House of 'Abdu'llah Pasha, main hall, south wing (April 1984)
Some of the most poignant, dramatic and historically
significant events of the Heroic Age of our Faith are associated with this
house, which derives its name from the Governor of 'Akká who built it and used
it as his official residence during his term of Office, from 1820 to 1832. It
stands just inside the north-western corner of the sea wall of 'Akká in the
close neighbourhood of the citadel where Bahá'u'lláh was confined. The main
building is L-shaped, facing south and cast on its outer prospects. The
structure, though chiefly on two stories, is irregular and on the inside angle
has balconies, uncovered stairways, a bathhouse and a well. The entire property
comprises large courtyards and is bounded on the west, or seaward, side by a
wall, which turns due east at its southern angle and continues towards the
heart of 'Akká, forming after a few yards, the wall of a narrow street; at the
eastern terminus of this wall, and within the property, is an imposing house
which was occupied by that Governor of 'Akká whose incumbency coincided with
'Abdu'l-Bahá's residence in the main building, and whose northern windows
permitted him to maintain a constant surveillance of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's activities.
Beyond this house is a small mosque. The eastern boundary of the property is a
row of houses giving directly, on its western aspect, to the courtyard and offering
many additional vantage points for observing the Master. A similar row of
houses extends from the north-eastern corner along the northern boundary until
they terminate at the longitudinal wing of the main building which, at this
point, projects northwards into several conjoined buildings, making a large
irregular outcrop on the northern boundary. The western end of the northern
boundary is a short stretch of wall completing the enclosure at the
north-western corner of the west wall. Large stables, coach houses and
storerooms line the southern boundary.
In this house, fifty lunar years after the Báb's martyrdom,
in January, 1899, the casket containing His sacred and precious remains was
received by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Who successfully concealed it until it was possible
to inter it, with all honours, in its permanent resting-place in the bosom of
Carmel.
(From an article prepared at the World Center and sent to
all National Spiritual Assemblies on 4 March 1975 by the Department of the
Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice)