Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a world religion? This is your chance to catch a glimpse. Right in front of you stands the Centre for the Study of the Texts, a vital part of the Baháʼí World Centre in Haifa.
This modern building, completed in 1999, is much more than just a pretty building, it’s a bustling hub for scholars and translators dedicated to preserving and understanding the sacred Baháʼí texts. It’s the engine room of the Baháʼí Faith, ensuring that its writings are accessible in multiple languages to people all around the globe.
The Centre for the Study of the Texts holds a special significance in the Baháʼí world. It’s located on the arc laid out by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Faith, on Mount Carmel, above the Shrine of the Báb, to the east. It’s also a subterranean world, with most of the building hidden beneath the ground. Skylights bathe the building in natural light, while hidden below, an extension of the International Baháʼí Archives provides secure, climate-controlled storage vaults for original, handwritten papers.
While you might think that the interior of the Centre is all about academic pursuits, you’d be surprised to learn that it houses a unique feature. Under the circular portico entrance, a fountain and a miniature garden bring a touch of tranquility to the space. The Centre for the Study of the Texts, a place of both scholarly dedication and serenity, is a testament to the Baháʼí Faith’s commitment to knowledge and its accessibility to all.