Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper aims to examine, from a historical–religious perspective, the significance of the Bahá’í Temple, how it was envisioned by the founder of the religion, Bahá’u’lláh, what it symbolizes for believers, and how it appears to followers of other religious traditions or simply visitors. Using academic sources, including those produced by the religion’s founders, along with oral sources collected during fieldwork among various Bahá’í communities from 2020 to 2024, I intend to highlight the meaning of this place, framing the topic within the context of cultural sustainability: the temple can be seen as a vehicle for heritage and ‘traditional’ enhancement. The study reveals the importance of symbols—whether present or absent—in the Bahá’í worship space. While attending the temple may not be essential, its significant role as a place for gathering and meeting stands out. It encourages and nurtures a core principle of the faith: unity.
Source: Religions
DOI: 10.3390/rel16091124
Author: Marta Scialdone
Institution: Sapienza University of Rome
Language: English
Topic: Religious Tourism and Spaces
Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4413832784