventions in other countries:

-- In Auckland, New Zealand, Baha'is marked the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of their National Spiritual Assembly. At a special event held
at the Auckland Museum, 600 people - including a number of international
visitors and guests - heard congratulatory remarks by the governor general,
Anand Satyanand, and a keynote address by a Baha'i speaker, Murray Smith.

-- In Paraguay, special note was made that some of the elected delegates
were very young; similarly, a message from the convention in Venezuela said
their new National Assembly "shines for the diversity of the age and
ethnicity of its members."

-- Delegates at a number of the conventions sent messages conveying support
for Baha'is in Iran and Egypt, where government persecution is resulting in
the denial of education and other rights of citizenship to followers of the
Baha'i Faith.

At virtually all the conventions around the globe, participants read and
consulted about the annual message from the Universal House of Justice, the
international governing body of the Baha'i Faith. Referred to as the Ridvan
2007 message, it stressed the importance of teaching the Baha'i Faith and of
systematic grassroots programs that involve increasing numbers of people in
study circles, devotional programs, and activities for children and young
teenagers.

Individuals in each country who this year were elected to their Baha'i
National Assembly will serve next year as delegates to the International
Convention, held every five years in Haifa, Israel, where the world
headquarters of the Baha'i Faith is located. The purpose of that gathering
is to elect the nine members of the Universal House of Justice and to
consult on the affairs of the Baha'i Faith.

To view the photos and additional features click here:
http://news.bahai.org

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3-sw-070516-1-CONVENTION-544-S

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His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II, center, head of state of Samoa, died on 11 May 2007. He is pictured at the dedication in 1984 of the Baha'i House of Worship in his country. At right is his wife, Lili Tunu, and at left, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani.


APIA, Samoa, 14 May 2007 (BWNS) -- A state funeral is planned for 18 May for the Samoan head of state, His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II, to be followed on 20 May by a memorial service at the Baha'i House of Worship near Apia. He passed away on the evening of 11 May in a hospital in Apia.
A follower of the Baha'i Faith, he was one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world. He was 94 years old.
"His service to the people of Samoa as Head of State was distinguished by the high principles, genuine compassion and personal humility that characterized the constancy of his concern for the welfare of all," the Universal House of Justice, the international Baha'i governing body, said in a statement to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Samoa.
"As the first reigning sovereign to accept the Message of Baha'u'llah, he set a record that will forever illumine the annals of our Faith, one that future generations will increasingly extol," the House of Justice said. "His great interest for well-nigh four decades in the Faith's progress was reflected in the enthusiastic affirmation of his belief whenever the opportunity presented itself and in the abiding joy with which he regarded the construction in 1984 of the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands in Samoa...."

.He himself participated in the dedication of that temple, one of only seven such Baha'i houses of worship in the world. The other six, located in Australia, India, Germany, Uganda, the United States, and Panama, will also hold services in his memory.
He had been head of state since the country gained independence from New Zealand in 1962.
The state funeral will be at 10 a.m. on 18 May in front of the Parliament Building, with a government-organized prayer service the day before. Entombment will be in the Malietoa Family crypt a few meters from the Parliament building.
The memorial service at the Baha'i House of Worship near Apia will be on 20 May, organized by the Baha'i assembly. Earlier, on 13 May, a prayer service was held, attended by more than 200 Baha'is, family, friends, government officials, and representatives of churches and the diplomatic community.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark was one of the first to offer condolences. "Throughout his long reign as Head of State, Malietoa represented Samoa with wisdom, humor, and insight," she said in comments published in the New Zealand Herald.
His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II was born on 4 January 1913. His wife, Lili Tunu, died in 1986. They have two sons and two daughters.
Samoa comprises several islands in the South Pacific about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. The population is about 200,000.
bwn-sw-07 05 14 -1-SAMOAMONARCH-543-N

Please offer “Prayers for the departed” for this valiant soul of Baha’u’llah.




The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Samoa Announces the Passing of Esteemed Baha'i, The Malietoa Tanumafili II, the King of Samoa
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF SAMOA
11 May 2007
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
With grieving hearts we inform you that His Highness Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II has passed away around 8.20pm tonight Friday 11 May, 2007 at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital Apia Samoa.
We kindly request your prayers for the progress of his soul.
Warmest Bahá’í greetings,The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Samoa

His Majesty The Malietoa Tanumafili II was born on the 4th January 1913 and became the King of Western Samoa in 1939. In 1962 Samoa gained independence from New Zealand and he became Samoa's joint Head of State with Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole, who passed away the following year leaving Malietoa as the sole head of state up until his own passing.

He was the oldest serving head of state in the world, and also the only living monarch who was a member of the Bahá'í Faith. He visited the grave of the beloved Guardian in London in 1976, and dedicated the Baha'i House of Worship in Tiapapata, Samoa, in 1984.
TV ONENews NZ carried a story on the passing of the Malietoa, which included a moving 2-minute video review of his life by commentators, family and fellow Samoans. As was characteristic of his gentle, humble nature, when asked why he didn't call himself a king, he replied, "Because in Samoa everyone's a king." His membership as a Baha'i was noted in the video.

The story and video, available at http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1120039, reports: The oldest serving leader in the world, Samoa's head of state, has died at the age of 94 after leading the country for 45 years.
Malietoa Tanumafili II died in hospital where he was admitted about a week ago.
Malietoa became the joint head of state when Samoa gained independence in 1962. He strode the world stage but always saw himself as a servant of his people.
"We haven't any big problems under his watch...and I think that says a lot about him...gentle in his speech...gentle in demeanour...and the country loved him," says family elder Papali'i Pita Taouma.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark says Malietoa has been a father figure to his people and "there will be great sorrow in Samoa today". She says his legacy will mean the Samoan people will be mourning for a while to come.
National Party leader John Key says New Zealand and Samoa have continued to enjoy strong ties during Tanumafili's reign and he was no stranger to our shores. Key says the statesman visited many times, including at the invitation of the late Maori Queen, and his passing will be mourned throughout the Pacific.
A spokesman for Samoan Advisory Council, Tino Pareira, says his death is being felt in Samoan communities around the world and especially in New Zealand. Pareira says the Samoan government has 30 days to vote on his successor.
News of Malietoa's death came as a shock to many Samoans attending Sunday church services in Auckland.
Malietoa was well known as a follower of the Baha'i faith. He attended St Stephens and Wesley colleges in New Zealand.
Taouma says Malietoa's door was always open for the smallest child to the eldest person in Samoa. "He was able to relate to them in a simple, humble way."
Malietoa's death is another changing of the old guard in the Pacific.
Actor/writer Oscar Knightley says it's a huge passing on top of so many recent leaders such as the Maori Queen and the King of Tonga.
"We're losing that generation of leaders...it's a sad thing... a real passing of a generation."

Another news outlet in New Zealand has reported the passing of Samoa’s Head of State as well http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10439457

LONG TENURE: Samoa's Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II has died aged 94.
For at least the last decade Samoans have always offered a quiet prayer when word came that Malietoa Tanumafili II was ill.


Samoa is a young nation and no one under the age of 45 had ever known the country without the fatherly leadership of Malietoa.

Now he is dead and the question of succession arrives for the first time in the history of the Independent State of Samoa.

But three years ago quiet measures were put in place to prepare for the inevitable when two men were sworn in as members of Samoa's Council of Deputies. One was former prime minister Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and the other, Tuimaleali'ifano Sualauvi II.

No one would publicly say that the appointment of these two men - who would serve as deputy head of state - was about succession and Tupua's family was deeply critical of a media report that suggested this. At the time Tupua was refusing to join the Council but a curious double-standard was involved.

Samoa's high chiefs do not like talk of succession and titles. But they themselves over a lifetime fight through the Lands and Titles Court in a manner that is barely polite.

As it is, the issue of who comes after Malietoa and how, carries important historical significance while defining the way ahead for Samoa.

One has to go back to the 19th century to see the last such battle, not least because the combined longevity of the Tanumafili puts succession beyond the living memory of any person now. Samoa has four tama-a-aiga or royal titles, heads of extended families:

Malietoa, Tamasese and Tuimaleali'ifano. The fourth, Mata'afa, has been vacant since 1997.

When Samoa was negotiating with New Zealand for independence and drafting a constitution, the question of head of state, or the 'O le Ao o le Malo', was potentially vexatious. But they came up with a joint life-term Head of State. One was Malietoa, the other was Tupua Tamasese Meole, the father of the current holder.

Under the constitution, the Fale Fono or Legislative Assembly, will elect the next head of state for a five year term.

The presumption, not stated in the constitution, is that the post will go to a 'tama-a-aiga' and a member of the Council of Deputies. But it has never been tested.

Independence came in 1962 and a year later, Tupua Tamasese died. Malietoa lived on as a very much-loved man, incorruptible, humble and funny. With his death, his most likely successor as Head of State will be Tupua Tamasese Efi. In the 1970s he served as prime minister, under the Tupuola Efi title.

He has collected a slew of paramount titles-some following protracted and unedifying legal battles. Although he says he does not want the job, he is not his own man: he must serve the thousands who eventually bestowed the royal title on him.

As a politician, Tupua enjoyed the cut-and-thrust of party politics and political debate. He is also a stickler for fa'a Samoa (or Samoan culture) and the Samoan language.

The various extended families under his titles though made no secret they did not enjoy the vision of their prince engaged in the political trenches, feeling he should be above the fray. An additional factor for Tupua has been the problem that once a politician, always a politician.

He lost his premiership to the Human Rights Protection Party, which continues to reign in Samoa, and his personal animosity for the late Prime Minister Tofilau Eti was strong.

In fact electing a new Head of State will be the easy part; head of state is a ceremonial title in which the holder must act on the advice of government.

Not so the next Malietoa, awesomely powerful with control of much of Samoa's land. The title came about nearly a thousand years ago when Samoa was under Tonga's suzerainty.

Led by two chiefs, Samoans were able to drive the occupiers off, who left with a shouted chant across the waters: 'Malie tau, malie toa' (splendidly fought, brave warriors!).

As a result, it became one of the central titles and when Europeans showed up later, it was perhaps the most interfered with of them all. The appointment of a new Malietoa will be a two-stage process. The first will involve defining those who have the pule or authority within the Sa Malietoa, the extended family, to name a successor.

By tradition, authority rests with the nine senior matai or chiefs in the village of Malie, west of Apia, in the district of Tuamasaga, on the island of Upolu. In theory, they must also consult the district of Safotulafai in Savai'i and the island of Manono.

But it will not be simple as the Sa Malietoa is large and diverse, and those excluded can be counted on going to the Lands and Titles Court at Mulinu'u, on the western side of Apia harbour. There, some brave judge will make the decision on who can make the next decision.

Thus empowered, the matai will go off and consider who will be so blessed.

Nothing is automatic, and titles do not always pass to the first born of the next generation. It will, however, take many years.

Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malietoa

SLOVAK GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES BAHA'I FAITH

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, 13 May 2007 (BWNS) -- The government of Slovakia has
officially registered the Baha'i Faith as a religious community,
guaranteeing the group the right to own property, observe holy days,
disseminate literature and engage in a host of other activities.

The recognition was the result of an application submitted by the Baha'is
which was supported by signatures of some 28,000 residents of the country.

"The registration will enable us to more effectively help and serve all
Slovak residents and make our programs more accessible to both children and
adults," Jitka Spillerova, a spokeswoman for the Slovakian Baha'is, said.
"The state guarantees registered churches and religious communities the
legal status and possibility of functioning in public life."

Recognition by the state also allows a religion to request government funds,
but Mrs. Spillerova said the Baha'is will not request such money now or in
the future because their activities are financed strictly through voluntary
contributions of enrolled members.

"We would like to thank the thousands of people who supported our
registration," Mrs. Spillerova said.

The law governing the recognition of a religious community bestows the right
to become a legal corporation; for adherents to teach their faith to others,
including as religious education in schools; to have their own schools and
universities; to hold meetings without informing the authorities; to operate
certain social or cultural establishments, including hospitals; to publish
literature; and generally to carry out activities throughout the greater
society.

Jan Juran, part of the government office involved in reviewing applications
for recognition, said factors include not only whether a religious group is
law-abiding and promotes good health and morality but also whether the
religion supports humanitarian principles and tolerance of others.

Mrs. Spillerova noted that Baha'i belief includes respect for other
religions and appreciation of diverse cultures. She said activities of the
Slovakian Baha'i community include programs of moral education for children
and youth, study courses for adults, and devotional meetings for people of
every belief.

"Our intention is to create an opportunity for people to pause in their
daily rush and think about the timeless truths that are taught by all the
world's religions and how people can apply these truths in their life," she
said.

The Baha'i Faith has had followers in what is now Slovakia since the early
20th century. It joins 17 other religious communities - the others are
Christian or Jewish - currently recognized by the government.

To view the photos and additional features click here:
http://news.bahai.org

The Passing of Malietoa Tanumafili II

His Majesty Malietoa Tanumafili II, Samoa's Head of State, died in hospital on the evening of 11th May at the aged of 95.He was the oldest serving head of state in the world, and also the only living monarch who was a member of the Bahá'í Faith.Malietoa Tanumafili II was born on the 4th January 1913 and became the King of Western Samoa in 1939.In 1962 Samoa gained independence from New Zealand and he became Samoa's joint Head of State with Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole, who passed away the following year leaving Malietoa as the sole head of state up until his own passing.

-----===-------

Samoa's king, one of world's longest reigning monarchs, dies
The Associated Press
Sunday, May 13, 2007

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa: King Malietoa Tanumafili II, one of the world's longest reigning monarchs, passed away at a hospital in Samoa, the prime minister's office said. He was 94.
Malietoa sat on the Samoan throne ever since the country, which lies west of the U.S. territory of American Samoa, gained independence from New Zealand in 1962.
That made him the world's third longest reining living monarch after Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has reigned since 1946 and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952.
The king died Friday night at Tupua Tamasese National Hospital in Apia where he had been staying for about a week. Details on the cause of death were not immediately available.
Vaasatia Poloma Komiti, chief executive officer of the prime minister's office, announced the king's passing Saturday on state-run television.
The king will lay in state in Apia, the capital, on Thursday. A church service, to be lead by the National Council of Churches, is planned for Friday morning, Komiti said.
In American Samoa, the governor said Malietoa's passing was a loss not only for Samoa but for the U.S. territory.
"His faith and love for his people helped light the flame of independence for Samoa and maintained a peaceful transition for Samoa from her difficult beginning," said Gov. Togiola T.A. Tulafono. "He was an icon of Samoan leadership, Samoan democracy, and Samoan compassion."
Many American Samoans considered the king to be the father of the two Samoas and he was a frequent visitor to the territory's annual Flag Day Festivities.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark expressed her nation's sorrow at the death of Malietoa, noting he helped frame Samoa's constitution prior to independence.
"Through his long reign as Head of State, Malietoa represented Samoa with wisdom, humor and insight," she said in a statement.
New Zealand was given responsibility for Samoa in 1917 by the then League of Nations, after the islands were seized from its colonial power, Germany, during WWI.
The king succeeded to the Malietoa title in 1940, when his father passed away. He was appointed an advisor to the New Zealand governor in Samoa the same year.
Malietoa was made the joint head of state with Tupua Tamasese Meaole when Samoa gained independence in 1962 and he became sole head of state a year later when Tupua Tamasese passed away.
He held the post for life. His successor, however, will be elected by the legislature to a five year term as stipulated in the Samoan constitution.
Malietoa was educated in Samoa at the government run Leififi School and attended St. Stephens College and Wesley College in New Zealand.
Malietoa visited China on a state visit in 1976, and traveled to West Germany, South Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom. He also traveled to Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Hawaii, and attended the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He was among the foreign dignitaries that attended the funeral service of Japanese Emperor Hirohito.
In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II visited Samoa on the Royal Yacht Britannia for one day and presented Malietoa with the Collar Badge and Star of the G.C.M.G., the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George.
Malietoa is survived by two sons and two daughters. His wife Lili Tunu passed away in 1986.
Samoa is a group of islands in the South Pacific about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Home to 200,000 people, its total land area is slightly smaller than Rhode Island.
It lies to the west of American Samoa, which became a U.S. territory in 1900.
Copyright © 2007 The International Herald Tribune www.iht.com

============================
Nouvelle incroyable.
Par Rochan MAVADDAT (France)
Vendredi 4 Mai 2007.

Ainsi que vous le savez, actuellement en Iran, tout livre ou photographie, concernant la Foi Bahà'ie, est banni.
C'est ainsi que les Forces de l'Ordre de ce pays, ont obligé certains Bahà'is iraniens à déchirer les photos de 'Abdu'l-Bahà, ou à marcher ou s'asseoir dessus (de même pour les photos des Lieux Saints Bahà'is et de la calligraphie du "Plus Grand Nom") !
[ Remarquer quelle dure épreuve doit être pour un croyant d'être forcé de s'asseoir ou de marcher sur ce qu'il a de plus sacré ! ]

Or, à l'occasion de la "Journée de l'Architecture", il a été organisée à Kâchân (Kàshàn - IRAN), ville située à 250 km au sud de Téhéran , non loin de la ville sainte de Ghom (Qom), le 23 Avril 2007, une :
.
"Commémoration à la mémoire de Shaykh Bahà'i"
Pionnier de l'Architecture traditionnelle de Kâchân.

A cette occasion, les organisateurs ont publié la photo de 'Abdu'l-Bahà sur l'affiche de cette Manifestation culturelle, croyant que c'est l'effigie de Sheikh Bahà'i, célèbre architecte, penseur et médecin iranien du 15ème siècle !


Cette affiche (voir au-dessus) est placardée dans toute la Ville de Kâchân et, ainsi, ceux qui voulaient cacher et détruire la photo de 'Abdu'l-Bahà l'ont eux-mêmes mise sous les yeux de tout le monde !

Remarquons que, en réalité, à la place de Shaykh Bahà'i, c'est 'Abdu'l-Bahà qui est présenté comme l'un des meilleurs architecte de l'Iran : ce qui est absolument vrai, puisque pour reconstruire ce pays le seul plan valable est le Plan qu'Abdu'l-Bahà donne dans ses ouvrages concernant les réformes nécessaires pour l'Iran !...

Maintenant, pourquoi cette personnalité porte le nom de " Bahà'i " ?
J'ai appris que ce savant, de son nom complet "Mohammad Shaykh Bahà-ed-Din", avait trouvé que le 100ème Nom ou Attribut de Dieu, appelé "Esm-é 'Azam" (le Plus Grand Nom), que les Musulmans attendent de connaître à la "Fin des Temps" -- les 99 premiers Noms de Dieu ayant été dévoilés par l'Islam -- a pressenti que ce Nom est "Bahà", c'est pourquoi il a choisi le nom de "Bahâ-ed-Din" et, ainsi, il est connu sous le nom de Shaykh Bahà'i.

Justement, dans la Ville d'Ispahan ou ce savant et architecte a construit quelques édifices, il y a une imprtante artère nommée : "Avenue Shaykh Bahà'i".
De même, dans le Mausolée de Imàm Rézà, situé dans la Ville sainte de Mash-had, l'un des plus grands Sanctuaires pour les Musulmans chiites iraniens, il y a un "Bast" (aire de refuge inviolable même par les Forces de l'Ordre) appelé "Bast-é Shaykh Bahà'i".

[ Je suppose que si les Autorités actuelles de l'Iran pouvaient débaptiser cette avenue et cette aire, ce serait avec joie qu'elles le feraient : imaginez le nom de "Bahà'i" en plein sanctuaire chiite !...
Il faut dire que le nom de "Bahà'i" n'est pas un nom commun et répandu en Iran : à part les disciples de Bahà'u'llàh et ce Shaykh, je n'ai jamais entendu quelqu'un d'autre porter ce nom. ]

On the banks of the Tigris
by Druzelle Cederquist

Guest Commentary online at
http://www.religionandspirituality.com/morebeliefs/view.php?StoryID=20070501-071722-4420r
http://www.ReligionAndSpirituality.com
May 1, 2007


My thoughts have held very different images of Baghdad this past week, and different truths from those of the current news. Even as I join Baha'is around the globe to celebrate the Festival of Ridvan, the holiest period among Baha'i holy days, I take pause to wonder why Baha'u'llah chose Baghdad in which to make His greatest announcement. Baghdad was for Baha'u'llah a place of exile and hardship. But it was also in Baghdad that Baha'u'llah began to reveal the Word of God, which He called "the master key for the whole world," for with this key, He wrote, "[T]he doors of the hearts of men, which in reality are the doors of heaven, are unlocked." Let me share with you a handful of images from Baghdad that you will never see on the nightly news, and the story that goes with them. It was an April afternoon in Baghdad, 1863, when Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, left His home and made His way through the press of people gathered to see Him one last time. Men, women and children crowded close to catch a glimpse of Him. Some climbed to rooftops to see Baha'u'llah, Who even now gave out coins to the poor and spoke words of comfort as He passed. Many wept openly. Who now would comfort the orphaned, the outcast and the poor He had befriended? Who would speak on their behalf for justice? Muslims, Christians and Jews, those with rank and learning and those with none — Baha'u'llah had touched the lives of so many who lived in Baghdad, and their encounters with Him had left none of them the same. This outpouring of respect and affection was not at all what Baha'u'llah's enemies had envisioned. Their schemes and lies had brought them an apparent victory over Baha'u'llah: an order from the sultan of the Ottoman Empire for Baha'u'llah to leave Baghdad. But they had forgotten the truth in their Koran: "They plotted — but God plotted: and of plotters is God the best!" Even now, as Baha'u'llah reached the banks of the Tigris River, and was ferried by the boatman to a garden on the other side, He would soon transform this day of intended disgrace into a day of abiding joy. For Baha'u'llah was not simply Mirza Husayn-'Ali, a Persian noble who had suffered torture and unjust imprisonment in Tehran; not merely a man who had endured, with his family, a mountainous winter journey into exile; not simply the one who had faced down an assassin in Baghdad and stood up to the challenge of mullahs bent on waging holy war. Now in a garden on the Tigris, the air rich with the scent of roses, Baha'u'llah announced to a few what so many had longed to hear. He, Baha'u'llah, was a Messenger from God in that rank of Holy Messengers before Him — Abraham and Moses, Krishna, Buddha and Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad and the Bab. But the whole truth, the greater joy, opened from this: With Baha'u'llah the ancient promises of God were fulfilled. Baha'u'llah — "the Glory of God" — was the Promised One whose advent the faithful of every Faith had prayed to witness. Through Him God would shower humankind with so great a measure of guidance that the kingdoms of men would mirror the divine kingdom, and the peace for which humanity longed would become reality. "The Divine Springtime is come," declared Baha'u'llah, and those who were with Him for His Announcement named the garden on the Tigris "Ridvan," which means Paradise. Surely there could be no greater bliss than to stand in this spot, at this Hour, with the Promised One of God! Baha'u'llah linked His greatest Announcement to a law. He forbade the use of force in spreading the Word of God. The mightiest sword is the tongue, He said, for speech can remove the veils of ignorance from the human heart. Every one of the 5 million Baha'is in today's world, who come from the peoples of every land, also honors this truth laid out by Baha'u'llah: The religions called by different names are, in reality, one religion unfolding over time, their separate Prophets inspired by one Source, their sacred guidance flowing together into one divine purpose — the upliftment of the human spirit and the evolution of human consciousness. "Human tongue can never befittingly sing their praise," Baha'u'llah wrote of those Divine Educators, "and human speech can never unfold their mystery." It was in Baghdad that He first opened up, in His Book of Certitude, this profound shift of perspective on the religions we thought we knew. Still, we are jaded by what we see in the name of religion, and it is hard to believe that Baghdad was called "the Abode of Peace" by its founder or "the City of God" by Baha'u'llah. That Baghdad, and the world, is so far removed from this reality reflects not the inadequacy of the Divine, but the slowness of humanity to pay attention. "For were men to abide by and observe the divine teachings," wrote Baha'u'llah, "every trace of evil would be banished from the face of the earth." To turn away from the light of divine guidance, however, is to be filled with darkness. The hearts that are portals to heaven can become the pathway to hell, for the Evil One is not an outside enemy, said Baha'u'llah, but the unbridled lower nature within us. "The actions of man himself breed a profusion of satanic power. ... The prevalence of sedition, contention, conflict and the like ... provoke the appearance of the satanic spirit," wrote Baha'u'llah. "Yet the Holy Spirit hath ever shunned such matters." Nonetheless, "It is Our purpose," Baha'u'llah further wrote, "through the loving providence of God ... to abolish ... all disputes, war, and bloodshed, from the face of the earth." It was not an empty promise. In over 100 volumes Baha'u'llah provided the tools to do the work, and called on the world's peoples and their nations to take the future in their hands. Already Baha'is who come from peoples at war are learning how to create communities of peace. Baha'u'llah made it clear that there can be no peace without unity, no paradise without justice. "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established," He wrote and stated. "The light of men is Justice. ... The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men." "No radiance can compare with that of justice," Baha'u'llah declared. "The organization of the world and the tranquility of mankind depend upon it." Our noble task is to transform our societies and ourselves, and lest we be discouraged, Baha'u'llah assures us that we will meet the challenge. "Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away," He promised, "and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come." This is not a vision supplied by the nightly news, but by the newest Messenger of God. — — — Druzelle Cederquistis a poet and author of "The Story of Baha'u'llah." Visit her author's blog at Luminous Realities. Email her at DruCeder@yahoo.com. © copyright 2007 by Druzelle Cederquist
http://www.religionandspirituality.com/morebeliefs/view.php?StoryID=20070501-071722-4420r

Festival of Ridvan marks beginning of Baha'i Faith

Posted : April 20, 2007 - 4:55pm Terms : News Human Interest
From April 21 to May 2, Baha'is observe the Festival of Ridvan. This most holy day commemorates the anniversary of Baha'u'llah's declaration in 1863 that He was the Promised One of all earlier religions.

Baha'u'llah's declaration that He was "Him Whom God shall make manifest" and a Manifestation of God forms the beginning of the Baha'i Faith.

Ridvan (Rizwahn) was a bittersweet time, as Baha'u'llah was soon to be exiled to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). This was the latest in His series of exiles by the Persian government, which considered Him to be a heretic.


Baha'u'llah spent 12 days in a garden in Baghdad visiting with His followers. He named the garden Ridvan, which means "Paradise" or "good pleasure" in Arabic. The exact circumstances of the Declaration are not known. According to Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the faith: “The fragmentary description left to posterity by His chronicler Nabil is one of the very few authentic records we possess of the memorable days He spent in that garden. “Every day,” Nabil has related, “ere the hour of dawn, the gardeners would pick the roses which lined the four avenues of the garden, and would pile them in the center of the floor of His blessed tent. So great would be the heap that when His companions gathered to drink their morning tea in His presence, they would be unable to see each other across it. All these roses Baha’u’llah would, with His own hands, entrust to those whom He dismissed from His presence every morning to be delivered, on His behalf, to His Arab and Persian friends in the city.”

Baha'u'llah called Ridvan the Most Great Festival and the King of Festivals. He said:

Call ye to mind, O people, the bounty which God hath conferred upon you. Ye were sunk in slumber, and lo! He aroused you by the reviving breezes of His Revelation, and made known unto you His manifest and undeviating Path.
When He entered the garden, Baha'u'llah proclaimed the Festival of Ridvan and made three announcements:

*He forbade His followers to fight to advance or defend the Faith (religious war had been permitted under past religions).
*He declared there would not be another prophet for another 1,000 years.
*He proclaimed that all the names of God were inherent in all things at that moment.

Baha'is suspend work on the holiest days of Ridvan-the first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and twelfth (May 2). These mark the day of Baha'u'llah's arrival in the garden, the arrival of His family and the group's departure for Constantinople.

Throughout Ridvan, Baha'is gather for devotions and attend social gatherings.

At Ridvan, Baha'is annually elect members of local and national administrative bodies, called Spiritual Assemblies. Baha'u'llah taught that in an age of universal education, there was no longer a need for a special class of clergy. Instead, he provided a framework for administering the affairs of the Faith through a system of elected councils at the local, national and international levels.

Baha'i elections occur through secret ballot and plurality vote, without candidacies, nominations or campaigning.

Most Baha'i elections are held during Ridvan, a practice which started in Abdu'l-Baha's lifetime. The Universal House of Justice, the international Baha'i governing body, writes a letter to the Baha'i community each Ridvan, summarizing the year's progress and setting future challenges.

Carmelite Monastery to follow Bahai Temple

Garden will span an area of three hectares and will feature numerousstatues, religious artifacts and a large amphitheatre overlooking aspectacular view Ofer Petersburg Published: 02.19.07, 19:32 / Israel Travel<http://www.ynetnews.com/home/0,7340,L-3087,00.html>

The order of the Carmelite Monastery in Haifa, Israel, a 19th-centurymonastery located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, became envious of thebeautiful Bahai Temple gardens in Haifa and decided to follow suit bycreating its own. The Carmelite gardens will be built on the mountainside of the Stella Marisneighborhood, where a military army based was located until recently. Thegarden will span an area of three hectares and will feature numerousstatues, religious artifacts and a large amphitheatre overlooking aspectacular view. As in the Bahai gardens, the Carmelite garden will also have a visitors'center that will be open to the public. An American landscape architect washired to design the garden. The cost for building the garden is estimated $200 million, while theinitial investment totals $50 million. This week, an official from the Carmelite Monastery submitted a buildingplan to the district planning committee for a complex in the Stella Marisneighborhood comprising 350 housing units, an elderly citizen's home, asmall commercial center and a hotel comprising 100 rooms. The apartments will not only be sold to Carmelite community members, but tothe general public. Revenues incurred from the sales of the apartments willbe used for funding the Carmelite garden. The Carmelite Order is an enclosed Catholic order founded in the 12thcentury by a group of Europeans led by a man commonly called Saint Bertoldon Mount Carmel, Israel, where the order received its name.

BAD MERGENTHEIM, Germany, 25 April 2007 (BWNS) --

A Baha'i memorial removed when the Nazis were in power has been restored by municipal authorities in this resort town in southern Germany.

The stone commemorates the visit in 1913 of 'Abdu'l-Baha, the successor of Baha'u'llah as head of the Baha'i Faith.
The original memorial was erected in 1916 but removed in 1937 at a time when the Baha'i Faith was outlawed by the Nazis.
'Abdu'l-Baha took an extended trip to Europe, North America and back to Europe between 1911 and 1913 and took a side trip from Stuttgart to Bad Mergentheim - a small, quiet town known for its health spa - on April 7-8, 1913.
He spent the night there at the invitation of Consul Albert Schwarz, a government official who was the owner of the hotel and mineral bath and also a member of the Baha'i community.
The new memorial was unveiled earlier this month, on 7 April, by Mayor Lothar Barth accompanied by Bahman Solouki, a representative of the Baha'i community of Germany.
"Bad Mergentheim can be proud that 'Abdu'l-Baha came here," the mayor said at the ceremony. "The Baha'i Faith is one of the six major world religions -- there is no other way to put it -- and this should be honoured accordingly."
He continued: "I consider this a good sign. It shows that in Bad Mergentheim we are a tolerant society, that we integrate people of different faiths in our town and are cosmopolitan enough for that."

The original monument in Bad Mergentheim, pictured here, was removed during the Nazi regime
Dr. Solouki noted that the German Baha'i community two years ago marked its 100th anniversary, and that 'Abdu'l-Baha's time in their country was a significant part of their history.
"'Abdu'l-Baha's visit of 1913 was a milestone for us German Baha'is," he said. "We are greatly blessed by it. He was in Stuttgart; He was in Esslingen twice, each time for a week, and two days of that time He spent here in Bad Mergentheim."
Sussan Rastani, a Baha'i who lives in Bad Mergentheim, thanked local authorities for putting up the monument.
"In these times of religious intolerance and even religious fanatism, it is exemplary of the town authorities and the resort administration to re-erect this memorial stone in remembrance of 'Abdu'l-Baha, who served as an example of love and tolerance towards all religions and people," she said.
-- German Baha'i News Service
GBN-HF-07 04 25 -1-GERMANMONUMENT-524

BAHA'I SCHOOLCHILDREN IN IRAN INCREASINGLY HARASSED AND ABUSED BY SCHOOL AUTHORITIES
BAHA'I SCHOOLCHILDREN IN IRAN INCREASINGLY HARASSED AND ABUSED BY SCHOOLAUTHORITIESNEW YORK, 5 April 2007 (BWNS) -- Baha'i students in primary and secondaryschools throughout Iran are increasingly being harassed, vilified, and heldup to abuse, according to recent reports from inside the country.During a 30-day period from mid-January to mid-February, some 150 incidentsof insults, mistreatment, and even physical violence by school authoritiesagainst Baha'i students were reported as occurring in at least 10 Iraniancities."These new reports that the most vulnerable members of the Iranian Baha'icommunity -- children and junior youth -- are being harassed, degraded, and,in at least one case, blindfolded and beaten, is an extremely disturbingdevelopment," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'iInternational Community to the United Nations."The increasing number of such incidents suggests a serious and shameful escalation in the on-going persecution of Iranian Baha'is," said Ms. Dugal."The fact that school-aged children are being targeted by those who shouldrightfully hold their trust -- teachers and school administrators -- onlymakes this latest trend even more ominous."Ms. Dugal said the Baha'i International Community has been aware ofscattered reports of abuse directed at school children but has only recentlylearned that young Baha'is are now widely being forced to identify theirreligion -- and are also being insulted, degraded, threatened withexpulsion, and, in some cases, summarily dismissed from school."They are also being pressured to convert to Islam, required to endureslander of their faith by religious instructors, and being taught and tested

on 'Iranian history' in authorized texts that denigrate, distort, andbrazenly falsify their religious heritage," said Ms. Dugal. "They are alsobeing repeatedly told that they are not to attempt to teach their religion."According to Ms. Dugal, one Baha'i has reported that the school-age childrenof a relative in Kermanshah were called to the front of the classroom, wherethey were required to listen to insults against the Faith."Another student, accepted at an art institute, has been followed by theauthorities and on three occasions seized, blindfolded, and beaten," saidMs. Dugal."While a few of these may be isolated attacks, the extent and nature of thisreprehensible activity has led the Baha'is in Iran to conclude that this isan organized effort," said Ms. Dugal.

on 'Iranian history' in authorized texts that denigrate, distort, andbrazenly falsify their religious heritage," said Ms. Dugal. "They are alsobeing repeatedly told that they are not to attempt to teach their religion."According to Ms. Dugal, one Baha'i has reported that the school-age childrenof a relative in Kermanshah were called to the front of the classroom, wherethey were required to listen to insults against the Faith."Another student, accepted at an art institute, has been followed by theauthorities and on three occasions seized, blindfolded, and beaten," saidMs. Dugal."While a few of these may be isolated attacks, the extent and nature of thisreprehensible activity has led the Baha'is in Iran to conclude that this is an organized effort," said Ms. Dugal. Of special concern, she added, was the fact that a high proportion of the attacks against high school students have been against girls."While the attacks reported to have taken place in elementary and middleschools were leveled evenly against boys and girls, those at the high-schoollevel targeted girls to a far greater degree: of 76 incidents, 68 wereagainst Baha'i girls," said Ms. Dugal.The reports of attacks on innocent Baha'i schoolchildren come at a time when a growing number of older Baha'i students seeking to enter Iranian universities have been expelled solely because of their religion.
So far this year, at least 94 college-age Baha'i students have been expelled from institutions of higher education.
That figure is up from 70 as reportedin late February.Since the Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979, the300,000-member Iranian Baha'i community has faced ongoing and systematicpersecution. In the early 1980s, more than 200 Baha'is were killed, hundreds were imprisoned, and thousands were deprived of jobs and education, solely
because of their religious belief.

At the present time, more than 120 Baha'is are out on bail and awaiting trial on false charges, solely because of their religious beliefs andactivities. Over the last year, as well, international human rights groupshave expressed concern at the Iranian government's efforts to step-up theircovert monitoring
and identification of Baha'is.

To view the photos and additional features click here:http://news.bahai.org/index.cfm?src=se--8-bp-070405-1-IRANSCHOOLS-515-S------------------------------------------------------------Advance release: Please check our website for the final version of thisarticle.------------------------------------------------------------Copyright 2007 by the Baha'i World News Service. All stories and photographsproduced by the Baha'i World News Service may be freely reprinted,re-emailed, re-posted to the World Wide Web and otherwise reproduced by anyindividual or organization as long as they are attributed to the Baha'iWorld News Service. For more information, visit http://news.bahai.org./----------------------------------------------------------

tsusami and earthquake in solomon island

A BISHOP and three worshippers were killed by the Solomon Islands tsunami when it struck the island of Simbo during a church ordination service, the United Church has confirmed.
Bishop Rowlington Zappo was conducting the ordination ceremony early yesterday when the wave hit the church on Simbo, near Gizo, in the Solomons' Western Province, a church spokesman said.

He and three other people died, but there were said to be up to 100 others in the congregation at the time.
Simbo was one of many islands hit when yesterday's magnitude 8.0 quake created a tsunami wave several metres high.
With around 20 people feared killed, witnesses to the tsunami that pounded into the Solomons Islands early Monday described how the towering waves swept over tiny villages before surging inland, wreaking destruction on its path.
A state of emergency was declared this morning, With officials saying an estimated 4,000 people were sheltering in the hills amid warnings that quake aftershocks could generate more tsunami waves in coming days.
Islanders were in desperate need of water, food and tents, Western Province Premier Alex Lokopio said.
"For the next three days or four days, if there is not anything coming from Honiara or any other parts of the world, there are people here in Gizo who will be sitting down underneath the trees day and night,'' he added.
A wall of water, triggered by a 8.0-magnitude undersea earthquake, swamped Gizo, capital of the western province popular with tourists for its pristine beaches and diving, locals reported.
"The sea is rising up to five metres high... the houses are sunk,'' ferry driver Nixon Silus told Australian radio.
"All the houses on the islands are under water and all the houses are being pulled down and most of their kitchen utensils and all things like that are floating on the sea.''
Silus, speaking about 60 kilometres northwest of Gizo, said the islanders were unsure of what to do when the giant wave hit.
"Some of the people ran out to the bush, some of the people on the islands don't know where to go at the moment,'' he said.
Residents said there was no warning of the approaching tsunami but reports indicated locals noticed significant changes in the sea level after the quake, a typical sign of an impending wave. Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the government had made an initial offer of up to $2 million in emergency and reconstruction assistance to the Solomon Islands government.
However, Australia is still waiting for advice from the Solomon Islands on what level of assistance it needs and the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has already been mobilised to help with the disaster.

This morning the death toll stood at 20, including two children.
The Pacific, from Hawaii to New Zealand, was put on alert for the tsunami as early as 7am yesterday.
Last night Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said he expected the toll would continue to climb.
The worst-hit regions include the town of Gizo, the capital of the Western Province, and the village of Sasamunga in the Choiseul Province.
Dorothy Parkinson, an Australian living in the popular dive centre of Gizo, said the wall of water had left a wide trail of devastation.
"It's a catastrophe,'' she said. ``(There was) very little warning. It was just a noise like an underground explosion and the next thing it just ... began rocking the whole hill. The wave came almost instantaneously.
"Everything that was standing is flattened. It threw a piano to the ground. Everything's on the ground smashed.''
Police said witnesses reported the waves triggering landslides after smashing inland.
Chief government spokesman Alfred Maesulia said islanders first noted a change in the sea level - a classic tsunami warning sign.
"People found out the sea was moving away and the shoreline was dry, and then people realised there would be a problem,'' he said.
Australia has offered $2 million in aid and the immediate dispatch of tarpaulins, blankets and clean water - while disaster teams could also be sent.
And Gary Gibson, a senior seismologist with the Seismology Research Centre in Melbourne, warned the Solomons should brace itself for a second big aftershock earthquake in the next few weeks.

Move over Britannica,
here's Encyclopedia Iranica
POSTED: 12:50 a.m. EDT, March 26, 2007
Story Highlights• Project requires another decade• Iranian government opposes it; U.S. backs it• Iran scholar Ehsan Yarshater began project 32 years ago• Each volume costs $1 million to produce
Adjust font size:
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The Christian concepts of heaven and hell originate in Iran. The Jewish holy Talmud is littered with Iranian words and ideas. And some Iranians cherish the Israeli city of Haifa as a sacred place.
These are among the fascinating nuggets in the Encyclopedia Iranica, a sprawling project under way since 1973 that seeks to distill 5,000 years of Iranian history, geography and life into 45 blue-bound volumes proclaiming Iran's greatness.
"Today more than at any other time we need to keep our Iranian culture alive," Iranica's director Ehsan Yarshater told an audience of 350 Iranians at a fundraiser in Dubai last month. The glitzy dinner, concert and auction raised $100,000 for a project that will take a total of $20 million -- and another decade or so -- to finish.
The Iranian government bitterly opposes the encyclopedia, and the U.S. government backs it. More than half of the encyclopedia's budget comes from the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities, which has funded it as a project of major cultural significance since 1979 -- the same year Iranian students occupied the U.S. embassy in Tehran.
"Once completed it will be a magnificent gift to our children and the generations to come," said Yarshater, an Iran scholar at Columbia University in New York.
The encyclopedia is Yarshater's life work. Now a frail 86 years old, he suffers from Parkinson's disease. He started the encyclopedia 32 years ago, just after leaving Iran. The project threatens to outlast him. Another Columbia Iranologist, Ahmad Ashraf, will take over leadership of the project if Yarshater dies before completing it.
Only 13 volumes of the English-language encyclopedia have yet been published, up to the letter G. It's been so slow that managers have abandoned the one-letter-at-a-time approach and are soliciting all remaining articles at once.
Each volume costs $1 million to produce, said Mark Houshmand, who heads the Encyclopedia's Dubai support group. Dubai, with around 300,000 resident Iranians, has a large expatriate community supporting the project, as does Los Angeles, New York, Geneva, London, Toronto and Miami.
Individual volumes can be ordered from Iranica's Web site for $250-$350 each, or the first 12 for $3,450. When complete, it'll take more shelf space even than the 29-volume Encyclopedia Britannica.
Some 2,500 years ago, Persia's empire stretched from Libya to China and included Turkey and northern India. The Persian dominion revived again after the 11th century, spreading from Turkey to Bangladesh and dominating central Asia until the penetration of Western civilization into Asia in the mid-1800s.
Thus, encyclopedia entries cover Persian aspects of places far outside today's borders, including Central Asia, India, North Africa, Greece and Albania.
Most of the work is being done outside Iran too, because the Iranian government opposes the project. Scholars inside the country have faced harassment, the managers say. The project is headquartered at Columbia.
Problem: Yarshater is Bahai
Most of the Iranian opprobrium stems from Yarshater's belonging to the Bahai faith, Houshmand said.
"He's not welcome in Iran. They don't appreciate the work he's doing. They don't want him to get any credit," Houshmand said. "All this is because of his religion. It should be irrelevant. But unfortunately, with today's Iranian government, these things are very relevant."
Bahais have been vigorously persecuted by current and past Iranian regimes. In 1868, several Bahais were exiled to Palestine, now Israel, where they built shrines in Haifa, which they now consider a holy city, the encyclopedia says.
Entries like that, documenting the Islamic Republic's connections to Israel and its pre-Islamic past, are deemed contrary to Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution by its current government.
Concepts such as the survival of a person's soul after death, the Day of Judgment, heaven and hell, and holy angels all derive from Iran's surviving Zoroastrian faith, a 3,000-year-old religion that predates Islam and Christianity, the encyclopedia says. Iran's hard-liners also frown on the Zoroastrian beliefs.
In the fundraiser audience were U.S. and Swiss diplomats and some of Iran's biggest pre-revolutionary pop stars, including singers Mahasti and Aref, both of whom flew from homes in Los Angeles. Iran's most famous pianist, Los Angeles-based Anoushirvan Rohani, played his melancholy songs until the wee hours.
"I couldn't care less about what my regime's stance is toward the United States," said Sara Masinaei, 24, a Dubai resident who emigrated from Tehran with her family at the age of eight. "What's important to me is Iran's history, language and traditions. I want my kids and their kids to benefit from what we're supporting today."
Abbas Bolurfrushan said exiles worry about losing touch with Iran and its Farsi language. The books ought to tug them back into the fold until Iran's regime mellows enough to allow them to visit more often, he said.
But Bolurfrushan, who heads the Dubai-based Iranian Business Council, said he was chiefly concerned with practical issues such as U.N. sanctions, which hamper his own trade with Iran.
"I'm fed up with the glorious past," Bolurfrushan said. "What have we got today? The Iranians have to bring themselves out of the past and devote themselves to building up the present."
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/03/25/iran.encyclopedia.ap/index.html

Dreaming Away at Balchik
PalaceDestinations
16 March 2007, Friday.
The concept of harmony between man and nature was the foundation, on whichthe palace at the coastal town of Balchik was built, while the Baha'i cultto beauty breathed life into it. Turning into reality the dreams of aneccentric Romanian queen - Marie of Edinburgh.By Milena HristovaThe construction of the palace, later to be called "The Quiet Nest", beganin 1924, when the region of Southern Dobrudzha was still in the hands ofRomania. Armies of experts from Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romaniawere gathered together to draw on their skills in architecture, gardening,stone-cutting and painting and turn the unique steep slope of stones overthe Balchik Gulf into an extraordinary piece of architectural art and arefreshing oasis amidst the dryness of Dobrudzha plateau.It is a small surprise that Queen Marie of Romania picked this wild andpicturesque spot over the Balchik Gulf to live and dream away. It was itsvirginity and romanticism that captured her heart and imagination, whileroaming through Romania's newly conquered areas.The Baha'i teaching, whose fervent follower the queen was, preached that allreligions can be united for the sake of beauty. The palace, together withdowntown Sofia, is one of the few places in the world where Christianity andMuslimism live peacefully together and complement each other. Here thevisitor can see the white minaret of a mosque, sporting a weathercock on itsedged top, right next to the dome of a Christian church. The silver well,with a ceramic medallion with the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus chiseledout, is one of the most inspiring and touching Christian symbols here. Ifyou see your reflection in its clear waters and drop a coin, be sure allyour dreams will come true!The queen's castle is located on the very coastline, bringing togetherelements of Mediterranean culture, Bulgaria's Revival and Orientalexoticness. The "Quiet Nest" villa is bordered by the queen's home at theone end and the chapel at the other. In between is a labyrinth of gardens,flowers, lakes, bridges and paths, linking into one organic whole theseparate parts of the complex - an irrefutable proof of the owner's delicateflair for harmony and aesthetics and her never-ending search for beauty.Queen Marie (1875-1938) was the daughter of the Duke of Edinburgh, secondson of Queen Victoria, uncle of George V, and of Grand Duchess Marie,daughter of Tsar Alexander III of Russia. She was, therefore, first cousinto King George, by birth a Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, by marriage aHohenzollern, having married into the Catholic branch of that family whenshe became the bride of Crown Prince Ferdinand of Rumania. The palace andthe pictures hanging on its walls paint the picture of a romantic andeccentric woman, whose vision transcended the everyday and the historicaland poured over the invisible and the occult in a bid to explain the ups anddown of life and destiny.After her death and in accordance with her will, her heart was brought tothe palace, cushioned in a gold casket, to spend two years at the cloisterof her house of dreams. A day after Bulgaria restored its reign overSouthern Dobrudzha in accordance with the Treaty of Craiova, the casket wastaken back to Romania.The turn of events, however, gave birth to a new beginning - the botanicalgarden, which sprawls on the territory of the queen's former summerresidency. It's not for nothing that the garden, one of Bulgaria's fourbotanical gardens, was named after her house, "The Palace", even though itsdesign and selection of flowers was completely overhauled. Bathing insunlight most of the year, the garden is home to more than 2000 plantspecies belonging to 85 families and 200 genera. One of the garden's mainattractions is the collection of large-sized cactus species arrangedoutdoors on 1000 m², the second of its kind in Europe after the one inMonaco.Unfortunately a few years ago the garden's future was threatened by wranglesover ownership and revenues collection. It would be unforgivable if we failto protect the heavenly and exotic beauty of this unique part of Bulgaria'sBlack Sea coast. Standing right by one the world's best symbols ofdifferences overcome, unity and beauty.http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=77994__._,_.___


and more about the gardens from this site:
http://www.travel-bulgaria.com/content/varna_out_of_town.shtml

The first destination is the Quiet Nest palace, tile former summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania, and its famous gardens of more than 35 ha. The gardens are the "residence" of 3000 or so plant species of which cacti alone are over 250, and thus Europe's second most important collection, The palace park is an imitation of the Famous Cretan labyrinth. Each stone for the church therefore was brought from the island of Crete. The Carden of Allah is the prettiest. The Silver Well and the alleys paved with mill stones are also very interesting The earthen jars were brought from Morocco.

and more about the castle and some lovely pictures of the gardens here:
http://www.intovarna.com/balchik_palace.html

and more about the castle and some lovely pictures of the gardens here:
http://www.intovarna.com/balchik_palace.html

and another fascinating article here:

http://www.vagabond-bg.com/?page=live&sub=18&open_news=104

includes the following:
This peculiar "Queen Marie Code" reflects her adherence to an exotic religion. Although her religious background was Church of England and she adopted Romanian Orthodox Christian beliefs, in her later years she befriended Martha Root, a renowned travelling "teacher" of the Baha'i Faith.

Queen Marie became the first member of a European royal family to officially profess Baha'ism. This faith, established in the 19th Century by Baha'ullah, expounds the unity of god, religions, and mankind. Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and all other religious leaders are considered to be prophets of God's will.

Queen Marie sought peace, love, rapport, and serenity in Baha'ism and Balchik. Instead, she died a violent death and her sarcophagus was taken back to her adopted homeland. Her heart ended up in Bran Castle, a Romanian tourism landmark situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. It owes its fame to the myth that it had been the home of Vlad the Impaler. Nevertheless, Marie's spirit lives on in the strange and wonderful home she made in the Quiet Nest of Balchik.

It is no surprise that she had so many men vying for her attentions. Queen Marie was renowned for her beauty and during the 1920's she appeared in advertisements for perfumes by Houbigant Paris, "Parfumeur to Queen Marie of Roumania", chocolates and Pond's Skin Creams.An easily-recognisable high society figure, she frequently appeared in newspapers and magazines and made the front cover of Time magazine in 1924 as a "regal authoress".Indeed, she wrote many books of poetry and prose, including children's fiction, as in The Magic Doll of Roumania (1929), books about the supernatural, the Queen of Roumania's Fairy Book (1925), and the novel, The Voice on the Mountain (1923).

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/2121876

Iranian Feminist Protest Gender Apartheid under Islamic Republic's rule.

02:49Taken: 21 February 2007
Location: Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Women's day 2005 (Iranian Calendar Khordad 22-1384), women asserting their rights and protesting the unjust, unfair and unequal treatment of Iranian Women under gender apartheid system of Islamic Republic Constitution and clergy rule. Mrs. Simin Behbani the renowned Iranian Poet and Feminist leader also participated in this demonstration. A lot of the participants were arrested by the Islamic republic’s paramilitary security forces and jailed for extended period of time to suppress their aspiration.

Producer: Ms. Mahnaz Mohamadi (a very brave woman) http://www.meydaan.com/



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Feminist Protest Gender Apartheid
Uploaded by kzkz

IRANIAN BAHA'IS FACE CONTINUING DISCRIMINATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

NEW YORK, 28 February 2007 (BWNS) -- A growing number of Baha'is admitted toIranian universities this year have been expelled, powerful evidence thatBaha'i students in Iran still face severe discrimination and limited accessto higher education.After more than 25 years during which Iranian Baha'is were outright bannedfrom attending public and private universities in Iran, some 178 Baha'istudents were admitted last fall to various schools around the country afterthe government changed its policies and removed religious identificationfrom entrance examination papers.As of mid-February, however, at least 70 students had been expelled aftertheir universities became aware that they were Baha'is.

The high percentage of expulsions - which are all explicitly connected tothe students' identities as Baha'is - suggests at best that the governmentis turning a blind eye to discrimination in higher education, and, at worst,is merely playing a game with Baha'i students," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'iInternational Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva."While we are happy that for the first time since the early 1980s asignificant number of Iranian Baha'i youth have been able to enter andattend the university of their choice, the government's long history ofsystematic persecution against Baha'is certainly calls into question thesincerity of the new policies," said Ms. Ala'i.She noted, for example, that another 191 Baha'i students, havingsuccessfully passed national college entrance examinations last summer, wereunable to enter university this year, either because of the limited number
of places for the course of their choice or for other reasons unknown to them.

"International law provides that access to education is a basic human right,and Iranian universities have no excuse for denying students who havesuccessfully passed their examinations the right to attend simply becausethey are Baha'is," added Ms. Ala'i."As long as any Baha'i is unjustly denied access to higher education, we cansay that the years of systematic persecution and discrimination againstBaha'i students has not yet ended, and we must call for this injustice to berectified," she said

The largest religious minority in Iran, Baha'is of all ages have facedsystematic religious persecution since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Morethan 200 Baha'is have been killed, hundreds have been imprisoned, andthousands have had property or businesses confiscated, been fired from jobs,and/or had pensions terminated.According to a secret 1991 government memorandum, Baha'is "must be expelledfrom universities, either in the admission process or during the course oftheir studies, once it becomes known that they are Baha'is."One of the chief means the government has used to enforce this policy was torequire that everyone sitting for the national college entrance examinationstate their religion on the test registration forms. Test forms that listed"Baha'i," or that had no listing, were rejected.

In 2004, apparently in response to continued pressure from the internationalcommunity, the Iranian government removed the data field for religiousaffiliation. About 1,000 Baha'i students successfully sat for theexamination that year and hundreds passed, many with very high scores. Later that same year, however, in an action that Baha'i InternationalCommunity representatives characterize as a "ploy," exam results were sentback to Baha'is with the word "Muslim" written in, something that officialsknew would be unacceptable to Baha'is, who as a matter of religiousprinciple refuse to deny their beliefs. Government officials argued that since the Baha'is had opted to take the setof questions on Islam in the religious studies section of the test, theyshould be listed as Muslims. Baha'is contested the action and were rebuffed;no Baha'i students entered university that year

The same thing happened in 2005. Hundreds of Baha'i students took and passedthe national examination, only to find that the government had listed themas Muslims. Baha'is again contested the action, but without successfulredress, and no Baha'is matriculated in 2005.Last summer, again acting on good faith, hundreds of Baha'is took thenational examination. This time, as indicated in the figures above, hundredshave passed, and some 178 were accepted into universities.Throughout the fall, reports came out of Iran indicating that many of thosewho had been accepted were being refused entry or expelled once theuniversities learned that they were Baha'is. As of February, the confirmedfigure totaled 70 Baha'is expelled.

Accounts we have received from those who have been expelled or deniedregistration at the university of their choice clearly indicate the issue istheir Baha'i identity," said Ms. Ala'i."One student, for example, received a phone call from Payame Noor Universityon 18 October, asking whether he was a Baha'i. When he replied in theaffirmative, he was told that he could not be enrolled.

Later, after visiting the university, the student was told that theuniversity had received a circular from the National Educational Measurementand Evaluation Organization, which oversees the university entrance examination process, stating that while it would not prevent the Baha'is

from going through the enrolment process, once enrolled, they were to beexpelled.

"Another Baha'i student at that same university was told that students whodo not specify their religion on registration forms would be disqualifiedfrom continuing their education there," she said.Ms. Ala'i also said that the Baha'i International Community has learned thatall universities in Iran except one still include a space for religion ontheir own registration forms.

"This raises the grave concern that the 191 additional Baha'is who passedtheir examinations this year but were refused places may in fact be thesubjects of discrimination," she said. "We call on the international community to continue to monitor thissituation closely," said Ms. Ala'i. "We would also ask for the continuedefforts of educators and university administrators around the world who haveparticipated in a campaign to protest the treatment of Baha'i students inIran."

To view the photos and additional features click here:http://news.bahai.org/index.cfm?src=se8-bp-070228-1-EXPELLED-507-S

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Copyright 2007 by the Baha'i World News Service. All stories and photographsproduced by the Baha'i World News Service may be freely reprinted,re-emailed, re-posted to the World Wide Web and otherwise reproduced by anyindividual or organization as long as they are attributed to the Baha'iWorld News Service. For more information, visit

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