Culture

4 November 2024

Listen to the latest episode of Gems of Wisdom, our new podcast series of speeches by Mawlana Hazar Imam. The first two episodes are available to stream or download now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean.

Noorima Rehan is a 17-year-old aspiring Ismaili vocalist from Ghulkin, Gojal, Hunza who recently represented Pakistan during King Charles III's Coronation Concert in London.

From Hunza to the international stage: Meet Noorima Rehan

6 June 2023

Noorima Rehan is a 17-year-old aspiring Ismaili vocalist from Ghulkin, Gojal, Hunza. Located approximately 142km from Gilgit, Ghulkin is situated on the west of Hunza in the Karakorum, surrounded by glaciers and streams. Noorima's love for music runs deep within her being, and she finds herself singing in every moment of her life. Her vocal skills have propelled her to new heights. Most notably, she recently represented Pakistan during King Charles III's Coronation Concert in London.

Hidden within the narrow, bustling streets of Mazgaon, Mumbai, is Hasanabad Mausoleum, the resting place of Mawlana Hasan Ali Shah, Aga Khan I.

History speaks: Rediscovering Hasanabad

30 March 2021

Hidden among the bustling streets of South Mumbai and its sprawling skyline lies a haven of solace and peace: Hasanabad. Often described as ‘Mumbai’s Taj Mahal’, the monument is a mausoleum or dargah: the final resting place of Imam Hasan Ali Shah, the 46th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

Spearheaded by the Ismaili Council for the Far East, the song Mawla Mera Ishq Tu showcases the collaboration between composer Karim Barolia (right) and 62 global artists commissioned by The Ismaili Sounds.

Looking back at a labour of love

28 March 2021

I am silent in anticipation, as adrenaline rushes through me as a music lover. I delight at the opportunity of listening to original compositions. It is for this reason that when the song Mawla Mera Ishq Tu is shared with me, I eagerly click on the link to experience the musical journey expressed through this beautiful composition.

When in-person dance classes and performances came to a standstill, Aziza Jaffer Sharma used technology to channel her creativity. She began posting dance tutorials on her YouTube channel (some of which were also streamed on The Ismaili TV) and conducting virtual dance lessons on Zoom.

Channeling creativity during a global pandemic

26 March 2021

Art has often played a powerful role in shaping society’s consciousness, especially in times of crisis. Some of the most touching moments during the early days of the pandemic were people singing or playing music for their neighbours, drawing their communities out on balconies and rooftops to share the moment. Ismaili artists from various countries share their stories of how Covid-19 impacted them and how they adapted to the new normal.

Far East youth reflect on difficult year through art

26 March 2021

At the opening of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, Prince Amyn emphasized the importance of art in our lives by noting that “art and culture can have a profound impact in healing misunderstanding and in fostering trust even across great divides.” He made this speech in 2014, although the essence of his words remains timeless.

Part of the exhibition, In Search of Illusion, on display in the education wing of Spring Ismaili Jamatkhana. Art on left, “Inspiration of the Mind,” by Fahim Somani. Art on right, “Jorah,” by Salman Abdul.

Ismaili artists featured at the new Spring Ismaili Jamatkhana in Greater Houston

9 March 2021

Art historians and enthusiasts often recognize the 10th through 13th centuries as a period that marked an increase in the usage of symmetrical, geometric patterns in the Muslim world. Most likely aided by Muslim mathematicians, artists and artisans produced a large variety of designs. Many of these geometric models developed interpretations of ornament that embody metaphysical intent.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture recently completed conservation works on Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s Mausoleum in Delhi. The building is inspired by the architectural style of Humayun’s Tomb and, in turn, inspired the Taj Mahal.

Interview with Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director, Aga Khan Trust for Culture

20 January 2021

The Ismaili is pleased to publish an interview with Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As part of a series of conversations with key figures, Mr Allibhai discusses the positive impact of culture and its development potential, and humanity’s shared responsibility to preserve heritage.

The participants of the international excursion visited the Muttrah Fish Market, which was nominated for an Aga Khan Award for Architecture during the 2017 - 2019 cycle.

Youth of UAE jurisdiction tour cultural sites in Muscat, Oman

29 October 2020

Amidst the magnificence of the Al-Hajar mountains, the lush fruit-scented plantations of Misfat Al Abriyeen, and the abandoned settlements of Harat al-Bilad, 15 young adults from the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding region participated in an international excursion to Muscat, Oman last year.

Digital Magazine: AKTC At Home, Issue 3

17 May 2020

The third issue of AT HOME, a new digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). This issue will shine a spotlight on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and also feature the Aga Khan Music Programme, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, Aga Khan Museum, and a presentation on the notion of culture and pluralism.