Ismaili Centres Archive
Fifteen years ago the Ismaili Council for Canada initiated an agreement with the Province of Quebec to sponsor the migration of Afghan refugees. On 3 April, a Gala was held to commemorate this important partnership and to thank the province for welcoming the Afghan Jamat.
The 2008 National Sports Festival at Keele University saw nearly 900 participants from six different countries compete in 23 sporting categories. In addition to competitive sports, there was entertainment and activities for all.
In a symbolic expression of their long historic ties and common roots, thousands of Jamati members from the Tajik and Afghan sides of Badakhshan came together for a cross-border concert to celebrate Navroz.
A Navroz reception in Dushanbe, Tajikistan drew more than 600 attendees and featured an exhibition of children’s artwork on the theme of Navroz, as well as a performance by 2006 Grammy nominee, the Academy of Maqâm.
Mawlana Hazar Imam made an eight-day Golden Jubilee visit to the United States from 11 – 19 April 2008. During the visit, Hazar Imam granted Darbars in Texas, California, Illinois and Georgia, met with government leaders, and delivered the International Baccalaureate Organisation Peterson Lecture.
Following the opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, thousands of members of the Jamat enjoyed memorable and informative guided tours of the new Centre.
The Maputo Jamatkhana was once described by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah as the best in Africa. Timeless in its design and beauty, the Jamatkhana testifies to the long history of the Ismaili Muslim community in Mozambique.
Situated across the road from the Ismaili Centre Dubai, the Dubai Park is a gift from Mawlana Hazar Imam to the city of Dubai.
27 March 2008 – DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – His Highness the Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, officially opened an Ismaili Centre in Dubai. The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – senior members of the ruling families.
In March, the Ismaili Community Ensemble, together with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, dazzled audiences with rousing performances in celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee at the Ismaili Centre in London.
The 2007 Ismaili Centre Lecture Series concluded with addresses by Rageh Omar and Jan Aarte Scholte focusing on cosmopolitanism and identity, exploring ideas of tolerance and social justice in a pluralistic society. This gives way to the 2008 Lecture series which focuses on the theme Sharing the Narrative of Progress.
With only hours remaining before Mawlana Hazar Imam’s expected arrival in the United Arab Emirates, there is an air of excitement and anticipation as the Jamat prepares for an historic visit.
A refreshed look and feel and several new features provide a richer, easier and more informative user experience. The redesign accompanies the launch of a new web-based Nutrition Centre together with the Aga Khan Health Board (UK).
Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya today toured the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon. They are in Portugal for the opening of “The Path of Princes: Masterpieces of the Aga Khan Museum Collection” exhibition at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.
Six Canadian Ismailis were recently named to prestigious “Top 40 Under 40” lists for their achievements, vision, leadership and community involvement. They attribute their success to the values instilled in them as Ismaili Muslims, as well as the opportunity to thrive in the fields they love.
In February 2008 the Aga Khan Education Services, Uganda, held its first Ismaili Young Achiever’s Programme (IYAP). This recognition programme celebrates the academic and extra-curricular accomplishments of the youth of the Jamat.
Aleem Walji recently joined Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the world’s largest Internet search engine company. He is part of the Global Development team and brings to Google his insight in social development based on his education and experience with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam, and in recognition of the contributions of the Ismaili community in Portugal, Correios de Portugal (Portuguese Mail Services) has issued commemorative stamps featuring photos of the Centro Ismaili, Lisbon.
