• August 2003: President Emomali Rahmon performs the foundation laying of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe, in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
  • September 2005: A view of the site of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe, prior to construction.
  • September 2005: The first concrete ceremony was performed by His Worship Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, the Mayor of Dushanbe.
  • November 2005: Heavy tractors and bulldozers are used to grade and compact the site.
  • December 2005: The first tower crane is installed in the future area of the Centre’s courtyard.
  • February 2006: A view from the southeast corner of the site, where the Social Hall is to be situated.
  • February 2006: Prince Amyn visits the site of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe to review the construction progress.
  • March 2006: A view of the Prayer Hall suspended slab, where formwork and reinforcement are in progress.
  • June 2006: Plants to be used in the landscaping and gardens of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe are grown and cared for in a dedicated nursery.
  • August 2006: A view from the inside of the Social Hall.
  • September 2006: An overhead view of the Prayer Hall block of the new complex.
  • October 2006: During a site visit to review the progress of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe, Mawlana Hazar Imam gathers with members of the construction team for a photograph.
  • May 2007: A distinguishing feature of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe is the meticulous placement of brickwork. Some 3 million bricks were used in the construction of the complex.
  • August 2007: A detailed view of the patterned brickwork in the Social Hall.
  • November 2007: Construction of the main portal in the Social Hall progresses.
  • January 2008: A view of the Ismaili Centre construction site covered in snow.
  • April 2008: The interior of the library of the Dushanbe Centre.
  • February 2009: Windows are installed in the main courtyard of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
  • April 2009: Local craftsmen work on the latticed wood panels.
  • May 2009: The wooden floor being installed in the Social Hall of the Centre.
  • May 2009: A view of the completed water feature outside the ladies shoe removal area.
  • August 2009: Landscaping work progresses in the southwest quadrant of the site.
  • August 2009: The stage space inside the Social Hall.
  • October 2009: The final touches are applied to the jaali work inside the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
  • October 2009: Volunteers clean the new Ismaili Centre in preparation for its opening.
  • October 2009: A bird’s eye view of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe, only days before its inauguration.

Construction of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe began in earnest in September 2005, with the first concrete ceremony performed by His Worship Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, the Mayor of Dushanbe. This photo essay follows the building’s progress over the next four years, until the eve of its inauguration on 12 October 2009.