03 December 2022 | Global Encounters Heritage Journeys

About

Diversity is a fact of life. Pluralism is learned. Global Encounters Heritage Journeys provide the Jamat with a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the cultural diversity of our Jamat and our history and experience “lived pluralism.”

Our Vision

To encourage members of the Jamat to develop ongoing, meaningful, and lasting engagements with the diverse culture(s) and heritage(s) of Muslim societies; and to spark recognition that cultural expressions are a vital life force of the human experience.

Our Programmes

Through a wide array of inclusive virtual and in-person programmes exploring culture and cultural heritage, participants learn, reflect, and create their own memorable experiences, fueled by individual creativities, interests, talents, and capabilities.

The Heritage Journeys will provide three distinct, but interrelated experiences.  These experiences will be organised by countries where the Ismaili community has historic roots. Our first program will be organised for Pakistan.

  1. Virtual Experiences: Through online learning modules, the global jamat will have an opportunity to engage with expert faculty and curated content, join virtual tours, and connect with local communities to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diverse culture(s) and heritage(s) of Muslim socities. Virtual journeys will each focus on a geographic or thematic area. Participants can thus choose based on their interests and personal objectives how they want to explore the journeys.
  2. In-Person Experiences: Building on the virtual experience, Jamati members can participate in curated in-person journeys which will offer a richer, hands-on, and immersive experience aimed to stimulate the intellect and all the senses. This suite of programming will add depth to the exposure and understanding participants have obtained from virtual experiences, facilitating the physical “journeys” to the various geographies around the world.

Beyond simply developing an understanding and appreciation, each experience will be designed to encourage participants to reflect and engage in dialogue to create critical awareness around the complexities and plurality of Muslim cultures through:

  • Engaging with expert faculty and curated content
  • Participating in excursions to visit relevant historic sites and heritage assets, particularly those rooted in Muslim societies
  • Engaging with local communities in organised and informal settings to dialogue, learn, share, and reflect on the various tangible and intangible aspects of culture
  • Encouraging participants to explore and collaborate on cultural expressions based on their area of interest