The Báb executed by firing squad in Tabriz (1850)

The Báb, an Iranian religious leader, was executed by firing squad in Tabriz on 9 July 1850. Charged with apostasy, he faced a public execution ordered by Prime Minister Amir Kabir to suppress the Bábí movement. The event involved a large crowd and a second firing squad, marking a significant moment in the history of the faith.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Báb, born ʻAlí-Muḥammad Shírází, founded Bábism and claimed to be a Manifestation of God. Because of the Báb's growing popularity in Maku, with even the governor of Maku converting, the prime minister transferred him to the fortress of Chihríq in April 1848. In mid-1850, Prime Minister Amir Kabir ordered his execution, likely due to the defeat of Bábí insurrections and the movement's perceived waning popularity.

Execution. On the morning of 9 July 1850, the Báb was taken to the courtyard of the barracks in Tabriz. He was suspended on a wall with his companion Anís. A large firing squad prepared to shoot, and a second squad, commanded by Áqá Ján Khán-i-Khamsih, carried out the execution. The event was witnessed by nearly ten thousand people.

Political Context. The execution was ordered by the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire, Amir Kabir, to crush the Bábí movement and display the restored power of the Qajar government. The Báb was charged with apostasy. The event has been subject to controversy among researchers and is regarded as miraculous by Baháʼí followers.

People involved

Sources

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