Arminius Vámbéry and the Baha’i Faith

There has been much debate about the mysterious life and complexities of the world-famous scholar, explorer and orientalist Arminius Vámbéry (1832–1913). During his long life he outlived many political and religious events, which markedly influenced his own personality. His encounters with different religions and religious identities are one of the most peculiar signs of his career. A unique character who equally came into contact with Judaism, Christianity and Islam though regularly regarding himself as an atheist, Vámbéry finally declared himself a follower of the Baha’i Faith in the last weeks of his life. The aim of this paper is to throw light on Vámbéry’s contacts with Baha’is, his perceptions on this religion and the reasons that led him to fully embrace this faith at the end of his life.