Nov 24, 2008
Nov 21, 2008
Civic participation and institutional expertise assist villages in Tajikistan to prepare for natural disaster
A FOCUS Community Mobiliser meets with community members in the Roshqala district in 2004, to discuss the results of a hazard and vulnerability assessment. Photo: Courtesy of FOCUS
“I know that my family and I are living in one of the most hazardous villages in the Bartang valley — mudflows occur here very often,” says 20-year-old Shabnam. She lives in the village of Shudjand, located at the entrance of the Bartang Valley in Rushan district, within Tajikistan’s mountainous Gorno-Badakhshan province.
Thousands of families living in Tajikistan experience earthquakes and other hazards throughout the year that impact their lives and livelihoods. Avalanches, mudslides and flooding frequently cut off transport links and disrupt communication lines, leaving communities stranded and unable to access emergency assistance.
Read More @ www.theismaili.org
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
ismailiworld@gmail.com
AKDN at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit
Los Angeles, California, November 19, 2008 - Prince Hussain Aga Khan, accompanied by his wife, Princess Khaliya Aga Khan, Dr. Tom Kessinger, Deputy Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Aga Khan Council for the USA, represented His Highness the Aga Khan at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 18-19.
The Summit, which drew over 700 participants, was organized by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to facilitate a high-level dialogue among international leaders and help create a framework for negotiators to use when they meet for the next round of climate talks in December 2008. The Summit is also intended to create an alliance of states, municipalities and non-state actors to pursue solutions to climate changes issues. Governor Schwarzenegger co-hosted the event with Governors from Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois and Kansas.
More @ www.akdn.org
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
The Summit, which drew over 700 participants, was organized by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to facilitate a high-level dialogue among international leaders and help create a framework for negotiators to use when they meet for the next round of climate talks in December 2008. The Summit is also intended to create an alliance of states, municipalities and non-state actors to pursue solutions to climate changes issues. Governor Schwarzenegger co-hosted the event with Governors from Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois and Kansas.
More @ www.akdn.org
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Nov 20, 2008
Ismaili Heroes
Yaa Ali Madad
Suggested Link Below about ismaili Muslim Heroes,hope you all will enjoy.
Visit amaana.org regularly for lots of information and article.
http://www.amaana.org/heroes/ppframe.htm
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Suggested Link Below about ismaili Muslim Heroes,hope you all will enjoy.
Visit amaana.org regularly for lots of information and article.
http://www.amaana.org/heroes/ppframe.htm
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
New IIS Publication on Philosophy in Persia
November 2008
An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 2: Ismaili Thought in the Classical Age, is the second in this multi-volume work presenting an overview of the tradition of philosophical thought in Persia that has continued for over two and a half millennia. Compiled, edited and introduced by S. H. Nasr and M. Aminrazavi, this volume deals with what may be considered the ‘Golden Age’ of Ismaili philosophy.
In the early centuries of Islam, Ismaili philosophy stands out amongst schools of great significance. Ismaili Shi‘ism began to formulate its philosophical teachings earlier than any other form of Shi‘ism and, like other Shi‘i philosophical traditions, highlights the central role of ‘aql or intellect.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia, Volume 2: Ismaili Thought in the Classical Age, is the second in this multi-volume work presenting an overview of the tradition of philosophical thought in Persia that has continued for over two and a half millennia. Compiled, edited and introduced by S. H. Nasr and M. Aminrazavi, this volume deals with what may be considered the ‘Golden Age’ of Ismaili philosophy.
In the early centuries of Islam, Ismaili philosophy stands out amongst schools of great significance. Ismaili Shi‘ism began to formulate its philosophical teachings earlier than any other form of Shi‘ism and, like other Shi‘i philosophical traditions, highlights the central role of ‘aql or intellect.
MOre @ www.iis.ac.uk
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Golden Jubilee Canada visit
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall. Photo: Gary Otte
This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam called on Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall. She warmly welcomed Hazar Imam to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee.
Mawlana Hazar Imam then visited Parliament Hill where he met with the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a working dinner with the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Margaret Biggs, President of the Canadian International Development Agency.Additional photos are available in the gallery. Also see the video of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Ottawa. Further details on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Canada will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.
Mawlana Hazar Imam with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall. Photo: Gary Otte
This afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam called on Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall. She warmly welcomed Hazar Imam to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee.
Mawlana Hazar Imam then visited Parliament Hill where he met with the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam attended a working dinner with the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Margaret Biggs, President of the Canadian International Development Agency.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Nov 19, 2008
His Highness the Aga Khan Visits Canada on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee (Media Advisory)
Please also see: Communiqué de presse
Ottawa, Canada, 18th November, 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) arrives in Ottawa today at the start of an 8-day visit to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The Aga Khan, who is in Canada as a guest of the Government, is commemorating his fifty years of leadership as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He will be met by The Honourable John Baird, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on behalf of the Government of Canada.
During the visit, His Highness will be welcomed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and will meet with senior government officials to discuss areas of active collaboration between Canada and the AKDN.
The Aga Khan will travel to Toronto, where he will meet with The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. He will also preside over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between McMaster University and the Aga Khan University (AKU), which has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
During his stay in Calgary, the Aga Khan will meet with The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta; Dr. Indira Samarasekera, the President of the University of Alberta, and Dr. Carl Amrhein, Provost and Vice President.
In Vancouver, the Aga Khan will meet with the Mayor of the City of Burnaby, His Worship Derek Corrigan, as well as The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia.
The Aga Khan will meet and address gatherings of the Ismaili community in each city.
His Highness is scheduled to return to Ottawa for the official inauguration of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building on Sussex Drive, on December 6, 2008. The Delegation will serve a representational role for the activities of the Imamat including the AKDN, and will mark a new phase in the Imamat’s partnership with Canada.
The Aga Khan Development Network has a long-standing relationship with Canada and Canadians. Over the past 25 years, the AKDN, particularly through Aga Khan Foundation Canada, has collaborated with a diverse set of institutions, including universities, government departments, the private sector and civil society organizations, to bring the best of Canada’s human, intellectual and technical resources to bear on the challenges of the developing world.
For more information, please contact: Jennifer Morrow Aga Khan Foundation Canada E-mail: Jennifer@akfc.ca Tel: 1-613-237-2532 ext. 107 Cell: 1-613-697-9532
Amir Karim Aga Khan Council for Canada E-mail: amir.karim@polykar.com Tel: 1-514-574-3754
Dr. Iqbal Ahmed Aga Khan Council for Canada E-mail: drihahmed@gmail.com Tel: 1-604-218-7864
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Ottawa, Canada, 18th November, 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) arrives in Ottawa today at the start of an 8-day visit to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The Aga Khan, who is in Canada as a guest of the Government, is commemorating his fifty years of leadership as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He will be met by The Honourable John Baird, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on behalf of the Government of Canada.
During the visit, His Highness will be welcomed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and will meet with senior government officials to discuss areas of active collaboration between Canada and the AKDN.
The Aga Khan will travel to Toronto, where he will meet with The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. He will also preside over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between McMaster University and the Aga Khan University (AKU), which has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
During his stay in Calgary, the Aga Khan will meet with The Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta; Dr. Indira Samarasekera, the President of the University of Alberta, and Dr. Carl Amrhein, Provost and Vice President.
In Vancouver, the Aga Khan will meet with the Mayor of the City of Burnaby, His Worship Derek Corrigan, as well as The Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia.
The Aga Khan will meet and address gatherings of the Ismaili community in each city.
His Highness is scheduled to return to Ottawa for the official inauguration of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building on Sussex Drive, on December 6, 2008. The Delegation will serve a representational role for the activities of the Imamat including the AKDN, and will mark a new phase in the Imamat’s partnership with Canada.
The Aga Khan Development Network has a long-standing relationship with Canada and Canadians. Over the past 25 years, the AKDN, particularly through Aga Khan Foundation Canada, has collaborated with a diverse set of institutions, including universities, government departments, the private sector and civil society organizations, to bring the best of Canada’s human, intellectual and technical resources to bear on the challenges of the developing world.
For more information, please contact: Jennifer Morrow Aga Khan Foundation Canada E-mail: Jennifer@akfc.ca Tel: 1-613-237-2532 ext. 107 Cell: 1-613-697-9532
Amir Karim Aga Khan Council for Canada E-mail: amir.karim@polykar.com Tel: 1-514-574-3754
Dr. Iqbal Ahmed Aga Khan Council for Canada E-mail: drihahmed@gmail.com Tel: 1-604-218-7864
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Nov 18, 2008
Ginans: A Tradition of Religious Poetry Amongst the Ismailis
Pir Satgur Nur
Pir Shams
Pir Sadardin
Pir Hasan Kabirdin
Saiyad Imamshah
Saiyad Mohamed Shah
Saiyad Gulmalishah
Sayyida Imam-Begum
Play Eka shabada suno mere bhai
Play Anand Anand
Play Dura deshti ayo vanazaro
Play Ugamiya Sohi Din
Play Ada thaki ek suna nipaya
Play Unch Thi Ayo
Play Anant Akhado (Selected Verses)
Play Aye Rahem Raheman
More @ http://www.iis.ac.uk/
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
The way we celebrate
Like the multicultural nation that we call home, the Canadian Jamat is diverse and comes from all corners of the globe. In the four decades since our community’s settlement, we have adapted to the culture, language, and society of our new country. But in the days leading up to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Canada, the ways in which we celebrate will reveal our enduring ties to our cultural and historical roots.
Jamati members of all ages will share their joy by participating in a variety of dances, such as dandia and raas, which trace their origins to the Indian sub-content. Ismailis from Central Asia, who began arriving in Canada more recently, have added the traditional Afghan attan dance to the mix. Meanwhile, contemporary hip-hop and bollywood influences will complement the rhythms of the dance floor.
The diversity of heritage in the Canadian Jamat is also woven into our garments and accoutrements. Ladies will dress in beautiful silk saris and gandai-afghani. Mendhi parties are being organised for the festive adornment of henna on hands and feet for joy, beauty and barakah (blessings). The resulting tapestry of colour and style will decorate and enliven the merriment.
Traditional meals are an important part of our festivities. Customary menus featuring pilau, biriyani or khaliyo will be complemented by spicy chutneys, and achaars, as well as sweet treats like sticky jalebi, syrup-soaked gulab jamun. Pink sharbat and mango lassi will add to the usual complement of tea, coffee, and juice.
The unity of the Jamat and our love for the Imam of the Time is reflected in the theme One Jamat, One Heart that links celebratory events planned across the country. Programmes such as Khushamadeed will gather the Jamat for dinner, dancing and live band music. Performances such as Allah Hu, Allah Hu, Expressions and Umeed-e-Deedar, will provide a stage for vocalists and instrumentalists to capture the Jamat’s sentiments of devotion, hope and anticipation.
Jamati members of all ages will share their joy by participating in a variety of dances, such as dandia and raas, which trace their origins to the Indian sub-content. Ismailis from Central Asia, who began arriving in Canada more recently, have added the traditional Afghan attan dance to the mix. Meanwhile, contemporary hip-hop and bollywood influences will complement the rhythms of the dance floor.
The diversity of heritage in the Canadian Jamat is also woven into our garments and accoutrements. Ladies will dress in beautiful silk saris and gandai-afghani. Mendhi parties are being organised for the festive adornment of henna on hands and feet for joy, beauty and barakah (blessings). The resulting tapestry of colour and style will decorate and enliven the merriment.
Traditional meals are an important part of our festivities. Customary menus featuring pilau, biriyani or khaliyo will be complemented by spicy chutneys, and achaars, as well as sweet treats like sticky jalebi, syrup-soaked gulab jamun. Pink sharbat and mango lassi will add to the usual complement of tea, coffee, and juice.
The unity of the Jamat and our love for the Imam of the Time is reflected in the theme One Jamat, One Heart that links celebratory events planned across the country. Programmes such as Khushamadeed will gather the Jamat for dinner, dancing and live band music. Performances such as Allah Hu, Allah Hu, Expressions and Umeed-e-Deedar, will provide a stage for vocalists and instrumentalists to capture the Jamat’s sentiments of devotion, hope and anticipation.
Programming has also been planned for different segments of the Jamat. J2D: Journey to Darbar aims to engage the youth — not only in the celebrations, but also in educational, voluntary, and leadership endeavours. It begins with an orientation session for youth leaders, which will include a gala dinner with the senior leadership in each major centre. The programme will also comprise a series of discussion panels and seminars to engage young Ismailis on issues of significance to the Golden Jubilee.
J2D will culminate in a massive youth day in each region, with special ceremonies and celebrations. Regional celebratory spaces will host a specific area where youth can gather, share their experiences and reflect on this momentous occasion.
J2D will culminate in a massive youth day in each region, with special ceremonies and celebrations. Regional celebratory spaces will host a specific area where youth can gather, share their experiences and reflect on this momentous occasion.
Special initiatives are also being organised to make it easier for the elderly in the Jamat to take part in the excitement. In British Columbia and Ontario, volunteers are arranging visits with Ismailis living in nursing homes and hospitals to share the festivity and enable them to be involved in the celebration.
Meanwhile, seniors in Edmonton are working on a special quilt making project, in which each participant writes a personal sentiment in the language of their choice on a square of cloth. The squares — with messages in English, Farsi, Gujarati, Urdu, and other languages — are being sewn together to create a single quilt that will be displayed prominently at the Darbar venue.
Meanwhile, seniors in Edmonton are working on a special quilt making project, in which each participant writes a personal sentiment in the language of their choice on a square of cloth. The squares — with messages in English, Farsi, Gujarati, Urdu, and other languages — are being sewn together to create a single quilt that will be displayed prominently at the Darbar venue.
Some members of the Jamat — particularly the very young — will be experiencing their first Jubilee Darbar. Programmes and activities have been arranged in Jamatkhanas and Bait-ul Ilm classes to prepare them for what will happen on the day of the Darbar and help them to appreciate the significance of the occasion. Educational programmes have also been created for non-Ismaili family members to enhance their understanding of the Golden Jubilee and engage them in the celebration.
In the anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit, the Canadian Jamat will come together across the country. We will dress in our traditional clothing, partake of our traditional meals, play our traditional songs and dance our traditional dances. But from the diversity of our traditions, we will create something new.
In Canada, that’s the way we celebrate.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Recent Posts on ismailimail Blog
November 1978 Canada visit - press clippings and related material
His Highness the Aga Khan delivers November 17, 2008 speech at the Palais des Papes
Flags and Banners
Bangladesh: Aga Khan Award for Architecture holds seminar today
Articles by Dr. Shafique Virani - Professor of Islamic Studies
In the 9th century, Music was categorized as one of the mathematical sciences
Daily Times - Paul Keijzer and Navroz Surani, Aga Khan University
Alykhan Velshi moves back into Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Hon. Jason Kenney’s Office
Geet: Mitha Lage hai Naam by Imtiaz Fazalbhoy (Faiz)
Drawings and Calligraphy by Jalal Gilani
An Inspiring Poem For The Deedar By Dr. Zulficar Rahim
Passu Village Traces in the Sand’s Flickr set
Karachi Press Club being ‘beautified’
Golden Jubilee Banners on the streets of Vancouver
Wealth creation in the developing world: Is Africa a lost cause?
More @ www.ismailimail.wordpress.com
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
IIS Honours Class of 2008 Graduates
The 2008 graduands of the Institute’s Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) celebrated their achievements with their families, friends, teachers and guests at the Graduation Ceremony held at the Ismaili Centre on 4 October 2008.
The twelve students, who embarked on their studies at the Institute in August 2005, completed their Masters Degrees in a wide variety of fields at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and University of Columbia.
Full Article @ http://iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=110017
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Nov 5, 2008
Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III
Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III
His Glorious Life
Aga Khan III Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah My Beloved Grandfather His Ideas Message to the World of Islam His Life His Mother His Wife His Brother His Sons: Prince Aly Khan Prince Sadruddin If I Were Dictator Speeches Memoirs
More @ http://www.amaana.org/sultweb/indexsultan.htm
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
His Glorious Life
Aga Khan III Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah My Beloved Grandfather His Ideas Message to the World of Islam His Life His Mother His Wife His Brother His Sons: Prince Aly Khan Prince Sadruddin If I Were Dictator Speeches Memoirs
More @ http://www.amaana.org/sultweb/indexsultan.htm
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Whatz New @ theismaili.org
The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). This is the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community.
Golden Jubilee
Central Asia visit
Monday, 3 NovemberAt Khorog, in what he described as an “historic event,” Mawlana Hazar Imam laid the foundation-stone for the “first Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Tajik-Badakhshan.” Thousands of members of the Jamat gathered to witness the event.
more >>
Asia
Jamat prepares for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Tajikistan
The Jamat of Tajikistan is eagerly awaiting the commencement of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit with anticipation and excitement. From sprucing up the streets to holding celebratory community gatherings, members of the Jamat are preparing for the country’s first Darbars in ten years.
more >>
North America
Texas Jamat comes together in the face of a massive storm
On 13 September, Hurricane Ike surged through Houston with destructive force. The Ismaili Council and Focus Humanitarian Assistance established a Crisis Response Team to ensure the safety of the Jamat, while also assisting relief efforts in the wider Houston community.
more >>
Europe
Reflecting the Jamat’s heritage
The Golden Jubilee Visual Arts Exhibition, which toured the United Kingdom earlier this year, provided a platform for those with artistic talent to capture this special Jubilee period in our history through their own creative expression.
more >>
Middle East
Qatar’s quest to build a knowledge society
Qatar is in a hurry to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing world by transforming itself into a knowledge society. Its leaders are propelling the nation on a quest for excellence in education.
more >>
International Programmes
Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston
After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."
more >>
Africa
Illustrated publication on Ismaili history launched in Kenya by The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Kenya hosted the first major launch of an Institute of Ismaili Studies publication outside North America and Europe. The authors and staff of The Institute recounted the journey of the making of the book, and its importance at this juncture in Ismaili history.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Golden Jubilee
Central Asia visit
Monday, 3 NovemberAt Khorog, in what he described as an “historic event,” Mawlana Hazar Imam laid the foundation-stone for the “first Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Tajik-Badakhshan.” Thousands of members of the Jamat gathered to witness the event.
more >>
Asia
Jamat prepares for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Tajikistan
The Jamat of Tajikistan is eagerly awaiting the commencement of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit with anticipation and excitement. From sprucing up the streets to holding celebratory community gatherings, members of the Jamat are preparing for the country’s first Darbars in ten years.
more >>
North America
Texas Jamat comes together in the face of a massive storm
On 13 September, Hurricane Ike surged through Houston with destructive force. The Ismaili Council and Focus Humanitarian Assistance established a Crisis Response Team to ensure the safety of the Jamat, while also assisting relief efforts in the wider Houston community.
more >>
Europe
Reflecting the Jamat’s heritage
The Golden Jubilee Visual Arts Exhibition, which toured the United Kingdom earlier this year, provided a platform for those with artistic talent to capture this special Jubilee period in our history through their own creative expression.
more >>
Middle East
Qatar’s quest to build a knowledge society
Qatar is in a hurry to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing world by transforming itself into a knowledge society. Its leaders are propelling the nation on a quest for excellence in education.
more >>
International Programmes
Ali to Karim ends USA tour with final performance in Houston
After captivating the Jamat and, in a special way, bringing the history of the Ismaili Imams so close to the Jamat during their tour of the United States, the cast and crew of ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams share their parting reflections and memories of what the experience was like for them."
more >>
Africa
Illustrated publication on Ismaili history launched in Kenya by The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Kenya hosted the first major launch of an Institute of Ismaili Studies publication outside North America and Europe. The authors and staff of The Institute recounted the journey of the making of the book, and its importance at this juncture in Ismaili history.
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Revitalising Historic Sites in Syria
The fortified entrance of the Citadel of Aleppo. Involvement in Syria began in 1999 in response to a request to the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP) from the Syrian Directorate of Antiquities and Museums to provide technical assistance for the conservation and reuse of a number of historic citadel sites in the country. The Citadels of Aleppo and Masyaf and the Castle of Salah ad-Din were selected.
Each site presented a different set of challenges. The Citadel of Aleppo rises majestically above the ancient city of Aleppo and is one of the foremost monuments of the Islamic world. Inside the walls, a long history of bombardments, pillage and earthquakes had taken its toll. Conservation focused on a number of key areas that had a spatial or historic coherence: the Ayyubid Palace complex, the western section of the Citadel crown and the main surrounding walls.
The Castle of Salah ad-Din stands high on a mountain ridge.By contrast, the Castle of Salah ad-Din is located on a mountain ridge surrounded by forest. It has been described as “the greatest Crusader building enterprise of the twelfth century.” The armies of Salah ad‑Din took the castle in 1188 and conservation projects have focused on the palace complex built by its Ayyubid conquerors.
The Citadel of Masyaf, viewed from the city, after conservation.Masyaf Citadel is smaller in scale than Aleppo or Salah ad-Din and situated on the edge of a provincial town. A fighting castle rather than a royal seat, and more rugged in character, the Citadel is one of the most complete mediaeval fortresses surviving in Syria. Most of what remains standing dates from the period of Ismaili occupation in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The project included conservation of the entire structure. Just as at the other Citadel sites, the physical conservation work conserved the ruined character of the monument whilst adding support and strength where required.
In all cases, the objective was to create exemplars of historic monument conservation, thereby setting a benchmark of good practice, and to develop skills of local crafts people and professionals through training. Sustainability is a key aspect of AKHCP’s projects; the programme at the Citadels included investment in facilities such as visitors’ centres, pathways and guidebooks, and development of site management procedures. Conservation work at the Citadels will be completed in 2007.
More @ http://www.akdn.org/aktc_hcp_syria.asp
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Each site presented a different set of challenges. The Citadel of Aleppo rises majestically above the ancient city of Aleppo and is one of the foremost monuments of the Islamic world. Inside the walls, a long history of bombardments, pillage and earthquakes had taken its toll. Conservation focused on a number of key areas that had a spatial or historic coherence: the Ayyubid Palace complex, the western section of the Citadel crown and the main surrounding walls.
The Castle of Salah ad-Din stands high on a mountain ridge.By contrast, the Castle of Salah ad-Din is located on a mountain ridge surrounded by forest. It has been described as “the greatest Crusader building enterprise of the twelfth century.” The armies of Salah ad‑Din took the castle in 1188 and conservation projects have focused on the palace complex built by its Ayyubid conquerors.
The Citadel of Masyaf, viewed from the city, after conservation.Masyaf Citadel is smaller in scale than Aleppo or Salah ad-Din and situated on the edge of a provincial town. A fighting castle rather than a royal seat, and more rugged in character, the Citadel is one of the most complete mediaeval fortresses surviving in Syria. Most of what remains standing dates from the period of Ismaili occupation in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The project included conservation of the entire structure. Just as at the other Citadel sites, the physical conservation work conserved the ruined character of the monument whilst adding support and strength where required.
In all cases, the objective was to create exemplars of historic monument conservation, thereby setting a benchmark of good practice, and to develop skills of local crafts people and professionals through training. Sustainability is a key aspect of AKHCP’s projects; the programme at the Citadels included investment in facilities such as visitors’ centres, pathways and guidebooks, and development of site management procedures. Conservation work at the Citadels will be completed in 2007.
More @ http://www.akdn.org/aktc_hcp_syria.asp
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Speech by Mawlana Hazar ImamAt the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony ofThe Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, KhorogMonday
, 3 November 2008
Bismillahir Rahamanir Rahim
Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Ghulomov,Your Excellency Governor Qodiri Qosim,Your Excellency Governor Munshi Abdul Majeed,Distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman
I would like to begin these comments this morning by welcoming you to this most happy occasion, this historic event, to celebrate the laying of the Foundation Stone of this first Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Tajik-Badakhshan.
I would like to say how deeply happy I am, that this Foundation Stone ceremony will occur during the 50th year of my Imamat. I can think of few events in this year which will have given me the happiness which this one today will bring me and inshallah all the people who will participate in this event.
At the beginning of these comments, it is appropriate to situate here, one of the functions of the Ismaili Centre in the tradition of Muslim piety. For many centuries, a prominent feature of the Muslim religious landscape has been the variety of spaces of gathering co-existing harmoniously with the masjid, which in itself has accommodated a range of diverse institutional spaces for educational, social and reflective purposes.
Historically serving communities of different interpretations and spiritual affiliations, these spaces have retained their cultural nomenclatures and characteristics, from ribat and zawiyya to khanaqa and jamatkhana.
The congregational space incorporated within the Ismaili Centre belongs to the historic category of jamatkhana, an institutional category that also serves a number of sister Sunni and Shia communities, in their respective contexts, in many parts of the world. Here, the Jamatkhana will be reserved for traditions and practices specific to the Shia Ismaili tariqah of Islam. The Centre on the other hand, will be a symbol of confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam.
I would like today to situate what the Centre and the Jamatkhana aspires to be in the town of Khorog. It is my hope that the town of Khorog will become the Jewel of the Pamir. The gem cutter, the person who prepares the jewel, cuts it and cuts it and polishes it and cuts it and polishes it until he has fashioned the gem stone in to a stone of absolute purity with no clouding, absolute purity. And the gem cutter has to do his work very carefully with a lot of time, because if he makes a mistake, he can not bring back the part of the stone that he cut away by mistake. And this is what I hope, with the President of the Republic, His Excellency the Governor, we will be able to do over the years ahead, to improve the town of Khorog, to make it the Jewel of the Pamir.
And we will seek to improve, all of us together, the quality of the environment in which we live, bringing clean water to everywhere where the people live, bringing energy to all the places where people live, improving the schools and health facilities, improving and restoring our historic buildings which are representations today of our cultural history, and thanks to the Governor Niyozmamadov and his gift of land, we today have a new park in Khorog, inshallah we will build the University of Central Asia, we will build this Centre, and while working together, step by step, we will make Khorog the Jewel of the Pamir.
And I want to thank again His Excellency the President, the Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency the Governor, the Governor of Afghan-Badakshan who has done us the honour of being here today, I want to thank everyone who has made this event possible today. But more than that, who is making new things happen in partnership and in friendship. Like the University of Central Asia, which is a very complex exercise, but inshallah, we will do it properly.
And every time I come back to Khorog, I will ask myself: Are we moving towards making Khorog the Jewel of the Pamir?
Thank you.
http://www.theismaili.org/?ID=584
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Bismillahir Rahamanir Rahim
Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Ghulomov,Your Excellency Governor Qodiri Qosim,Your Excellency Governor Munshi Abdul Majeed,Distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman
I would like to begin these comments this morning by welcoming you to this most happy occasion, this historic event, to celebrate the laying of the Foundation Stone of this first Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Tajik-Badakhshan.
I would like to say how deeply happy I am, that this Foundation Stone ceremony will occur during the 50th year of my Imamat. I can think of few events in this year which will have given me the happiness which this one today will bring me and inshallah all the people who will participate in this event.
At the beginning of these comments, it is appropriate to situate here, one of the functions of the Ismaili Centre in the tradition of Muslim piety. For many centuries, a prominent feature of the Muslim religious landscape has been the variety of spaces of gathering co-existing harmoniously with the masjid, which in itself has accommodated a range of diverse institutional spaces for educational, social and reflective purposes.
Historically serving communities of different interpretations and spiritual affiliations, these spaces have retained their cultural nomenclatures and characteristics, from ribat and zawiyya to khanaqa and jamatkhana.
The congregational space incorporated within the Ismaili Centre belongs to the historic category of jamatkhana, an institutional category that also serves a number of sister Sunni and Shia communities, in their respective contexts, in many parts of the world. Here, the Jamatkhana will be reserved for traditions and practices specific to the Shia Ismaili tariqah of Islam. The Centre on the other hand, will be a symbol of confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam.
I would like today to situate what the Centre and the Jamatkhana aspires to be in the town of Khorog. It is my hope that the town of Khorog will become the Jewel of the Pamir. The gem cutter, the person who prepares the jewel, cuts it and cuts it and polishes it and cuts it and polishes it until he has fashioned the gem stone in to a stone of absolute purity with no clouding, absolute purity. And the gem cutter has to do his work very carefully with a lot of time, because if he makes a mistake, he can not bring back the part of the stone that he cut away by mistake. And this is what I hope, with the President of the Republic, His Excellency the Governor, we will be able to do over the years ahead, to improve the town of Khorog, to make it the Jewel of the Pamir.
And we will seek to improve, all of us together, the quality of the environment in which we live, bringing clean water to everywhere where the people live, bringing energy to all the places where people live, improving the schools and health facilities, improving and restoring our historic buildings which are representations today of our cultural history, and thanks to the Governor Niyozmamadov and his gift of land, we today have a new park in Khorog, inshallah we will build the University of Central Asia, we will build this Centre, and while working together, step by step, we will make Khorog the Jewel of the Pamir.
And I want to thank again His Excellency the President, the Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency the Governor, the Governor of Afghan-Badakshan who has done us the honour of being here today, I want to thank everyone who has made this event possible today. But more than that, who is making new things happen in partnership and in friendship. Like the University of Central Asia, which is a very complex exercise, but inshallah, we will do it properly.
And every time I come back to Khorog, I will ask myself: Are we moving towards making Khorog the Jewel of the Pamir?
Thank you.
http://www.theismaili.org/?ID=584
Ismailiworld - Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
