Joy on the Eve of Exile

*A retelling based on **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era** by J. E. Esslemont (chapter 3). The block quotation is Esslemont's own words.*

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After ten years in Baghdád, Bahá'u'lláh was summoned to Constantinople. Esslemont writes that the order was issued by the Turkish Government "after much negotiation, at the request of the Persian Government." The news put His followers in consternation. So many of them crowded to His house that the family moved out to the Garden of Najíb Páshá, outside the town, and stayed there for twelve days while the caravan was prepared for the long journey.

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It was during those twelve days, from April 22 to May 3, 1863, that Bahá'u'lláh announced to several of His followers that He was the One Whose coming the Báb had foretold. The garden became known to Bahá'ís as the Garden of Riḍván, and the twelve days are commemorated each year in the Festival of Riḍván.

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Esslemont writes of those days:

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> During those days Bahá'u'lláh, instead of being sad or depressed, showed the > greatest joy, dignity and power. His followers became happy and > enthusiastic, and great crowds came to pay their respects to Him. All the > notables of Baghdád, even the Governor himself, came to honor the departing > prisoner.

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On May 3, the last of the twelve days, the caravan set out. The journey to Constantinople, Esslemont notes, lasted between three and four months.

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*This is a retelling. For the fuller account, see **Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era** by J. E. Esslemont, chapter 3.*

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