BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — The construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of marble installation in the central plaza. This important development marks the beginning of a process that will continue over several months, gradually shaping the edifice’s final form.

Work is also steadily advancing across different parts of the site, including completion of the historic path to the Riḍván Garden, now reopened to pilgrims. Landscaping work is also under way in several areas, and the ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre is nearing completion.

Speaking with the Bahá’í World News Service, Khosrow Rezai, the project manager, reflected on the journey thus far: “The construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been steadily in progress since its inception. We have had many challenges, some by conditions in the world ... but the work has never stopped. We have been working day in and day out over the past six years.

“When there was a shortage of workers,” he continued, “we focused resources on one area to advance, then moving attention to other parts. … We found opportunities to be creative and to make sure that the work never stopped.”

Mr. Rezai explained that the project has advanced through the efforts of a diverse team comprising people of different backgrounds and faiths—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Druze—who have worked together harmoniously. “All have come under the same roof, working harmoniously and creating an environment that not only empowers themselves in their relationship, but it has created a unified vision, which is the Shrine itself,” he said.

The images below provide a glimpse of recent developments and the ongoing work at the site.

Workers begin by installing a metal frame into the concrete under the trellis in preparation for installation of the marble.

Each metal frame is curvilinear, accommodating the shape of the specific marble piece it will house. This intricate installation system was designed by Margraf, the Italian company that cut and shaped the marble for the project.

The first piece of marble cladding installed on the trellis of the Shrine.

A spider crane raises a marble piece to another location.

Paving of the historic path that leads to the Riḍván Garden and to the entrance of the future Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The completed historic path with lamp posts.

View of the historic path leading visitors to the Riḍván Garden (right) now completed and made accessible with new paving and white pebbles. The ‘Alí-Ashraf Gate, where future visitors will enter the Shrine, is seen on the left.

Paving of the entry path that will welcome visitors arriving from the ‘Alí-Ashraf Gate to the South Plaza.

Local stones being placed for the entry path.

A worker at a nearby nursery tends to the trees that will line the grounds of the future Shrine.

Construction of the winding path using paving stone.

The winding path seen on the right sits on an elevated section and will offer visitors an area where they can observe the beauty of the Shrine.

Work on the west side of the circular path is progressing with the application of an additional layer of smooth concrete, in preparation for the placement of local stone and pebbles.

Top image: mock-up of the final look designed for the surface of the circular path, with pebbles on one side and a flat stone surface for accessibility on the other side.

A view of the path encircling the Shrine from the west.

The garden planters in the North Plaza from the point of view of visitors as they exit the Shrine.

Workers placing local stone sourced from Bethlehem on the garden planters in the North Plaza.

Laying of local stones on the portal wall of the North Plaza is close to completion.

The garden planter in the North Plaza is now ready to receive the final landscaping material in preparation for the plants and vegetation that will adorn the site and provide shelter from wind and will dampen noise from the surrounding area.

Local stone being placed on the walls of the garden planters in the South Plaza.

Close-up view of the cobblestone path along the East Berm.

Workers on the West Berm applying a waterproof layer made of coconut fiber for erosion control. Cobblestone paths have been completed, and installation of the irrigation system is next, enabling the landscaping to continue.

View of the ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre nearing completion, with work progressing on the surrounding parking area and pathways leading to and from the building.

Looking out from within the ‘Akká Visitors’ Centre, a worker is installing a window as construction progresses on the building’s exterior access points.

A view of the Visitors’ Centre from the Riḍván Garden.

Aerial view of the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the south-west.