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Awakening

A History of the Bábí and Bahá'í Faiths in Nayríz

A searing historical study documents the brutal religious persecutions inflicted upon Bábí and Bahá’í residents of Nayríz, Iran, during the massacres of 1850, 1853 and 1909. Set against a backdrop of corrupt clergy and complicit authorities, these events reveal how fanaticism and paranoia can eclipse compassion and reason, foreshadowing modern-day hostilities faced by Bahá’ís in Iran.

Through firsthand survivor testimonies, contemporary reports and archival material, the narrative reconstructs each wave of violence—betrayals by neighbours, gruesome torture methods and mass killings. Motives are examined through the lens of religious extremism, social upheaval and political self-interest, while parallels with other global atrocities underscore the universal peril of unchecked fanaticism. Contextual analysis probes whether any social or cultural forces might mitigate such brutality.

By tracing these dark episodes, the work affords a profound understanding of how intolerance corrodes communities and erodes human dignity. It illuminates the imperative of safeguarding religious freedom and fosters...Show More

A searing historical study documents the brutal religious persecutions inflicted upon Bábí and Bahá’í residents of Nayríz, Iran, during the massacres of 1850, 1853 and 1909. Set against a backdrop of corrupt clergy and complicit authorities, these events reveal how fanaticism and paranoia can eclipse compassion and reason, foreshadowing modern-day hostilities faced by Bahá’ís in Iran.

Through firsthand survivor testimonies, contemporary reports and archival material, the narrative reconstructs each wave of violence—betrayals by neighbours, gruesome torture methods and mass killings. Motives are examined through the lens of religious extremism, social upheaval and political self-interest, while parallels with other global atrocities underscore the universal peril of unchecked fanaticism. Contextual analysis probes whether any social or cultural forces might mitigate such brutality.

By tracing these dark episodes, the work affords a profound understanding of how intolerance corrodes communities and erodes human dignity. It illuminates the imperative of safeguarding religious freedom and fosters lasting vigilance against the resurgence of hate, intolerance and collective violence.

Categories:: History of the Faith
  • Contributors:
    Hussein Ahdieh (Co-Author) | 
    Hillary Chapman (Co-Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 352 pages
  • Dimensions: 152 x 229 x 25 mm 
  • Publisher: Baha'i Publishing (USA), 2013
  • ISBN: 9781618510297
  • SKU: AHDIE_AWAKE
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Categories:: History of the Faith
  • Contributors:
    Hussein Ahdieh (Co-Author) | 
    Hillary Chapman (Co-Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 352 pages
  • Dimensions: 152 x 229 x 25 mm 
  • Publisher: Baha'i Publishing (USA), 2013
  • ISBN: 9781618510297
  • SKU: AHDIE_AWAKE

About Hussein Ahdieh (author)

Dr Hussein Ahdieh was born and raised in Nayriz, Iran. He is a sixth-generation Bahá'í, his ancestors figuring among the first in Nayriz to accept the Bábi and later Bahá'í Faith. Hussein immigrated to the United States as a young man. Like many immigrants seeking a better life in America, he worked and attended college in the New York area. Hussein eventually completed a Masters Degree in European Intellectual History and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr Ahdieh has had a distinguished career in education in New York. His proudest achievement is to contribute to the establishment of Harlem Preparatory School⏤a world-renowned charter high school for disadvantaged students as its Assistant Headmaster. The school is credited with helping numerous people to rise from poverty to a better life. Dr Ahdieh also served as Director of Educational Programs at Fordham University.

Hussein has been a resident of New York City for all of his adult life.

Titles by Hussein Ahdieh

About Hillary Chapman (author)

Hillary Chapman is a writer, songwriter, teacher, and guitarist. He is a fourth generation American Bahá'í who is the grandson of Hand of the Cause Leroy loas, who worked closely with Shoghi Effendi and Rúḥíyyih Khánum. He holds degrees from Haverford College, the University of Pennsylvania, and a diploma from the University of Paris.

Titles by Hillary Chapman

General History