Session 1 – Elham Afnan Mahdavy
This presentation will focus on the principal figures connected with the story of the House of the Báb and its custodianship. In particular, we will look at the lives and contributions of the following individuals:
- Fáṭimih Begum, the mother of the Báb
- Khadíjih Begum, the wife of the Báb
- Zahrá Begum, the aunt of the Báb and the first custodian of the House after receiving the Tablet of Custodianship from Bahá’u’lláh
- Áqá Mírzá Áqá, titled Núru’d-Dín by Bahá’u’lláh, the son of Zahrá Begum, who managed the House from his youth until his passing and served as its second custodian
- Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥabíbu’lláh Afnán, son of Áqá Mírzá Áqá Núru’d-Dín and the third custodian of the House
- Abu’l-Qásim Afnán and Ḥasan Afnán, the two eldest sons of Ḥájí Mírzá Ḥabíbu’lláh Afnán and the final custodians of the House
Through their stories, we will come to know their character, their relationships with one another, and their connection to the House of the Báb—whether through living in it or through their efforts to preserve and protect this sacred place.
We will conclude with a brief reflection on the future of the custodianship of the House.
Session 2 – Hamid Afnan Mahdavy
This presentation will explore the spiritual and symbolic significance of the House, including a review of selected tablets revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian that refer to it. He will also discuss the history of the physical house—originally owned by Mírzá Muḥammad-Riḍá, the father of the Báb—including its periods of destruction and rebuilding, and the visits of several well-known Bahá’ís. The presentation will conclude with an account of the house’s final days and destruction following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, what currently occupies the site today, and reflections on what the future may hold for this sacred place.
Elham Afnan Mahdavy was born into the Afnan family of Shiraz. Her uncle and father were the last custodians of the House of the Báb and served on the Spiritual Assembly of Shiraz. Through this unique family heritage, Elham had the privilege of visiting the House of the Báb many times during her childhood and learning firsthand about the traditions of visiting the holy house.
Elham completed her early education in Shiraz before the Iranian Revolution and later moved to the United States for higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from San Diego State University and both a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management and an MBA from Western New England University.
Elham is a Senior Manager with over 40 years of experience in the power and energy industry, leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing complex software implementations. She is a Senior Member of IEEE and serves as Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group where she actively mentors and supports women pursuing careers in STEM.
Elham has been deeply involved in community service, including serving as a children’s class teacher and as a member of a local Spiritual Assembly.
Hamid Afnan Mahdavy was born into the Afnan family of Yazd and has lived in both Iran and the United States. He graduated from Alborz High School in Tehran in 1974 before moving to the U.S. to pursue higher education. Hamid earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1980.
With over 40 years of experience in the nuclear industry, Hamid has built a distinguished career while remaining deeply committed to community service. He currently serves on the board of the Heart Brothers Foundation and dedicates his time, skills, and expertise to various volunteer initiatives.
Hamid has contributed as a children’s class teacher and as a member of a local Spiritual Assembly (LSA). Hamid is passionate about giving back, he continues to serve communities through education, volunteerism, and mentorship, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and learning.
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