In Conversation: An Interview Series

In this insightful conversation with The Ismaili, Rahim Hirji details the ways in which technology is having a growing influence on our everyday lives, covering topics from artificial intelligence and robotics, to social media and education. Detailing some of the opportunities and risks this presents, Rahim suggests how we might prepare for an increasingly digital future.

World Cancer Day takes place on 4 February every year, with an aim to save countless preventable deaths by raising awareness and sharing resources relating to cancer. On this day, we bring you an interview with Dr Shama Virani, a scientist with the World Health Organization, who discusses progress, prevention, and how we might take action against the negative effects of cancer.

Following the recent appointment by Mawlana Hazar Imam of a new Board of Governors of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, Dr Shafik Sachedina reflects back on the history, the ongoing impact, and planned future development of the Institute.

When Lebanese landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic was commissioned to design the Aga Khan Park in Toronto in 2005, Mawlana Hazar Imam suggested he take a tour of Islamic gardens and architecture around the world, ranging from Fatehpur Sikri in India to Alhambra in Spain. In this interview, he explains how the research trip helped his design of the Aga Khan Park to capture the essence of the Islamic garden.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, architects Rami El Dahan and Soheir Farid visited the Centre earlier this year and looked back on the successes and challenges in designing a welcoming building of timeless elegance.