Understanding AKDN
We journey into the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver, where we explore the space through the lens of the architect Bruno Freschi.
Through a virtual tour, and in conversation with CBC's Zahra Premji, Mr. Freschi shares his personal insights on how he brought to life Mawlana Hazar Imam's vision for the Centre, and what truly inspired him when he was designing this magnificent space. From the smallest details to the grandest idea, take a glimpse into the creative process that led to the design of the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver.
We look back at the award-winning projects of the 2004 Aga Khan Award for Architecture cycle - with highlights from the Award ceremony at Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi, India - 27 November 2004.
This talk will revolve around a simple question: at the time of this global pandemic, where do we seek answers? Are they to be found in faith and religious practice? Or should people exclusively seek every answer under these circumstances from science? The question of the interaction between faith and intellect (or rather science) as two sources of knowledge has been at the heart of major theological and philosophical currents in the Muslim world. How do we resolve these tensions without obviating either faith or science? Dr. Daryoush Mohammad Poor explores this theme and refers to Ismaili tradition and primary sources to demonstrate that there is no conflict between faith and science and both serve a purpose, both have weight and significance as well as the ability to reinforce one another.
On 25 November 1977, Mawlana Hazar Imam inaugurated The Institute of Ismaili Studies. On Friday 24 November 2017, we celebrated its 40th anniversary in the presence of Prince Rahim, where we celebrated the people who contributed to developing an academic centre for Ismaili studies, that has had a significant impact on the field of Shi‘i and Ismaili studies in the last 40 years.
Presented at the 2016 Jubilee Games in Dubai, AKDN: Touching Lives, gives a glimpse into the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) through a series of live interviews and short video clips of the speeches of Mawlana Hazar Imam. AKD-006
Highlights of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 11th Cycle Award Ceremony at Museum of Islamic Art Doha, Qatar 24 November 2020.
Ismaili Centre, London 25th Anniversary.
A look back at the second cycle of the Global Pluralism Awards, 2019
We live in a world where we are often around people who are different from us. Research shows that humans are born with a bias in favour of those who are similar to them and against those who are different. Thus, this talk argues that it is imperative for the survival of civilised society that the value of pluralism is encouraged and taught at all levels of society.
Learning about the Coast of East Africa. Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the Swahili Coast of East Africa and its impact on Quality of Life with Alwa'z Altaf Mukhi - 23 August 2020.
The Fatimid Epoch is one of the most extraordinary periods of Muslim Egypt. The creativity of the Fatimids is expressed in monuments of astounding beauty, from textiles to rock crystal, wood, and ceramic. The film explores the Fatimids' rich history as it presents the objects in their historical context, with specially composed music, and literature excerpts from the life and times of the Fatimids.
Part 3 of a three-part documentary series, Restoring Dignity: Delhi explores the transformational work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Delhi - 18 September 2013. AKD-005
The Aga Khan Master Musicians perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Jubilee Concert series on 21 June 2018.
The Inaugural Global Centre for Pluralism Award ceremony, held in Ottawa, November 2017.
Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.
A panel discussion with AKU’s leadership, including Trustees Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Naguib Kheraj, President Rasul, and Provost Amrhein, on the university’s future growth and its aspirations to become a liberal arts institution - United Kingdom 29 September 2018.
Ginans - Ismaili religious literature originating from the religion-cultural context of the Indian Subcontinent, has sometimes been viewed as “lacking Islamic personality”. This talk will challenge this view and introduce audiences to multiple examples of religious poetry used by various Muslim traditions from the region to highlight typical characteristics of the literature that are greatly influenced by South Asian cultural contexts. The talk will also introduce the audience to multiple IIS publications that one can turn to in order to learn more and gain further insights into this topic.
Part 2 of a three-part documentary series, Restoring Dignity: Lahore explores the transformational work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in Lahore. AKD-004
Dr. Karen Armstrong, an internationally acclaimed scholar and best-selling author of numerous books on religion, delivered the keynote address at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Organised jointly by The Ismaili Centre and UAE Ministry of Tolerance, Dr. Armstrong spoke about the Charter of Compassion which she launched with religious leaders globally. The Charter has over two million signatures and brings to light the reason and urgency of practicing compassion in a polarised world.
Highlights from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony of the 2014-2016 cycle - 6 November 2016.
Exploring select examples from the Dawr al-Satr (765-909 CE) and the Fatimid period (909-1171 CE) of our history, Dr. Shainool Jiwa illustrates how the Imams and the leadership at the time dealt with challenging circumstances of their age, using them as a springboard for laying stronger foundations for the future of the Jamat across various regions of the world.