The Bahá'í House of Worship:

About: To many observers the Bahá'í religion is best known for its universal outlook, its Houses of Worship, and the persecution of its adherents in Iran. This chapter is focussed on one of these dimensions, and to a small extent considers the other two. It focuses on the concept of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Bahá'í thought and practice, and explores the interplay between the universal specifications for this particular architectural form and its enculturation in regional settings: European, African, Oceanic, Asian, and American. The first section of the chapter reviews the conception, design, and construction of Houses of Worship; whilst a second section focuses on matters of use and receptivity.