Baháʼí faith; Organizational structure and the National Mahfil of Turkey

Bahâism is a religious movement that was born and shaped in the second half of the nineteenth century, at a time when the rhetoric of the expected savior was being expressed. In Iran, it developed more on the basis of the Shiite understanding of Islam. Bahâism, which emerged in Iran and made its name known to Europe through the Ottoman Empire, is considered the product of the mystical movement called Shaikhiyya, which was born within the Twelver Shia. Due to the fact that Bahâism has certain views and approaches that challenge Islamic teachings, it has been seen as a sect that originates from Islamic culture but deviates from the Islamic circle. However, the adherents of the sect describe Bahâism as a new religion. The principles of the sect are mostly based on the views and thoughts of Bab Mirza Ali. Mirza Ali Muhammad claimed to be the gateway to the Mahdi, to be the Mahdi, and to be a prophet, respectively. Ultimately, he claimed that he brought a new religion and that the holy book of this religion was al-Bayan. It is one of the new religious movements that started with Babism and gained momentum all over the world over time through his prophet Bahaullah and his followers. The exile of Mirza Husain Ali in Edirne has been an important turning point for Bahâismn. Therefore, Bahâism began to make its name heard slowly both in the Ottoman Empire and in Europe. In course of time, Bahâism, which is accepted in the society, has started to become a religion-belief that many people believe in Turkey and in the world. Organizational activities are of great importance in the spread of Bahâi Faith.