On Saturday 14 September, Mawlana Hazar Imam participated in an Aga Khan Award for Architecture Winners’ Seminar at the Main International Centre, Universidade Village, Kazan. Hazar Imam was joined by members of his family, and leaders of the Jamat and AKDN.

In a captivating occasion in Kazan on 13 September 2019, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the prize-giving ceremony of 14th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. In his speech, Hazar Imam described several ways in which architecture can blend differing perspectives, and reiterated its potential to inspire and enrich creative dialogue.

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Kazan, Russia, on 11 September 2019. Later this week, Hazar Imam will preside over the 14th ceremony of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The Award is presented every three years to projects that set new standards of excellence in architecture, planning practices, historic preservation, and landscape architecture.

We don’t often think about it, but architecture is everywhere. The philosopher and author Alain de Botton has said, “In an odd but quietly very important way, works of architecture ‘speak’ to us. Some buildings, streets and even whole cities seem to speak of chaos, aggression or military pride; others seem to be whispering to us of calm or graceful dignity, generosity or gentleness.”

Originally intended to help with productivity tasks such as email, calendars, and contact lists; mobile apps have expanded into other areas such as games, location-services, purchasing, and countless others. Here we feature three Ismaili entrepreneurs who have ventured into the app space, and are helping others through their technology.

Due to advances in technology, the landscape of work and jobs has changed significantly in the last 30 years. Some industries have progressed rapidly, while others have declined, which has shifted and disrupted standards of living and career aspirations. As the relationship between virtual and real becomes ever more blurred, how can we prepare for the next 30 years?

Science has provided humankind with countless advancements, but also the ability to cause damage to the environment. Through awareness, education, and action, small steps at the individual level can lead to collective positive change. In this vein, Ismailis across the United States have taken steps to help sustain the planet’s resources for the future. 

In an effort to better understand the mysteries of the cosmos, and taking-off into its second year, Space Camp — an initiative of the Aga Khan Education Board (UK) — took 32 young participants from across the UK on an unforgettable space mission. 

Being part of the knowledge society and sharing knowledge in multiple ways is an ethic and tradition that Ismailis have inherited from history. It is a responsibility that contributes to a better quality of life for ourselves and others, and ensures a better future for generations to come. Following in this tradition, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) has partnered with TKN volunteers to help prepare students for graduate-level studies.