The Georgia State Capitol stands tall as one of the most iconic historic landmarks in the state. The stunning Neo-Classical-Renaissance Revival architecture of the five-acre property is a testament to the reflection of important debates and decisions within its walls. The gold dome of the building serves as a symbol of the great achievements and even greater aspirations for the future of the residents of the state.
On March 20, 2023, a memorable event took place at the South Wing of the Capitol building. Georgia Senators, Representatives of the House, staff members, and the general public gathered together around the Navroz Haft-Sin, celebrating a new beginning and the arrival of Spring.
“The festival of Navroz represents a new beginning full of hope and optimism,” said Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States. “The Ismaili community is excited to share this occasion with our elected representatives. We appreciate the opportunity to be here and look forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.”
Ruwa Romman, Georgia Representative, was also in attendance and expressed excitement at the success of the event.
“These kinds of cultural and diversity awareness events are crucial to building bridges,” Romman shared. She added, “Communities are more likely to work together when they know one another. As a Muslim, it is so heartening to see our community members come to the Gold Dome because it’s the people’s house. We are part of the fabric that makes Georgia as amazing as it is, and we should be present. When we are present, our voices are more likely to be heard.”
Honorary Point of Privilege
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for members of the Ismaili community to meet Governor and First Lady Kemp. In a second smaller meeting, the Governor met Ismaili Council leaders and recalled his meeting with Mawlana Hazar Imam during the Imam’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Georgia in 2018. They also discussed ways in which members of the Ismaili community continue to contribute to the State of Georgia.
The Jamati members then visited the Georgia Senate and House chambers, where the festival of Navroz was appreciated, and the community received special recognition. In the House, Representative Sam Park acknowledged the community’s presence in the “House of the People,” in the Senate, a Point of Privilege was led by Senators Nabilah Islam and Nikki Merritt. Subsequently, proclamations were received in both the House and the Senate, acknowledging the Ismaili community’s presence in the State of Georgia, as well as their efforts to share their culture and live by the values of compassion, respect, pluralism, and volunteerism.
“Ismailis first arrived in Georgia in the 1960s, and we are seeing greater engagement from community members with our elected officials,” said Dr. Nadya Merchant, Member for Communications and Publications of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States. She continued:
“With each election cycle, there is increased participation from recently eligible 18-year-old voters to the most senior members of our community wanting to learn about local and federal candidates on both sides of the aisle and the values and priorities they represent. This is an extremely significant trend, and we are proud that Ismailis in the United States are now running for elected positions - and a number of them have even been elected across the country.”
Shared Navroz celebrations
Navroz is a celebration for many cultures, particularly for Shia Muslims. It marks the start of the new year and the arrival of spring, signifying renewal, new beginnings, and hope. The celebration has been observed for thousands of years and has been recognized by the United Nations as an International Day of Observance.
During the Navroz celebration at the Georgia Capitol, attendees shared aspirations for new beginnings by planting seeds, and an arts and crafts table presented the opportunity to decorate a Navroz tile inspired by a 400-year-old tile from a Persian palace.
Ismaili attendees expressed their appreciation for this recognition and were humbled by the opportunity to be able to share in the Navroz celebrations.
Bringing art to life
An additional exciting aspect of the event was the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Exhibition, displayed in the large open space of the South Wing of the Georgia State Capitol, with its three-story high ceilings. Elected officials and others had a chance to mingle and admire the architectural projects of the finalists of the 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which recognizes architects, craftsmen, builders, and all talent involved in the creation of architecture that aims to improve the quality of life of a community. As architecture has the power to bring historical, artistic elements back to life, it was fitting that the exhibit was held in the Georgia State Capitol, a historic landmark itself, on a day that celebrated rejuvenation.
Looking to fresh starts
The Navroz event was a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate our shared values, just as it prompts individuals to come together to plant seeds, decorate eggs, and share food with loved ones. The celebration at the Georgia State Capitol and the hope it brought will continue to inspire and motivate us to remain active in our civic duties in order to have a strong voice in determining our future.
