In central Asia, in the city enjoying the unique distinction of having been chosen by 'Abdu'l-Baha as the home of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the Baha'i world, as well as in the towns and villages of the province to which it belongs, the sore-pressed Faith of Baha'u'llah, as a result of the extraordinary and unique vitality which, in the course of several decades, it has consistently manifested, finds itself at the mercy of forces which, alarmed at its rising power, are now bent on reducing it to utter impotence. Its Temple, though still used for purposes of Baha'i worship, has been expropriated, its Assemblies and committees disbanded, its teaching activities crippled, its chief promoters deported, and not a few of its most enthusiastic supporters, both men and women, imprisoned (3:1)

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