News
Imamat Day in Tajikistan marks 15 years of engagement in the country’s development
23 July 2010
On 11 July, the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe was the venue for an Imamat Day reception hosted by the Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan. The event, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the AKDN, included a cultural show as well as a three-day exhibition of AKDN’s projects in the country during the past 15 years.
Video: Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi delivers the 2010 Yawm-e Ali lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London
21 July 2010
The 2010 Yawm-e Ali Lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London was delivered on 14 July by Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi, Reasearch Fellow at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in London. In his lecture titled Imam Ali and the Power of Compassion, Dr Shah-Kazemi explored the role played by Rahma – divine compassion – in the teachings of Hazrat Ali.
Disaster preparedness weeks raise awareness with practical tips and advice
19 July 2010
To better equip the community to deal with emergencies, Focus Humanitarian Assistance has been running “Disaster Preparedness Weeks” in partnership with National Ismaili Councils around the world. During the week, practical tips and resources are shared with families to raise awareness of the regional risks and how to prepare for them.
Video: AKU President Firoz Rasul speaks on next 25 years of the Aga Khan University
16 July 2010
Firoz Rasul, President of the Aga Khan University addressed an audience at the Ismaili Centre, London on 8 July 2010, in which he looked ahead towards the University’s next 25 years – a period during which AKU will take an important evolutionary step to become a comprehensive university. He discussed AKU’s plans to offer new programmes in various fields, to build several new campuses and to embark on regional integrated health care strategies.
Muslim art and cultural expression opens doors to interfaith dialogue in Houston
15 July 2010
In May and June, the Houston Ismaili community collaborated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to organise educational events that explored and celebrated artistic traditions of the Muslim world. It was part of an ongoing outreach effort that has given way to greater dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims about their respective faiths and cultural heritage.
Governor General of Canada awards medals to three Ismailis during visit to Congo
14 July 2010
During a state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, the Governor General of Canada awarded medals of honour to a number of individuals, including three Ismailis. The Ismaili recipients were all Canadian wardens – volunteers who support the Canadian Embassy and resident Canadians in the event of a local crisis.
Performers join hands across the Indian Ocean to celebrate Africa at 2010 World Cup
7 July 2010
Over the past four weeks, millions of people have turned their attention to South Africa, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship. It is the first time that the tournament is being hosted in an African country, and for a group of Ismaili musicians who performed at the Kick Off Concert, the occasion is particularly special.
FOCUS prepares disaster management teams in North America for the inevitable
6 July 2010
Earlier this year, Focus Humanitarian Assistance in North America conducted disaster management and leadership training in Houston and Toronto, for their Regional Disaster Management Teams. As a key component of the Disaster Management Programme, the training prepared community stakeholders to effectively respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Live Event: AKU President Firoz Rasul to speak on next 25 years of the Aga Khan University
1 July 2010
Firoz Rasul, President of the Aga Khan University will speak on Thursday, 8 July at the Ismaili Centre, London. President Rasul’s talk will look ahead toward the University’s next 25 years.
Watch the video of this live event now.
Sustaining the humanistic tradition of civic participation
30 June 2010
Through civic engagement, humankind has refined agricultural practices, reformed education, rebuilt communities after natural disasters, and strengthened civil society. In countries around the world, Ismaili Muslims have made their own mark on history through community involvement, voluntary service, youth education and political engagement.
Ismaili Community Ensemble features in London music festival that pays tribute to Ismaili Centre 25th anniversary
25 June 2010
Exhibition Road Music Day, an annual festival of live, international music concerts and workshops in London, renewed itself on 20 June with participation from the Ismaili Community Ensemble.
Ismaili artists draw inspiration from their Muslim faith and culture
15 June 2010
Several North American-based Ismaili artists talk about what draws them to create art. They also discuss how Islamic themes and symbols influence their work, and how they use art to give expression to their personal faith interpretations while exploring cultural heritage and celebrating identity.
