The Execution of the Bab in 1850 (litho)

The Execution of the Bab in 1850. In 1844 Sayyid Ali Muhammad of Shiraz (1821-1850) founded a new religion, by which he became the Bab, or "gate" of intercession between the Shi'as and the occulted Twelfth Imam (Muhammad al-Mahdi ninth century), whose representative on earth was officially the Shah of Persia. The main tenet of the Babis was therefore inimical to the Persian throne, and the sect was in its final days very revolutionary. In 1850 the Bab was executed during a revolt instigated by his followers, with which probably he had little to do personally. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.