What's New
AKDN agencies remain on high alert after Badakhshan avalanches
16 February 2023
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) continues to monitor the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border region following the destructive avalanches reported ealier this week.
Prince Rahim addresses World Government Summit in Dubai
13 February 2023
At the World Government Summit earlier today in Dubai, Prince Rahim delivered an address on the theme of responsible environmental stewardship and called for more sustainably designed cities and urban areas.
Reaching the highest peaks
12 February 2023
In May 2013, Samina Baig made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to reach the peak of Mount Everest. In this week’s episode of Trailblazers, we sit down with Samina, to discuss her death-defying achievements, her goal to promote human rights and education for women in Pakistan, and her thoughts on climate change.
Institutions mobilise in response to Turkey and Syria earthquakes
7 February 2023
The following information is conveyed to update the Jamat regarding the severe earthquakes that struck parts of Turkey and Syria in the early hours of Monday 6 February, resulting in the tragic loss of thousands of lives and massive infrastructure damage. Initial reports indicate that the Jamat has not suffered any fatalities.
Stories of the homeland: Revitalising musical traditions
2 February 2023
Find out how the Aga Khan Music Programme and the Aga Khan Music Awards originated, in a new interview with Fairouz Nishanova, the latest in our In Conversation series. The interview was recorded for The Ismaili TV during the Aga Khan Music Awards held in Muscat, Oman, late last year. In this wide-ranging conversation, Fairouz recalls the inception and impact of AKDN's work to revitalise musical traditions in Central Asia and beyond.
Where is your next digital public square?
29 January 2023
Tajik mathematician honoured with esteemed prize
28 January 2023
Mirgand Shahbozov was recently awarded the prestigious “Stars of the Commonwealth” interstate award, owing to his impressive work at scientific and higher education institutions, becoming only the third person from Tajikistan to win the prize so far.
Lessons from a lifetime of learning
28 January 2023
In recognition of his contribution to the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Professor Dr Farouk Mohamedhusein Tharia Topan was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship at SOAS, where he worked from 1993 until his retirement in 2006. In a wide-ranging interview with The Ismaili, Dr Topan reflects on his life in teaching, academia, and service to the Jamat.
To invest in people, prioritise education
23 January 2023
Today, the UN celebrates International Day of Education. The theme this year is “to invest in people, prioritise education.” Investing in teachers is an intended product of the Professional Teachers Collaboration, an initiative whose primary focus is the international exchange of best practices in teaching.
A century of educational excellence
23 January 2023
When the first Aga Khan Schools were opened by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah in 1905, they reflected an explicit understanding by the Imam, underscored by centuries of Ismaili history, that learning and intellectual pursuit were paramount obligations, both for individuals and for communities.
IIS honours Dr Farhad Daftary on his retirement as co-director
19 January 2023
Prince Rahim attended a special event in London on 18 January to honour the contributions of Dr Farhad Daftary to The Institute of Ismaili Studies, and more broadly to the fields of Ismaili and Islamic studies, as he steps down from his management roles at The Institute.
Offering education against all odds
15 January 2023
Project Shelter Wakadogo, founded in the wake of war in 2005, was the first school to provide quality education to children living on the outskirts of Gulu, a small town in northern Uganda. The school recently won the T4 World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. In an interview, co-founder Farah Williamson spoke about the story of Wakadogo and what overcoming adversity means to her.
