The Bahá’í Temple, Emptiness, and Richness: An Example of Cultural Sustainable Heritage

This paper aims to examine, from a historical–religious perspective, the significance of the Bahá’í Temple, how it was envisioned by the founder of the religion, Bahá’u’lláh, what it symbolizes for believers, and how it appears to followers of other religious traditions or simply visitors. Using academic sources, including those produced by the religion’s founders, along with oral sources collected during fieldwork among various Bahá’í commu- nities from 2020 to 2024, I intend to highlight the meaning of this place, framing the topic within the context of cultural sustainability: the temple can be seen as a vehicle for heritage and ‘traditional’ enhancement. The study reveals the importance of symbols—whether present or absent—in the Bahá’í worship space. While attending the temple may not be essential, its significant role as a place for gathering and meeting stands out. It encourages and nurtures a core principle of the faith: unity.