Ustad ‘Ali Ashraf
Born: Unknown
Death: Unknown
Place of Birth: Baku, Russia
Location of Death: Unknown
Burial Location: No cemetery details
Ustad ‘Ali Ashraf was a well-known architect, who designed and built most of the big governmental and national buildings (‘Qafqaziyyih’, 1867).
‘Abdu’l-Bahá named one of the exterior doors to the Shrine of the Báb after Ustad ‘Ali Ashraf. Named Báb-i-Ashraf. Two doors, one facing north towards ‘Akka and the other on the eastern side of the Shrine. They are named for Ustad Aqa ‘Ali-Ashraf and Ustad Aqa Bala, sons of Mulla Abu-Talib. These two brothers were master-masons who went on pilgrimage from their native town of Baku, Russia, and with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s permission remained for some time in the Holy Land. During this period, they devoted their efforts to the construction of the Shrine and offered financial contributions towards the project.
Source:
Smith, Peter. A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá’í Faith. Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land. The Bahá’í Faith 1844-1963 Information and Comparative.
Image:
Baha’i World Centre Archives
