On the 18th of December 1996, we witnessed a historic event - the Groundbreaking Ceremony of what we now know as the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.
This emblematic building represents the aspirations of the Ismaili Community in Portugal, reflecting the community's identity and cultural heritage, and is today a place visited by hundreds of people.
It is characterised not only by being a place of prayer for the community, but also by being a meeting point for people from different social and cultural backgrounds, thus promoting the creation of bridges between various communities. A place for sharing knowledge and intellectual development, celebrating values such as pluralism.
As Mawlana Hazar Imam said in his speech at the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon on the 18th of December 1996:
"It is my deep hope that this will be a Centre of goodwill, and of learning, of experience to be shared open-handedly, a place uplifting in the beauty of its design, a place for Portuguese Ismailis, of course, to meet and practise their faith, and we hope, a lasting token of our commitment to a long and fruitful relationship with Portugal."
Over the years, the Ismaili Centre has hosted many events and activities, including concerts, exhibitions, cultural events such as Africa Day, among others, with the presence of distinguished guests such as the current President of the Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Cardinal Patriarch José Policarpo and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.
Through various initiatives such as lectures, conferences and exhibitions, the Ismaili Centre seeks not only to express the aspirations and values of the Ismaili Community, but also to serve as an active agent in the development of the society in which it is located.
So, on the occasion of its 27th anniversary, the Ismaili Centre is opening its doors to anyone interested in learning more about the architectural influences and aspirations that make up the building.
Programme
- Guided tours (with an approximate duration of 1 hour)
- Musical performances (that will take place right after the guided tours)
- Short movies - celebrating the Ismaili Centre
- EGEAC Christmas Concert
Guided tours have limited availability and can be booked via this link: http://bit.ly/descobertadocentroismaili
We challenge all of Jamat to invite their friends and family and take part in this weekend of celebrations!
