Diamond Jubilee News

"Art is a universal language, which transcends cultural boundaries by telling a story about a particular time and place. It encourages us to search deeper within, and thus learn more about ourselves."
"Art is a universal language, which transcends cultural boundaries by telling a story about a particular time and place. It encourages us to search deeper within, and thus learn more about ourselves."
Interview with Jenny Datoo and Nabila Samji, Jubilee Arts Project Leads
Interview with Jenny Datoo and Nabila Samji, Jubilee Arts Project Leads
9 July 2019

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Jubilee Arts International Arts Festival, The.Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Jenny Datoo, Project Lead, and Nabila D. Samji, Deputy Project Lead. Jenny and Nabila look back and reflect on the journey of Jubilee Arts, from its conception, through to national events, the International Arts Festival, and the programme's continuing legacy.

During the Jubilee Arts programme, Sara Janmohamed created and submitted a mandala — a geometric figure of spiritual significance — which was selected to be displayed at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon. The name of Hazrat Ali written in Arabic appears in the centre.
During the Jubilee Arts programme, Sara Janmohamed created and submitted a mandala — a geometric figure of spiritual significance — which was selected to be displayed at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon. The name of Hazrat Ali written in Arabic appears in the centre.
Shining a spotlight on young Ismaili artists
Shining a spotlight on young Ismaili artists
9 July 2019

Young members of the Jamat had the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents through the Jubilee Arts initiative at various regional and national events around the world during the Diamond Jubilee year. Artists as young as 6 years of age submitted entries, and a number of them were selected to represent their Jamats at the International Arts Festival in Lisbon (IAF) last July.

Digital Magazine: Jubilee Arts International Art Gallery
Digital Magazine: Jubilee Arts International Art Gallery
5 July 2019

This day last year, 6 July 2018, the Jubilee Arts International Arts Festival opened in Lisbon, Portugal, where thousands of Ismailis had gathered to commemorate the conclusion of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Diamond Jubilee. On this occasion, The.Ismaili is pleased to share with the global Jamat a digital magazine looking back at the Jubilee Arts International Art Gallery.

Salim-Sulaiman perform at a Jubilee Concert in Houston, Texas.
Salim-Sulaiman perform at a Jubilee Concert in Houston, Texas.
Musician and composer brothers Salim-Sulaiman speak about what music means to them
Musician and composer brothers Salim-Sulaiman speak about what music means to them
26 March 2019

Renowned artists and composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have obtained accolades in the Indian film industry and have performed in a number of prominent spaces including at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Their memorable songs such as ‘Jubilee Mubarak’, ‘Ali Mawla’, and ‘Shukran Allah’, which were performed on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee, still resonate in our minds. To coincide with the upcoming Aga Khan Music Awards, we spoke with the two brothers about their journey.

Diamond Jubilee memorabilia now available online
Diamond Jubilee memorabilia now available online
14 February 2019

The.Ismaili is pleased to announce that, due to popular demand, selected items from the Diamond Jubilee Memorabilia Collection are now available for purchase online at The.Ismaili Shop.

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses leaders of the Jamat gathered at Aiglemont for the inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee.
Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses leaders of the Jamat gathered at Aiglemont for the inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee.
Memories of the Diamond Jubilee
Memories of the Diamond Jubilee
11 December 2018

The.Ismaili is pleased to share with the global Jamat its first interactive digital magazine looking back on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s historic Diamond Jubilee year.

Diamond Jubilee Soundscape

Diamond Jubilee Soundscape: A reflection of diversity
Diamond Jubilee Soundscape: A reflection of diversity
30 November 2018

At the Homage Ceremony to mark the beginning of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee, an ensemble of 22 Ismaili musicians from around the world joined together to perform an intricate piece of music — a devotional soundscape to accompany the historic event on 11 July 2017. 

Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by His Excellency President Michael Higgins of Ireland at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is received by His Excellency President Michael Higgins of Ireland at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with President of Ireland
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with President of Ireland
10 August 2018

His Excellency President Michael Higgins of Ireland and his wife Sabina Mary Coyne, today received Mawlana Hazar Imam at their official residence Áras an Uachtaráin. The occasion honoured Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee, which concluded last month.

An International Art Gallery attendee snaps a photo of one of the pieces of art on display.
An International Art Gallery attendee snaps a photo of one of the pieces of art on display.
International Art Gallery explores the art of diversity
International Art Gallery explores the art of diversity
22 July 2018

During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, the Jubilee Arts International Art Gallery (IAG) displayed 129 works of art, selected from thousands of submissions from around the world. Through paintings, photographs, sculptures, textiles, installations, digital art, and mixed media, artists showcased the talent and rich diversity within the global Jamat. Artist spotlights, guest panels, workshops, and the exhibition itself engaged, educated, and awed visitors and artists.

Mawlana Hazar Imam shares a light moment with the Jamat at the Diamond Jubilee Darbar in Lisbon, as Prince Amyn looks on.
Mawlana Hazar Imam shares a light moment with the Jamat at the Diamond Jubilee Darbar in Lisbon, as Prince Amyn looks on.
Mawlana Hazar Imam graces Jamat with Darbar in Portugal
Mawlana Hazar Imam graces Jamat with Darbar in Portugal
17 July 2018

Over 40,000 members of the Jamat from over 45 countries around the world assembled at Feira Internacional de Lisboa for one of the largest Jamati gatherings in modern history and the final Darbar of the Diamond Jubilee year on 11 July 2018. 

Leaders of the Jamat and AKDN bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam upon his departure from Lisbon.
Leaders of the Jamat and AKDN bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam upon his departure from Lisbon.
Mawlana Hazar Imam departs Portugal, concluding his Diamond Jubilee year
Mawlana Hazar Imam departs Portugal, concluding his Diamond Jubilee year
12 July 2018

Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Portugal on 12 July, concluding a seven-day Diamond Jubilee visit to the country as well as the Diamond Jubilee year.

Mawlana Hazar Imam assina o documento que designa o Palácio Henrique de Mendonça como a Sede do Imamat Ismaili a 11 de julho de 2018
Mawlana Hazar Imam assina o documento que designa o Palácio Henrique de Mendonça como a Sede do Imamat Ismaili a 11 de julho de 2018
Video: Mawlana Hazar Imam's Diamond Jubilee visit to Portugal and the Diamond Jubilee Celebration
11 July 2018

If you missed the showings in Jamatkhana, the film of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Portugal and the Diamond Jubilee Celebration is now available online. This 58-minute film recounts the preparations by the Portugal Jamat, the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, and the programme undertaken by Mawlana Hazar Imam during his visit.