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: Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA

Muslim art and cultural expression opens doors to interfaith dialogue in Houston

Following a presentation at the Houston Principle Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, audience members listen to a tour guide explain Islamic and Western architectural concepts represented by the Center,. Photo: Imran Jafar

In May and June, the Houston Ismaili community collaborated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to organise educational events that explored and celebrated artistic traditions of the Muslim world. It was part of an ongoing outreach effort that has given way to greater dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims about their respective faiths and cultural heritage.

A scene from the Shahnama: Rustam pursues Akvan the Onager-Div. Photo: Courtesy of Aga Khan Trust for Culture

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.

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.

Golden Jubilee
Archive

Fifty years after he became the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, the global Jamat commemorated Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee with special events and activities around the world that took place between 11 July 2007 – 13 December 2008.

The Institute of
Ismaili Studies

Nutrition
Centre

Featuring a library of traditional recipes annotated with nutritional information and healthy eating tips, as well as articles on how you can make your meals healthier.

Aga Khan
Development Network

Aga Khan Announces New Graduate School of Media and Communications at Pan-Africa Media Conference in Nairobi

» Aga Khan Museum Collection in Berlin at the Martin-Gropius-Bau

» Aga Khan addresses the Marketplace on Innovative Financial Solutions for Development

Ismaili Centres
Around the World

The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in the regions in which they are established.
Architecturally unique, each building is a safeguard and a symbol of the core values of the Ismaili Muslim community.