Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Rahmon applaud following the unveiling of the plaque marking the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe. Gary Otte

Marking a milestone in the 1 300 year history of the Ismaili Muslim community in Central Asia, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe on 30 August 2003.

The foundation stone of the new Centre was laid by Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon on a prestigious 25 500 square metre site in the centre of the city.

Press release and speeches

• Press Release
• Speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam
• Speech made by President Emomali Rahmon

Photographs

• Photographs of the Foundation Stone ceremony