Syria Visit IMages -www.akdn.org

	His Highness the Aga Khan greeting leaders of the Ismaili Community and the AKDN in Syria, upon his arrival at Damascus Airport. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari. File size: 655KB Photo credit: AKDN / Gary Otte
	His Highness the Aga Khan with Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari, who received him upon his arrival at Damascus Airport. File size: 657KB Photo credit: AKDN / Gary Otte
	His Highness the Aga Khan leaving Damascus airport. File size: 664KB Photo credit: AKDN / Gary Otte
	His Highness the Aga Khan meets with Syria's President, His Excellency Bashar al-Asaad, in the afternoon of his arrival into Damascus. The Aga Khan is visiting Syria on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. File size: 402KB Photo credit: SANA

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Aga Khan University Signs Agreement to Further Health and Education Development in Syria

Damascus, Syria, 25 August 2008 - The Ministries of Health and Higher Education of the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University (AKU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance capacity in the health sector. The memorandum was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister in Damascus and witnessed by Syrian Prime Minister, His Excellency Muhammad Naji Al-Otri and His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Chancellor of the Aga Khan University. He is in Syria on a 6-day official visit.

The memorandum, which provides a framework for cooperation in nursing education and hospital quality assurance, was signed by Dr. Maher Al-Husami, Minister of Health, Dr. Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education and Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of AKU, witnessed by Mr. Mohamed Seifo, AKDN Representative in Syria.

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Aga Khan Arrives in Syria on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee

Press release www.akdn.org

Damascus, Syria, 24 August, 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), arrived in Damascus today, on a 6-day official visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism, Dr Sadallah Agha Al-Qala, various faith leaders as well as leaders from the Ismaili Community in Syria and officials from the AKDN.

The visit comes in response to an invitation from the Syrian Arab Republic Government, and within the context of His Highness’ Golden Jubilee - the Aga Khan acceded to the Ismaili Imamat on 11th July 1957 and is visiting some 30 countries around the world which have long-standing and close relations with the Imamat to express his gratitude and friendship with governments, leaders, and other partners of the AKDN.

During his visit to Syria, the Aga Khan, is scheduled to meet with Dr. Bashar Al Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to hold meetings with the Syrian Prime Minister and a number of political and spiritual leaders in Syria to discuss ways of furthering cooperation and coordination in the areas of healthcare, nursing, education, microfinance, tourism and culture. Within this framework, a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to further development in these areas and enhance sustainable integrated development in the country.

In a ceremony to be held in Aleppo on Thursday 28th August 2008, the Aga Khan will also mark the completion of cultural revitalisation work on the Citadels of Aleppo, Salah ad-Din and Masyaf, carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums.

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Syria visit - 25 Aug

Syria visit

Monday, 25 August 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses a media gathering as Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Prime Minister, Muhammad Naji Al-Otri, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Al-Dardari.

Following the meetings, Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of an agreement by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Adib Mayaleh, to mark the launch of the First MicroFinance Institution (FMFI) in Syria. The FMFI is the first entity of its kind in the country. It will operate as a banking institution, while remaining focused on poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development in line with the mandate of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.

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Salamieh Syria Map

Point C: Salamieh centre where Homs street (south), Hama street (north west) and Thawra street (east) intersect. Point 1: Local Council of Salamieh and the mausoleum of Prince Aly Khan (0.5 km south west from centre)Point 2: Darbar site – Al zeraa (Agricultural School), located on 1.5 km west of city centre on Hama road. Point 3: Al-Hussaini Jamatkhana, near the AKES language center (Rawdah) 1.75 km north east of Salamieh centre, where the Registration Centre is situated, Point 4: Imam Ismail Mosque, where tomb of Imam Radiyyidin Abdallah is located (0.5 km from city centre)>

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Salamieh and Ismaili History

Syrian Ismaili Heritage

Salamieh and Ismaili History“It was from Salamiyya that the Imams secretly guided the activities of their followers from North Africa to Khurasan and Central Asia”. [Daftary, Nanji]

Naif Ghali from Su’un performing on the Rababah, a single string violin-like instrument Photo Credit: Akram Al AiakA comprehensive history of Salamieh (or Salamiyya) is documented in the article by Dr Farhad Daftary who notes that “the early Ismaili da‘wa was organised and led by a number of imams who were descendants of the Shi‘a Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq. It was Imam ‘Abdallah, a great-grandson of Imam al-Sadiq who, after living in different localities in Khuzistan and Iraq, fled to Syria and eventually settled down in Salamiyya at an unknown date around the beginning of the 3rd century AH (9th century CE)”.
Salamieh had been the headquarters of the Ismaili Da’wa for several generations. In 902 CE, Abdullah al Mahdi declared the Imamate for himself and his ancestors, bringing Dawr al-satr or the period of concealment to an end. He subsequently left Salamieh for North Africa.
Daftary notes that “Salamiyya now accounts for the largest concentration of Ismailis in Syria as well as in the Near East. In recent years, the Ismaili community of Salamiyya has benefited from the communal and religious activities of Aga Khan IV, the 49th and present imam of the Qasim Shahi Nizaris, whose father Prince ‘Ali Khan is buried in Salamiyya”
Ismaili CastlesPeter Willey’s Eagle’s Nest is devoted to the Ismaili castles in Iran and Syria. According to Peter, the larger Ismaili fortresses are quite outstanding as examples of military architecture, their strategic position and the skilled use of natural resources to ensure that, despite the difficulties of the terrain, the castles were well supplied with food and water and, therefore, able to withstand a prolonged siege of many months, and even years.
The most important Syrian fortress there was Masyaf, though the castle of Kahf was probably the main residence of the Ismaili leader Rashid al-Din Sinan. This stronghold remained a military post until Ottoman times and was destroyed as late as the beginning of the nineteenth century. Another important Ismaili centre in Syria was the cluster of castles around Qadmus including Kawabi, Rusafa, Qalaat, Maniqa and Uleyqa.
Follow the links for further information on Ismaili Castles:
Nizari Ismaili Castles of Iran and Syria
Nizari Ismaili Concept of Castles
Online gallery of images - Masyaf,
Online gallery of images – Kahf
Online gallery of images - Khawabi AKTC has been working on the restoration of the citadels of Masyaf, Aleppo and Sal EdDin. Their efforts are documented at the AKTC publications site.
Points of interest:Visitors to Syria may consider visiting sites of Ismaili and world heritage. From Salamieh, Aleppo is a day trip. Consider extending your visit to Masyaf with a trip to Tartous to see the Mediterranean.
Salamieh
Mausoleum of Prince Aly Khan at Salamieh Local Council
Tomb of Imam Radiyyidin Abdallah at Imam Ismaili Mosque
Agricultural School, first of its kind in Middle East and North Africa, established by Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah in 1910
Panoramic views of Salamieh and environs from Qalat shamamis and Ein Zirka
Masyaf (70 km from Salamieh, 40 km west of Hama) [Day trip from Salamieh]
Tombs of Imams Wafi Ahamad, Taqi Mohammed, and Dai Rashid al-Din Sinan
Citadel of Masyaf
Qadmous & Kahf (20 km from Masyaf)
Citadels
Aleppo [Day trip from Salamieh]
Citadel
Omayyad Mosque
Souq
Damascus
Shrine of Imam Hussein at the Ommayad Mosque
Shrine of Sayedda Zeinab (daughter of Hazrat Ali, sister of Imam Hussein)
Old City: Hamadiyya souk, Azem Palace, restaurants
National Museum (near the Four Seasons Hotel)
Lattakia
Citadel of Salah Ed Din (30 min drive)
Mediterranean Beaches
Krak de Chevalier aka Qalaat al Husn (41 km west of Homs) – Crusader Castle
Palmyra (235 km north east of Damascus) – great site of the ancient world.
Bosra Al Sham (2 hours south of Damascus) – Roman Architecture
Websites:Syria Ministry of Tourism
Recommended reading:
Monuments of Syria – An Historical Guide. Ross Burns, IB Tauris Rough Guide to Syria

http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/heritage/

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MHI Golden Jubilee Syria Visit Venue

Venue
Aug 26
Salamieh - Agricultural School, Hama Str.
Syrian and International Jamat

Aug 27
Khawabi - Kharbat Al Faras Village
Khawabi Jamat

Panorama of Salamieh from 'Ain Al Zarqa' (photo: Karim Valimohamed)Given the limited facilities and extreme environmental conditions, members of the International Jamat who are ill or in need of special care are advised not to participate in this event.
Darbar sites:Traditionally, the Darbars in Syria are organised in open air locations exposed to strong sunlight and extreme temperatures. Expect to be in direct sunlight for as much as six hours.
Entering the Darbar siteInternational visitors who are not accompanied by a local host or who have not received their darbar badge should assemble at the designated meeting point at Al-Hussain Jamatkhana in Salamieh, from where they shall be escorted to the Darbar site. To ensure the Jamat’s comfort and safety, each person will be required to undergo a security screening upon entering the Darbar site. Bags and purses may be inspected.
Identification International Jamati members will be provided with a badge with instructions in Arabic to allow others to assist you in case you are lost. Please carry your identification with you at all times.Parents should ensure that their children have a document (in Arabic) with the parent’s name, contact details, a list of any allergies or medical conditions the child may have.
Photo IdentificationJamati members will be required to have valid photo identification at the Darbar site. Valid photo IDs include:
National ID Cards
Passports
Drivers License
Prohibited ItemsThe Security Task force reserves the right to restrict items allowed at the Darbar site. In general, electronic devices and any items deemed dangerous or hazardous, such as sharp objects and lighters, will not be permitted.
Specifically, the following items are prohibited at the Darbar site:
Cellular / Mobile phones
Paging devices
Audio recorders
Video recorders and cameras
Electronic video games
iPods, CD, MP3, and other music/video players
Pocket PCs and Laptop Computers
If any of the above items are found, you will be requested to deposit them with the On-site Security Team. You can expect that items will not be available until several hours after the event as exiting the site will take approximately two hours.
Unopened, sealed, or wrapped parcels will not be permitted in the Darbar site.
Recording or photography of any kind is strictly prohibited within the Darbar site.
Health InformationThe International Jamat is advised to carry the following at all times for each family member, in case of emergency:
Health Insurance Card
Local contact
Name and contact information of closest relative and/or next of kin
Name and phone number of family doctor
List of allergies
List of current medications being taken (prescription and non-prescription)
Epi-pens, blood glucose meter, sugar diary, etc. (as required)
List of medical conditions
Tips for staying well during the event:
Drink plenty of water.
Stand up and stretch periodically.
Notice signs of exhaustion in yourself, your family members, and those around you.
If you feel sick, please let someone know and seek the assistance of a medical professional.
ChairsA limited number of chairs are available and will only be made available on a first come first served basis to those that have registered with their Local Council or through the website.
Temporary WheelchairsAssistance will be provided throughout the venue, including from the entrances and between the seating and restroom areas, to transport members of the Jamat who are not permanently in wheelchairs.
Permanent WheelchairsMembers of the Jamat who require the permanent use of a wheelchair are requested to bring their own wheelchair.For each person who is in a permanent wheelchair, one family member or caretaker accompanying that person will be permitted to sit in the area designated for permanent wheelchairs.Individuals will not be able to reserve seats for others.
Medical Needs and RequirementsDoctors will be on site to assist members of the Jamat in need of emergency medical care and first aid. Individuals who have medical conditions should ensure that they carry their medication. If there are family members who are terminally ill or in hospice and would like to participate in the Darbar please inform the Local Council office as soon as possible to discuss the necessary process.Jamati members with medical conditions that will require special attention should contact their Local Council office to discuss appropriate arrangements.Individuals with chronic illnesses or who are on prescribed medication are advised to maintain an adequate supply of medication. Such individuals are encouraged to carry copies of all prescriptions along with doctor’s name and contact information and where appropriate, Medic-Alert bracelets, EpiPen, etc.
Medical Facilities and First AidHealth care services will be available at two Health Centres located at the venue. Medical professionals can be accessed in three distinct areas:
For minor medical issues or to report a medical event, ask the volunteer closest to you to call the floating medical team. This team is readily available to triage and treat minor medical problems.
Two Clinics will serve minor medical conditions requiring on-the-spot treatment such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomachaches, backache, etc. Doctors will serve a higher level of medical problems such as breathing difficulties, chest pains, loss of consciousness, seizure disorders, etc. Patients seen in the Care Center who require hospitalization will be transported via ambulance.
Finally, there is a designated area for Syrian Jamati members who require constant medical attention. Special arrangements were made with the Local Council prior to the Darbar.
Medical care and assistance are provided by volunteers on a voluntary basis. In the event of hospitalization or administration of medical treatment by any health care provider, individuals are personally responsible for all financial obligations incurred. The Council for Syria is not liable for any health care assistance or any related financial costs. Members of the Jamat are, therefore, strongly advised to obtain health and travel insurance.
Expectant MothersChair seating arrangements have been made for expectant mothers who so desire. Please indicate this when you register so that chair arrangements can be made if required. If any further accommodations are needed, please contact your Local Council office or the International registration team.
Child Care and Baby AreasThe following items will be permitted in the Darbar site:
Baby Diapers
Tissues
Milk Bottles
Baby Food
NO arrangements have been made to store strollers during the Darbar.Babysitting services will not be offered.
Weather Conditions:The month of August is the height of summer in Syria, with daytime temperatures that are consistently extreme. These pose a severe challenge for the elderly, infirm and sick, and we specifically recommend that Jamati members in these categories should avoid travelling to Syria.

http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/venues/

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