wfn.org | Baha'i news: Restoration work begins on Shrine of the Bab

[Sally Weeks <sweeks@bwc.org>]

>Baha'i World News Service
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>RESTORATION WORK BEGINS ON SHRINE OF THE BAB

HAIFA, Israel, 28 December (BWNS) - Work has begun on a four-year restorati on project on the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, one of the holiest sites  in the Baha'i world and Haifa's best-known landmark.

The Shrine of the Bab stands at the center of the Baha'i gardens, on the si de of Mount Carmel overlooking Haifa Bay and the Mediterranean Sea. The gar dens and shrine are among the most visited sites in Israel.

The domed structure was completed 55 years ago and now requires restoration  and updating, including structural reinforcement against earthquakes, rest oration of stonework, replacement of iron decorative elements with stainles s steel, upgrading of the electrical system, and refurbishment of the dome  with new tiles.

There will be no change in the design, use or general appearance of the bui lding.

The work will be undertaken in such a way to keep the shrine open to both B aha'i pilgrims and the general public throughout most of the project, excep t during summer months. Starting in May or June of 2009, the structure will  be covered with scaffolding and canvas sheeting for about two years. The p roject will cost approximately US$6 million, with funds coming entirely fro m the voluntary contributions of the Baha'is of the world.

The shrine is the burial place of the Bab, revered by Baha'is as a Messenge r of God and one of the Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith.

The Bab was executed in 1850 in the public square in Tabriz, Iran, and His  remains later brought to Haifa, where they were laid to rest in the present  location in 1909.

The original building covering the tomb was a one-story rectangle. The dome d superstructure - made of granite and marble quarried in Italy, with gilde d roof tiles from the Netherlands - was added later and was completed in 19 53.

The burial place of the Bab, and that of Baha'u'llah near Acre, north of Ha ifa, are considered by Baha'is to be the most sacred places on earth. Earli er this year, the two shrines and their surrounding gardens were chosen by  UNESCO as World Heritage sites - part of the cultural heritage of humanity.

To read the story with accompanying photograph, go to: http://news.bahai.or g/story/684