Ali and Dilshad Karim at Altit Fort, strategically located, precarious for enemies. Legends speak of the spot where they are standing as the capital punishment spot where enemies were simply pushed over the cliff. Photo: Ali Karim. Copyright. I conclude my Silk Road Series for Simergphotos, with this 6th and final piece that covers the last stage of our stay ...
Kampala, Uganda, 11 February 2017 - Uganda's Minister of State for Health Sarah Achieng Opendi highlighted important developments in the country's healthcare and education sectors at the Aga Khan University's convocation ceremony in Kampala on Saturday. In her speech to graduands, Chief Guest Mrs. Opendi, described how nurses and educators from the Aga Khan University (AKU) were making a mark in ...
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 8 February 2017 - Graduands at the Aga Khan University's 12th convocation ceremony in Dar es Salaam were urged to make the best of their education by rising to the challenge of improving people's quality of life. In his speech, Chief Guest Lila Mkila, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, told graduates to celebrate today but ...
Nairobi, Kenya, 7 February 2017 - The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU GSMC) is set to host a pioneering suite of courses designed to transform leadership in Africa. Launching in November 2017, Transforming Leadership for 21st Century Africa brings together two world class courses designed to equip executives with the skills, mindset and communication expertise to ...
BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT Publisher/Editor, Simerg Thousands of readers have been clicking in recent weeks to read earlier pieces published on this website, which was was founded some 8 years ago. The interest in older articles has encouraged us to continue with this second part in an on-going series that is designed to draw our readers' attention to previously published articles that ...
Peter Adamson, Professor of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at King's College London, highlights in his latest book Philosophy in the Islamic World just how influential certain theologians and mystics from this milieu have been. Asked to single out one thinker, he names the Persian polymath Avicenna (980-1037) who invented "probably the most influential and interesting medieval ...
On Monday, January 30, the Aga Khan Museum's exhibitions team installed a spectacular new piece in our first-floor Museum Collections gallery. Titled "Flying Carpet," this whimsical piece by artist Farhad Moshiri is one of more than two dozen works in the world-premiere exhibition "Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians." The piece features a generic aircraft cut out of 32 Persian carpets, each ...
This 22 min video features a brief introduction to the competing Muslim powers on either side of the western Mediterranean in the 10th century CE: The Shiʿi Ismaili caliphate of the Fatimids (r. AH 297-567/909-1171 CE) and the Sunni Maliki caliphate of the Umayyads of al-Andalus, also known as the 'Umayyads of Spain' (r. AH 317-422/929-1031 CE). In AH 297/909 the ...
Nutrition Centre -- To mark World Cancer Day on 4 February, Munira Premji shares what she has learned from her relationship with food while battling the ravages of three cancers over the past five years. Five years ago today, my world was shattered. Within a two-week period, I was diagnosed with two advanced blood cancers: stage 3 multiple myeloma and stage ...
330 Sussex Drive The Global Centre for Pluralism has now moved to our new global headquarters at 330 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. On January 23rd, 2017 the Centre raised the Canadian flag at its new home. The Global Centre for Pluralism is an independent, not-for-profit international research and education centre located in Ottawa, Canada. Inspired by the example of Canada's inclusive approach to ...
In this short video, celebrated artist Aisha Khalid reflects on the inspiration behind and the process of creating her six-metre long double-sided tapestry, titled "Your Way Begins on the Other Side." Inspired by a traditional four-part Persian garden and named after a poem by Sufi mystic Rumi, the hand-made tapestry consists of more than one million gold-plated pins. It remains the first contemporary ...
Gr. 1 Sun Met hero is out of Sinndar mare Tazkara. Aga Khan Studs maternal lines were once again successful in Cape Town's premier contest for older horses as Whisky Baron lifted the Gr. 1 Sun Met. He was following in the footsteps of Champion IGUGU who had won the race in 2012 and who was, like Whisky Baron, bred out ...
Nutrition Centre -- Healthy Hints Considered a gourmet dish, typical recipes of murgh mussallum use generous amounts of oil. This lower fat version is still an absolute winner on the taste front. Although traditionally served with white rice, opt for brown rice or multi grain roti/naan to boost the fibre content. 1.35 kg whole chicken, skinned and cut into pieces 60 ...
Canada -- On January 14, Calgary's Ismailis celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Headquarters Jamatkhana. Over 1200 Jamati members and leaders enjoyed entertainment, food and dancing throughout the evening. On January 14, Calgary's Ismailis celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Headquarters Jamatkhana. Over 1200 Jamati members and leaders enjoyed entertainment, food and dancing throughout the evening. Dr. Salim Sumar, past president ...
Aga Khan Studs' consignment rich in potential for racing and breeding The Aga Khan Studs will be represented by an appealing draft of eight individuals at the forthcoming Goffs February Sale. The consignment, which as usual features some of the operation's best families, is composed of one gelding and eight fillies and mares, offering an opportunity for breeders to acquire prestigious ...
From October 14 to October 16, the Aga Khan Museum presented its second year of flamenco programming -- this year complementing the special exhibition "Álvaro Siza: Gateway to the Alhambra." Enjoy these select highlights from each performance in the festival, featuring such artists as Sara Jiménez Andrés, Cristian Pérez, Alfredo Tejada, and Patrocinio Hijo. Learn more at www.agakhanmuseum.org. ...
Temerity takes the Indian Oaks and Whiskey Baron wins a Gr.2 in South Africa. 2017 has made a flying start for the partnership of the Aga Khan Studs and Arrowfield, with a Group 2 success for Whiskey Baron in South Africa, while of daughter of Narmina purchased in utero won the Indian Oaks. In India, where the Aga Khan family was ...
Thanksgiving in the United States is when family and friends gather to share a meal in their homes. But the national holiday is also an opportunity to join with neighbours in offering service, and across the country, American Ismailis did exactly that. On the fourth Thursday in November each year, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Like many in the country, Ismailis across ...
Islamabad, Pakistan, 20 January 2017 - The Department of Emergency Management (formerly FOCUS) of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Small Grants and Ambassador's Fund Program initiated a project "Creating Resilient Communities in Shimshal Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan". The project, which aims to build resilience against the threat of glacial lake outburst ...
Harvard University is offering a course on Ismaili Muslim History and Thought in the Spring 2017 Term. This will be the third offering of this course which was designed and will be taught by world class Professor Ali Asani - Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard University. The course is open to all Harvard students. Course Website:RELIGION ...
West Nile, Uganda, 16 January 2017 - The Aga Khan Foundation in Uganda has joined Partners in Community Transformation (PICOT), a civil society organisation based in Koboko, and the Koboko district local government, in a new four-year project designed to promote the social and economic empowerment of young people. This project, "Promoting Youth Social and Economic Empowerment through Civil Society and ...
Oxford, United Kingdom, 16 January 2017 - How can we educate young students to help them better develop open-mindedness, intercultural understanding and comfort with plurality and complexity in a global context? The Aga Khan Foundation has launched a new research programme with the University of Oxford entitled, Re-examining the Meaning of Learning in an Uncertain World. The partnership begins on 17 ...
Report compiled by Abdulmalik Merchant Poem by Shariffa Keshavjee In a special talika (written message) read out in Ismaili jamatkhanas on Friday, January 13, 2017, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, informed his world-wide community that Princess Salwa gave birth to a baby boy named Sinan in London, England, on January 2, 2017. The Princess is married to Prince ...
Healthy Hints Packed with 10 times more vitamin A than regular white potatoes, sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy addition to your diet. Vitamin A supports normal growth and development and keeps your eyes, skin and immune system healthy. And it doesn't stop there! A rich source of fibre and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are also regarded to be a low ...
United Kingdom -- Aiglemont, 12 January 2017 -- It is with great happiness that Mawlana Hazar Imam has announced that Princess Salwa has given birth to a baby boy named Sinan. Prince Sinan is the second child of Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa, and a little brother to Prince Irfan. Born in London, United Kingdom on 2 January, Prince Sinan is ...
Nairobi, Kenya, 12 January 2017 - As part of one of the largest expansions of quality health care services in East Africa, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) today signed agreements for a total of US$19.5 million towards the improvement and expansion of the Aga Khan Hospitals in both Kisumu and Mombasa. The total project ...
"In this region no guest is a foreigner and every visitor is warmly welcomed and enjoys amazing hospitality. Food prepared from the heart is a labour of love...As I read and re-read the book, I feel that the earth itself compressed to make a safe haven for these very special people who truly live in harmony with mother earth. Similar to ...
It is said that Avicenna, the famed Muslim philosopher, medical expert and scientist, whom Ismailis like to claim as their own, created the first ever recipe for the Pilaf (Pilau, Plov, Palov, Oshi Palav etc.). He was born in Bukhara in modern day Uzbekistan. Now more than a 1000 years later, the much beloved Central Asian dish has been recognized by ...
Nutrition Centre -- Iron deficiency anemia affects nearly a third of women around the world, and can result in dizziness, headaches and difficulty staying focussed. Discover how to add iron to your diet. Two years ago, Amina Rajan was constantly exhausted. It seemed that nothing she tried could boost her energy level. "I felt very, very tired all the time," recalls ...
Ismaili youth performing at Moscow concert against a backdrop photo of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Tajikistan. Introduced by Abdulmalik Merchant The Luzhniki Sports Arena became the venue on December 11, 2016, for the Ismail community in Moscow to gather for a special concert to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary ...
On Sunday, November 13, we welcomed historian Dr. Ross Burns, a key figure behind "Syria: A Living History," to the Aga Khan Museum auditorium for an engaging lecture on Aleppo's storied landscape. Enjoy this video of the event, featuring an introductory performance by the Nai Syrian Children's Choir. ...
The NanoWisdoms Archive of Imamat Speeches, Interviews and Writings wishes all Happy New Year. A New Year brings with it the promise of change and 2017 promises to be memorable year, full of change, for both Ismailis and the world, as a whole. This year we Ismailis will, In'Shah'Allah, celebrate His Highness the Aga Khan's Diamond Jubilee -- marking 60 glorious ...
As 2016 comes to a close, Ismaili Gnosis presents the website's 7 most popular articles in 2016 based on the number of views from our readership. 1. The Aga Khan's Direct Descent from Prophet Muhammad: Historical Proof Read Here: 2. Why Ismaili Jamatkhanas are only open to Ismailis for Prayers Read Here: 3. The Secret Life of the Aga ...
BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT Publisher/Editor, Simerg On an occasional basis, Simerg will be drawing its readers' attention to popular pieces published on this website over the past almost eight years. Likewise, in the course of this series I shall be informing readers about many extraordinary pieces that have not received the readership they deserve. For now, here are links to 7 pieces ...
TKN -- Diamond Lalani was engaged as a Consultant and Advisor by AKTC, AKUHN and UCA to contribute his extensive expertise and global experience in capacity building and best practices. He served on these TKN assignments over a span of more than 7 years as a full time volunteer. Volunteer Name: Diamond Lalani Locations: 13 countries (Central Asia, SE Asia, Africa, ...
Pazeer and Mango Tango take Al Rayyan and Oaks. The Haras de Bonneval's SIYOUNI was in fine form at Doha over the festive period, recording a double on 28th December thanks to Pazeer and Mango Tango. Bred by the Aga Khan Studs, Pazeer won the Al Rayyan Stakes, Qatar's feature contest for juveniles, on his first outing for new connections. A ...
PREPARED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher/editor — Simergphotos, simerg and barakah) (The photos on this page are representative of some thirty photo pieces that we published in 2016. The photos are not shown in any specific chronological order. The detailed piece for each photo may be read by clicking on ‘See more’ in the photo caption. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family in ...
Kindly share with your friends, family members, relatives and all your other contacts around the world via email, the social media and by word of mouth! Thank you - ed. A marvellous end to 2016! Mawlana Hazar Imam is applauded by members of his family as a cake is presented to him for his landmark 80th birthday, making him the ...
The milestone celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam's 80th birthday engaged artists from the diverse traditions of the Ismaili community in "a musical and cultural conversation." ...
