Heritage & Expressions

The history of the Ismaili Muslims is a richly-woven tapestry, reflecting numerous geographies, languages, cultures and centuries. Faith and ideas have found diverse expression in poetry, philosophy and architecture, amongst other disciplines. This pluralistic heritage is continually celebrated even as its spirit is harnessed to the contemporary world.

Africa

Maputo Jamatkhana evokes a long history of Ismailis in Mozambique

Full front view of the Maputo Jamatkhana in Mozambique. Note the glass-walled minarets. Photo: Emran Virgi

The Maputo Jamatkhana was once described by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah as the best in Africa. Timeless in its design and beauty, the Jamatkhana testifies to the long history of the Ismaili Muslim community in Mozambique.

more >>

Europe

The “cosmopolitan ethic” explored

Jan Aart Scholte addresses the audience at the Ismaili Centre. Photo: Ismaili Council for the UK

The 2007 Ismaili Centre Lecture Series concluded with addresses by Rageh Omar and Jan Aarte Scholte focusing on cosmopolitanism and identity, exploring ideas of tolerance and social justice in a pluralistic society. This gives way to the 2008 Lecture series which focuses on the theme Sharing the Narrative of Progress.

more >>

North America

The Living Art of Islamic Calligraphy

Zakariya demonstrating the art of calligraphy during the workshop session. Photo: Shiraz Maher Ali

The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Asia Society, Texas hosted an educational programme featuring master calligrapher, Mohamed Zakariya.

more >>

Middle East

Excursions across cultures

The colonnade (1.2 km long) at Palmyra dating back almost 2000 years. Photo: Amina Valimohamed

Sixteen members of the UK Jamat participated in “Excursions across cultures." They experienced the warm hospitality of the Syrian Jamat, as well as the rich and varied history of a land that has weaved together many different cultures over time.

more >>

Asia

Rumi - 800th Anniversary

Portrait of Rumi. Photo: Haydan Hatemi

Tell me, is sugar sweeter Or He who makes sugar cane? Is the Beauty of the moon better Or He who makes it wax and wane? Source: Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, translated by Shahriar Shahriari

more >>

Golden Jubilee

Find out more on the Golden Jubilee