Articles related to: History
New jamatkhanas opening across Afghanistan seen as catalysts for progress
In Afghanistan, the past year will be remembered for the large number of jamatkhanas that were inaugurated across the country. In Kabul alone, four newly built facilities were opened, while ground was broken for additional jamatkhanas in Badakhshan province and elsewhere.
New Jamatkhana strikes a dignified presence in the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province
The new Ismaili Jamatkhana Lahore is the first facility to be purpose-built for the Jamat in that city. Rooted in tradition and heritage, it symbolises centuries of the community’s presence in the region, and its continuity in a land steeped in the many interpretations and practices of Islam.
Twenty-five years later, architect recalls the development of the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby
Bruno Freschi remembers the exact moment when he received the call that set him on course to design the first Ismaili Centre in North America, situated in Burnaby, a leafy suburb of Vancouver. Speaking with Nasreen Gulamhusein, he talks about the development of this iconic structure, the encouragement that he received from Mawlana Hazar Imam, and shares his reflections on the building 25 years later.
A thousand years of Firdawsi’s Shahnama is celebrated
This year marks the 1 000th anniversary of the completion of Shahnama, The Book of Kings by Abu´l-Qasim Firdawsi. Consisting of some 60 000 verses, it is considered one of the longest and most important epic poems ever written. To commemorate its millenary, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosted a lecture that was co-sponsored by the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA.
Looking back on 25 years of the Ismaili Centre, London
In the 25 years since it opened, tens of thousands of people have experienced the Ismaili Centre in London. The building at Cromwell Gardens in South Kensington was the first high profile Ismaili Centre to be designed and built in the West, and realised an important vision of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Since then, it has both reflected and shaped the aspirations of the Jamat.
The theatre at Cromwell Gardens: A history of the site of the Ismaili Centre, London
In the 1990s, the Ismaili Centre, London hosted two major theatrical productions, but it wasn’t the first time that the grounds of the Centre had entertained thespian ambitions. TheIsmaili.org traces the history of the present-day site, which was once earmarked for the National Theatre.
RAYS OF LIGHT shines on both sides of the Atlantic
Following successful showings in Paris and Lisbon, RAYS OF LIGHT: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat had its North American debut in August in Atlanta. A Golden Jubilee International Programme, this exhibition depicts 50 years of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, against the backdrop of the 1 400 year history of Ismaili Imamat.
London exhibition provides insight into the life and legacy of a prominent Persian ruler
A major exhibition on the Safavid Emperor Shah Abbas I, whose rule of Persia spanned the 16th – 17th centuries is on at the British Museum in London. It provides a historical and cultural introduction to Persian culture and achievement, and situates it within the wider context of world events in the same period.
A lens into the legacy of Royal Photographer Noor Ali Rashid
Born in 1929 in the port of Gwadar, Noor Ali Rashid was sent to Dubai by his father, who hoped to cure him of his interest in photography — a distraction from the family business. Instead, through the lens of his camera, Rashid bore witness to the unfolding of a new country.
Young Ismaili travellers discover their history and heritage
Last year, a group of young Ismailis from around the world undertook a unique expedition. Through the Heritage Discovery Programme, they explored the physical, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of centuries of Ismaili legacy.
Exhibition by UAE Royal Photographer inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre Dubai
Reminiscing Heritage, an exhibition of photographs taken by acclaimed Royal Photographer of the United Arab Emirates, Noor Ali Rashid, is being hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. The exhibition was recently inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Lessons I learnt last summer
In this reflective piece, Aliyyah Giga, an alumnus of The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Summer Programme on Islam, shares some personal lessons that she drew from her experience of the programme.
Revival of traditional dress in Badakhshan mirrors shifting landscape of cultural influence
The evolution in choice of dress among the Ismailis of Gorno-Badakhshan in Tajikistan is reflective of wider changes and influences that have affected that society over the past decades. The recent re-emergence of Pamiri dress speaks to a rediscovery of local heritage.
Heritage Discovery Programme: An exploration of Ismaili heritage
Earlier this year, 114 delegates from 20 countries participated in the Heritage Discovery Programme. This Golden Jubilee International Programme focused on the exploration of Ismaili heritage through travel in the Middle East, Central and South Asia and East Africa.
Maputo Jamatkhana evokes a long history of Ismailis in Mozambique
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.
A rich history of the Scout Movement in Portugal
The history of Scouting in the Portuguese Ismaili community began in 1934 in Mozambique. The Scouting tradition continued as members of the Jamat emigrated from Mozambique to Portugal. Today, the Ismaili Scout group in Portugal is the second largest group in the country.
Excursions across cultures
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.
Beadwork around the world: Ancient to contemporary
Whether as ancient artefacts, or contemporary jewellery, the ubiquitous bead continues to have a fascinating appeal around the world. There have always been people who value special bones, stones, shells, seeds and beads for their magical qualities. By incorporating beads into the cultural fabric of their lives, native people worldwide have given us a marvellously textured view of history. Fariyal Jiwa recounts her foray into this world of beads which have been employed by many people for many purposes.
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