Bibliography 2: #BIB36166

Key	BIB36166
Reference type	Thesis
Title	Baha’i Sacred Architecture and the Devolution of Astronomical Significance : Case Studies from Israel and the US
Author	Meizler, Michael Steven
Year	2016
Place published	Fayetteville, Arkansas
Abstract	Sacred architecture is a complex conglomerate of different ideals of a faith. Within modern terms, the Bahá'í faith is an excellent example of modern sacred architecture. Within ancient times the architecture of temples and shrines oftentimes had celestial alignments meant to connect the adherent to the gods. With this in mind, the Bahá'í faith is evaluated with the use of cartography, celestial measurements, orthophotography, and archival research to evaluate the significance of the Bahá'í sacred architecture and the symbolism embedded within it. The Bahá'í faith came out of Persia during the 19th century and relocated to Israel late in that century. The faith itself is comprised of four founding leaders of the faith known as The Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, 'Abdul-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. After the death of Shoghi Effendi the faith institutionalized and became an elected body governing the adherents and discerning religious law. Bahá'í symbolism borrows many symbols from other faiths as well as creating their own. The main symbols of the Bahá'í faith are the haykal, stretched haykal, nonagonal star, octagonal star, and ring-stone symbol. These are often incorporated within the sacred structures of the faith. Furthermore, the Bahá'í temples reflect the local inhabitants of the country in which the temple is located and incorporate local traditions and styles in the architectural design. Celestial alignments can be found within the structures of the Bahá'í faith. Overall they are not a dominant part but are seen in the Samoan Temple and Indian temple. This could be due to the Bahá'í incorporation of local religious practices or the metaphorical Sun spoken of by Bahá’u’lláh.
Language	English
Keywords	ARCHITECTURE; SHRINE; MASHRIQUL-ADHKAR; SYMBOLISM; ASTRONOMY
Number of pages	[6], 148
Academic department	Geography
University	University of Arkansas
Degree	M.A.
File attachments	internal-pdf://0342962362/Meizler - Baha'i Sacred Architecture.pdf

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