ings, providing a vivid portrayal of ‘Abdul-Baha’s noble character. Browne’s initial acquaintance with the Babi movement had been kindled through Coumt de Gobineau’s seminal work, “Les religions et les philosophies dans l’Asie centrale.” Subsequently, in 1888, Browne embarked on a year-long journey among Iranians, during which he had the opportunity to meet Babis/Baha’is in various cities, including Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, and Kerman. Fueled by a profound interest, Browne even procured Baha’i books in manuscript form during his travels. After his return to Europe, he made a subsequent trip to Akka in Palestine, where he had the privilege of meeting both Baha’ullah and ‘Abdul-Baha. In his memoirs and subsequent writings, Browne vividly recounted his memories and observations. Notably, his depiction of ‘Abdul-Baha’s character resonated with accounts offered by other prominent Arab, Ottoman, and Western personalities, attesting to the widespread recognition of ‘Abdul-Baha’s noble attributes. In the words of Browne: “Seldom have I seen one whose appearance impressed me more. A tall strongly-built man holding himself straight as an arrow, with white turban and raiment, long black locks reaching almost to the shoulder, broad powerful forehead indicating a strong intellect combined with an unswerving will, eyes keen as a hawk’s, and strongly-marked but SOHDVLQJ IHDWXUHV VXFK ZDV P\ ¿UVW LPSUHVVLRQ RI µ$EEDV Effendi, “the master” as he par excellence is called.... One more eloquent of speech, more ready of argument, more apt of illustration, more intimately acquainted with the sacred books of the Jews, the Christians, the Muhammadans, could, I should think, scarcely be found even amongst the eloquent, ready, and subtle race to which he belongs. These qualities, combined with a bearing at once majestic DQG JHQLDO PDGH PH FHDVH WR ZRQGHU DW WKH LQÀXHQFH DQG esteem, which he enjoyed even beyond the circle of his father’s followers. About the greatness of this man and his
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA1OTk2