Bibliography: BIB39813

Key	BIB39813
Reference type	Journal Article
Title	From 'the Most Great Prison' to the 'Holy Land' : The Transformation of 'Akká in Bahá'í Sacred Geography
Journal	Religions
Author	Lerer, Sivan
Year	2025
Epub date2	20 September 2025
Issue	10 (1231)
Volume	16
ISSN	2077-1444
Abstract	This study traces the profound transformation of the city of 'Akká in Bahá'í perception, from its early depiction as "the Most Great Prison" and a place of desolation and exile to its reimagining as a holy city and spiritual center. Drawing on the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, the article examines how successive Bahá'í leaders reconceptualized 'Akká through scriptural reinterpretation, theological discourse, and communal memory. Special attention is given to the appropriation of Islamic faḍáʾil traditions and the reapplication of biblical and Qur'ánic imagery to 'Akká. By analyzing this symbolic and textual evolution, the article sheds light on the dynamic interplay between narrative, authority, and geography in the formation of Bahá'í sacred landscapes.
Notes	This article belongs to the Special Issue The Bahá'í Faith: Doctrinal and Historical Explorations—2nd Edition.
Language	English
Keywords	AKKA; PILGRIMAGE; HOLY PLACES
URL	https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/9/1203
Pages	1–14
Legal note	11.
File attachments	internal-pdf://1257324263/Lerer - From_Most-Great - Religions 16-10(1231.pdf