Introduction

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).

 

Articles related to: Jamatkhana

International Women’s Day brings women from around the world to the Ismaili Centre, London

Women of diverse backgrounds exchange stories and ideas at the International Women’s Day event held at the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Sadrudin Verjee

Women from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate, identify their strengths and hear about inspirational women. The event was organised by the Women’s Activities Portfolio of the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom, and was the third consecutive time that the Ismaili community marked the occasion in the UK.

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Ismaili Centre, Dubai joins with Architectural Heritage Society to host lecture series

ATHAR participants browse a selection of Aga Khan Trust for Culture publications at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Photo: Rafiq Ally

In the Autumn of 2009, the UAE Architecture Heritage Society hosted the ATHAR public lectures series in conjunction with the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. ATHAR is a programme of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, which advocates the conservation of cultural heritage.

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Ismaili Centre plays host to the 2009 Lisbon Forum

AKDN Representative Nazim Ahmad, Dinah Azevedo Gomes, Ismaili Council for Portugal President Amirali Bhanji, and UN High representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr Jorge Sampaio participate in the proceedings of the 2009 Lisbon Forum hosted at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Portugal

In November, the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon was the venue of the 2009 Lisbon Forum, an annual event of the North-South Centre. Focused on the “creation of a culture of human rights through education,” the gathering was organised in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Aga Khan Development Network.

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Ugandan Vice President speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby

Gathered at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby (L to R): His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner for Uganda in Ottawa; Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia; His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda; Malik Talib, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada; and John Halani, Honorary Consul for Uganda in BC. Photo: Riyaz Lalani

On 25 October 2009, His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice President of Uganda visited the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Accompanied by His Excellency George Abola, High Commissioner of Uganda in Ottawa, he sought to reach out to the Canadian Ismaili community with an invitation to invest in the future of Uganda.

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Ismaili Student Network introduces young Ismailis to university life

The Ismaili Student Network ‘Get Fresh’ event brought together students from universities throughout the UK. Photo: Jamil Teja

Abeed Mohamed is one of a number of young Ismailis who left home for the first time this autumn, to begin life as a university student. The Ismaili Student Network helped him and other UK students to prepare for this important transition.

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New Ismaili Centres section launched on TheIsmaili.org

The Ismaili website has launched a new section dedicated to the Ismaili Centres. Copyright: TheIsmaili.org

Today, TheIsmaili.org is pleased to launch a new section of the website dedicated to the Ismaili Centres around the world. The section includes a selection of speeches, photographs, video clips, press releases, as well as architectural and historical information for each Centre.

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Patron of the Olympic Truce, the Governor General of Canada speaks with young British Columbians at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby

Presidents Mohamed Manji and Samira Alibhai, of the Ismaili Councils for Canada and British Columbia, present a gift — the Bismillah Raven by Sherazad Jamal — to the Governor General. The gift represents a multiplicity of expressions and the coming together of two cultures. Photo: Aziz Ladha

As part of Canada’s expression of the Olympic Truce, Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada led a Truce Dialogue in the run-up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Dialogue, which took place at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, aimed at engaging youth on the topic of peace-building through sport and culture.

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Imamat Day celebrations in Tajikistan feature education-themed reception

Some of the Aga Khan Scouts at the Imamat Day Reception gather for a photograph. Photo: Rafiq Dhanji

In Tajikistan, the celebration of Roz-e Takht Nishini has traditionally included family and neighbourhood gatherings with shared meals, music and dancing. This year, the AKDN Resident Representative Office contributed to the festivities by hosting an education-themed reception.

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Volunteer search and rescue team is the highlight of FOCUS event

The audience applauds members of the FOCUS Search and Rescue Team, who presented at an event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the organisation. Photo: Meena Badhrudin

In May, Focus Humanitarian Assistance celebrated its 15th anniversary with An Evening with Focus, held at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event created awareness of the integral role that FOCUS and its volunteers play in communities around the world.

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Launch of Nutrition Centre applauded by UK health community

 Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

Health professionals gathered at the Ismaili Centre, London for the launch of a new website that emphasises the value of preserving traditional dishes. The Ismaili Nutrition Centre will help families factor health and nutrition into the preparation of their daily meals.

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From Kyoto to Copenhagen: The next step in the fight against climate change

Abyd Karmali, Managing Director and Global Head of Carbon Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, speaking at the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Courtesy of Abyd Karmali

Twelve years ago, Abyd Karmali witnessed the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Drawing on his experience, he discusses the crucial importance of the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen in addressing the current reality of the climate change crisis.

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Data to Diet: A new tool to promote healthy eating

TheIsmaili.org is pleased to join the Aga Khan Health Board (UK) in launching a web-based Nutrition Centre. Copyright: TheIsmaili.org

The Aga Khan Health Board for the United Kingdom and TheIsmaili.org — the official website of the global Ismaili Muslim community — have launched an online Nutrition Centre (www.TheIsmaili.org/nutrition). This groundbreaking initiative provides an international source of nutrition health information, which is accessible to the public for the first time.

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United Arab Emirates Visit

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Royal Terminal of Dubai International Airport, as members of the Jamati leadership look on. Photo: Gary Otte

In March 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a Golden Jubilee visit. During the busy four day trip, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Jamat and presided over the historic opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai.

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Live Webcast: An evening with FOCUS

 Copyright: Focus Humanitarian Assistance

As part of the commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the FOCUS Europe Board is presenting An Evening with FOCUS at the Ismaili Centre in London on Thursday, 28 May. The event will be webcast live at AKDN.org.

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Exhibition by UAE Royal Photographer inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Majid and Noor Ali Rashid  pause at a photograph of the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Photo: Farhad R Ally / Akbar Hakim

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.

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A changing climate: Exploring the social impact of global warming

The panellists engage in discussion. From left to right: Dan Smith, Lord Adair Turner, Camilla Toulmin, Dr Salim Sumar. Photo: Abdul Khakoo

In February, an eminent panel convened in London as part of the Ismaili Centre Lecture Series to discuss global warming and its impact on the developing world. The panel turned its attention to the social impact of climate change, particularly in the developing world.

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Golden Jubilee marks the formation of the Canadian Jamat’s national youth choir

The Canadian Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir pose for a photograph following their Ottawa performance in August 2008. Photo: Almin Surani

The Canadian Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir was formed in September 2007, in commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Through the exploration of different genres of music, the choir seeks to express the Canadian Ismaili experience.

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Engaging discussion on modernity accompanies launch of new book

Dr Amyn Sajoo and Raficq Abdulla on stage during the book launch at the Ismaili Centre, London. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the UK

A new book, recently launched at the Ismaili Centre in London, draws attention to the rich and varied ways in which Muslims have embraced modernity. Dr Amyn B Sajoo discusses the importance of memory in tempering different flavours of modernity influenced by forces such as ideology and the marketplace.

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New Chicago-area Jamatkhana described as the “Ruby of Glenview”

The ceiling light feature in the Prayer Hall consists of seven heptagonal (seven-sided) figures, visible in this close-up. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for the USA

Some 200 guests gathered in December for the opening of a new Jamatkhana in Glenview, Illinois. Set on 9.3 acres of land, the 26 000 square foot facility includes a prayer hall, administrative offices, classrooms, and spaces for social gatherings.

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Central Asia visit diary

The AKDN Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Nurjehan Mawani, bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at Manas International Airport. Photo: Gary Otte

During a ten-day visit to Central Asia, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, where he met with senior government and institutional leaders, and assessed the development of the University of Central Asia as well as other AKDN and Imamat projects. In Tajikistan, Hazar Imam granted Golden Jubilee Darbars at Ishkashim and Porshinev, and layed the foundation for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Khorog.

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Orchestra in Dubai expresses the harmony of the international Jamat through a unique musical compilation

 Copyright: Ismaili Council for UAE

Members of a Jamati orchestra in Dubai have produced a two-disc musical compilation in celebration of the Golden Jubilee. Frontierless Brotherhood — A Fusion of Diversity reflects the cultures and heritage of Ismailis from around the world.

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First purpose-built Jamatkhana opens in the Ishkashim region of Afghan Badhakhshan

Ishkashim Jamatkhana in Afghanistan, with the mountains of Tajikistan visible in the background. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

The Jamat of Afghanistan celebrated the opening of the first purpose-built Jamatkhana in the Ishkashim district of Badakhshan. Hundreds gathered for the official opening, which was attended by a number of distinguished guests including the Governor of Badakhshan Province and the President of the Provincial Assembly.

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First Imamat Day at the Ismaili Centre Dubai is marked with a celebration of expression

A view of the entrance to Souq-al-Izhaar (Market of Expressions). Photo: Prime Vision

Starting with an inaugural flag-raising ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Imamat Day in the UAE was celebrated with enthusiatic creativity. The Souq al-Izhar exhibition invited members of the Jamat to express themselves artistically on a variety of themes.

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Portuguese Jamat celebrates the launch of three new publications

Three new publications from the Institute of Ismaili Studies were launched at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. Photo: Courtesy ITREB Portugal

The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon recently hosted the launch of three new publications from the Institute of Ismaili Studies. The event featured special keynote addresses by Professor Azim Nanji and Dr. Omar Ali-de-Unzaga.

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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.

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Prince Amyn inaugurates the Ismaili Economic Forum

Upon arriving at the Ismaili Centre Dubai, Prince Amyn is received by Vice-President Wazir Daredia of the Ismaili Council for the UAE and LIF Chairman Azim Lakhani. Photo: Ally Production Fze

The Ismaili Economic Forum was opened by Prince Amyn on 26 April 2008, amidst a gathering of Ismaili economic and business leaders at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Focusing on the theme of Strategic Business Alliances, the Forum provides a platform for collaboration on economic opportunities and addressing common challenges.

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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.

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Thousands of visitors tour the Ismaili Centre Dubai

Visitors arriving for a tour of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Photo: Ally Studio

Following the opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, thousands of members of the Jamat enjoyed memorable and informative guided tours of the new Centre.

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Ensemble joins with Royal Philharmonic to deliver captivating performances

Members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform with the Ismaili Community Ensemble. Photo: Ismaili Council for the UK

In March, the Ismaili Community Ensemble, together with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, dazzled audiences with rousing performances in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee at the Ismaili Centre in London.

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Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai

The entrance of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai is adorned by fountains, trees and a five-arched teak and meranti portico. Photo: Gary Otte

Mawlana Hazar Imam officially opened the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008. Information about the opening of the Centre, including the press release, Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech, videos, photographs and fact sheets can be found here.

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Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses the guests at the opening ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Gary Otte

Speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008.

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UAE Jamat prepares in anticipation of Golden Jubilee visit

Aga Khan Scouts and Guides rehearsing a flute performance.

With only hours remaining before Mawlana Hazar Imam’s expected arrival in the United Arab Emirates, there is an air of excitement and anticipation as the Jamat prepares for an historic visit.

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Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya visit the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon

Prince Amyn inspects plans at the Centro Ismaili in Lisbon with President Amirali Bhanji of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Rahim Kara, the Centro Ismaili building manager and other senior management. Photo: Tiago Brarens

Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya today toured the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. They are in Portugal for the opening of “The Path of Princes: Masterpieces of the Aga Khan Museum Collection” exhibition at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.

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A rich history of the Scout Movement in Portugal

Group photo of Scout Movement in Portugal in 1999. Photo: Courtesy of Ismaili Council for 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.

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Portugal issues commemorative stamps

 Photo: Courtesy Correios de Portugal.

In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, and in recognition of the contributions of the Ismaili community in Portugal, Correios de Portugal (Portuguese Mail Services) has issued commemorative stamps featuring photos of the Centro Ismaili, Lisbon.

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Building the post-conflict civil society: discussion at Ismaili Centre London

Panelists prepare to address questions from the audience at The Ismaili Centre Lecture Series. Photo: Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom.

A panel of notable academics and specialists assembled at The Ismaili Centre, London on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 to discuss the role of faith in post-conflict emerging states.

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Aga Khan Museum Collection tours Europe

Spirit & Life: Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Aga Khan Museum Collection. Cover of exhibition catalogue print version published by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). Photo: Courtesy of AKTC

Currently touring Europe, rare masterpieces of Islamic art, from the Aga Khan Museum Collection are contributing to a wider understanding of Islam's rich artistic and cultural history. The Aga Khan Museum Collection has been appreciated by not only the Jamat but also members of the general public.

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Charting a family's journey

Turkish Art from the Spirit & Life Exhibition. Chestnut tree leaf, 19th Century. From the Collections of the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto. Photo: Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Afroza and Alykhan Nanji, a dentist and doctor respectively, are raising their two children in Calgary, Canada. Like many couples with young families, they have struggled with the definition of success as they juggle commitments to their faith, family, careers and community.

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Mozambique visit diary

Mawlana Hazar Imam bidding farewell to the Jamat of Mozambique upon his departure from Pemba airport. Photo: AKDN/Lucas Moura

Mawlana Hazar Imam's second Golden Jubilee visit to the Jamats in Africa began in Mozambique. As a State Guest, Mawlana Hazar Imam held a number of meetings with Senior Government officials, visited AKDN field projects and met with the Jamat.

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Intercultural Dialogue workshops held at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon

Keynote address by the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio. Photo: Ismaili Council for Portugal

The Council of Europe, an organisation promoting democracy and human rights in Europe, will be launching a White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Portugal, and other international organisations.

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Ismaili Centre London participates in Fete de la Musique

School children learn to play the daf, an Iranian percussion instrument. Photo: Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom

The Social Hall at The Ismaili Centre in London, was filled with people of all ages eager to hear the spectacular fusion of sounds from an incredible mix of western and eastern instruments on 21 June 2007, as part of the Exhibition Road Music Day festivities.

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Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in the Middle East

Volunteers in Dubai performing a garba. Photo: Ally

11 July 2007 marked the unison of Ismailis of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds gathered in various regional venues in the Middle East to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their Imam. Irrespective of the geographical settings, whether it be Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the celebrations were memorable.

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