977 years ago, in March 1046, a dream took Ismaili poet Nasir Khusraw on a 19,000 km journey – read Rachael Kohn’s interview with Alice Hunsberger on the poet and watch video

Editor’s note: Rachael Kohn, a broadcaster, author, and speaker on religion and spirituality, conducted an interview with Alice Hunsberger on her former Australian program, “The Ark”, on the occasion of the millennium birth anniversary of Nasir Khusraw. A shorter version of the interview was prepared and presented by Mashal Ali (acting as Rachael) and Nurin Merchant (acting as Alice) at a literary night event hosted in Ottawa to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan. Their presentation is produced below with the kind consent of Ms. Kohn. It is followed by a brief History Pod video presentation on Nasir Khusraw and his travelogue Safarnama.

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Hello, this is “The Ark”, and I am Rachael Kohn.

A thousand years ago a Persian poet defied the conventions of the day. His name was Nasir Khusraw, an Ismaili Muslim, a branch of Shi’a Islam.

Instead of lavishing praise on the sultan or his horse, he praised learning and spiritual purity. For example he beautifully wrote:

The world is a deep ocean
Its water is time.
Your body is like a shell, Your soul the pearl.
If you wish to have the value of a pearl,
Raise up the pearl of your soul with learning.

Rachael Kohn: Unlike Rumi or Omar Khayyam, Nasir Khusraw isn’t well-known in the West. Yet! But New Yorker Alice Hunsberger may change that, with her book on his life and work. She was particularly interested in how different Khusraw’s poetry was at the time.

Alice, when one thinks about the period, the Persian poet that comes to mind is Omar Khayyam who was almost a contemporary of Khusraw, I guess he was about a generation later. Now he is much more well known in the West; how would you compare Omar Khayyam and Khusraw?

Alice Hunsberger: Yes, Omar Khayyam is best known because of the wonderful and inspired translation a century and a half ago by Edward Fitzgerald, and one of the tricks to becoming well-known, is finding a good translator.

Right now for example, Omar Khayyam is best known as a poet to the West but in the East he was primarily known as a brilliant mathematician and astronomer. Nasir Khusraw on the other hand is one of the best, highest ranking poets in the Persian speaking world.

Nasir Khusraw really is not a love poet, so you will not find mystical expressions of love. What he calls for is the use of intellect in religion in one’s life; and in contrast to Omar Khayyam, who was, we could say, cynical toward religious people.

Rachael Kohn: Well, Khusraw himself was something of a religious seeker. He seems to have even read about other religions as well as philosophy. What faction or what tradition of Islam did he align himself with?

Alice Hunsberger: He was very well educated and did look at lots of different religions. At some point in his life, he had a spiritual awakening, and in one place he tells it as a dream, and in another its a more journey-like kind of story.

He finally found the truth and the peace in faith that he was seeking in the Ismaili faith, that is a branch of the Shi’ites. He believes that what God sent down is the external, and that the internal meaning is what needs to be brought out and that needs an Imam, an interpreter.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

A statue of the famous Ismaili philosopher, poet and missionary Nasir Khusraw in Badakhshan.
A statue of the famous Ismaili philosopher, poet and missionary Nasir Khusraw in Badakhshan.

Rachael Kohn: Well, Nasir Khushraw, I think was referred to as ‘the real wisdom of the East’; how did he earn that accolade?

Alice Hunsberger: Well I would think that would refer to this inner wisdom which beyond the scientific knowledge, beyond external religious practices, there’s an inner truth that underlies the teachings. This is what he was preaching. So we have to get to the inner truth.

Rachael Kohn: What sort of personality or character comes through in his writing?

Alice Hunsberger: When you read his works you feel right away, ‘Here’s a strong person, a strong, definite individual’. You feel him in many emotions; he opens up some of his poems with sadness, other ones he begins with beautiful springtime visions of trees and flowers so that you see a person in all his complexity.

Rachael Kohn: Is there a strong ethical sense that comes through in his poetry? Is he a critic, a sharp observer of the religious life around?

Alice Hunsberger: Absolutely. As a member, as a leading intellectual of the Ismaili faith, he came under the criticism and enmity of the other schools of the Sunnis and others, so he used his pen very forcefully to defend the faith and to defend his actions.

Rachael Kohn: Alice, are Nasir Khusraw’s poems used today as an inspiration for progressive thought in Islam?

Alice Hunsberger: I think so. I haven’t been back to Iran for a while but they’re having conferences about him now and, even though he is from another branch of Shi’ism, they certainly respect his ethics and his strong personality.

Rachael Kohn: Well Nasir Khusraw ended his days rather sadly, exiled. Why was he exiled?

Alice Hunsberger: After his journey which he undertook as a result of the spiritual awakening, he stayed in Cairo because it was a very powerful Ismaili seat; for about 200 years there was an Ismaili caliph in Cairo, and so he studied there. He left to become a preacher back in his homeland of Khurasan and converted many people.

His success brought enmity and danger to his life, so he fled into a region of Badakhshan where he lived out his life under the protection of a local prince and he wrote much of his sad poetry of his exile from there. Here is a short verse of one of these poems:

But it doesn’t matter where we are,
Sometimes we’re in bad places;
But no-one values a ruby less for coming out of dirty soil
And no-one criticises roses for coming out of manure.
So we all are like a ruby and like a rose.
We need to blossom and shine wherever we are.

Rachael Kohn: Wise words a thousand years ago and today. That was Alice Hunsberger speaking about the poetry of Nasir Khusraw, who’s been the subject of celebrations by Ismaili communities around the world.

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YouTube Video

Date posted: March 5, 2023.
Last updated: March 25, 2023.

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Navroz Mubarak to all our readers around the world

By MALIK MERCHANT

The publisher and editor of Simerg and its two sister websites, Simergphotos and Barakah, along with his family members, wishes all readers Navroz Mubarak with a prayer that the coming year bring with it joy and happiness in all our lives, that all our aspirations are fulfilled and that there may be peace and prosperity all around.

For our Ismaili readers, we quote the following timeless blessing in a Talika (written holy message) sent by Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on March 21, 2021. He said:

“I send my most affectionate loving blessings for mushkil-asan, and for my Jamat’s wellbeing, good health, safety and security. I also give my best loving blessings for barakah in your spiritual and material lives, and for the fulfilment of all your wishes.”

For this most auspicious occasion falling on March 21, 2023, we present below two beautiful calligraphies in Eastern Kufi and Diwani script prepared by Toronto based Ismaili artist Karim Ismail. We also present a special new article on Navroz by Mohez Nato of France, who submitted the following lovely photograph of Crocus sativus or saffron crocus growing in his garden.

FLOWERS AND CALLIGRAPHY

Please click on images for enlargement

Crocus sativus or saffron crocus in Mohez Nato’s garden at his home in Paris. Read his Navroz article HERE. Photograph: Mohez Nato.

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Calligraphy Navroz and Navroz Mubarak in square and eastern Kufi by Toronto's Karim Ismail.
Calligraphy Navroz and Navroz Mubarak in square and eastern Kufi by Toronto’s Karim Ismail.

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Calligraphy Navroz in Diwani script by Toronto's Karim Ismail.
Calligraphy Navroz in Diwani script by Toronto’s Karim Ismail.

Date posted: March 21, 2023.
Last updated: March 22, 2023 (link to full Talika added, typos.)

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Karim Ismail Calligraphy, Ismaili artist simerg and barakah
Karim Ismail

Originally from Uganda, Karim Ismail lived in England before settling in Canada. By profession, he is a Pharmacist (retired).  It was in England, in 1986, that he came across the artwork of a German Muslim, Karl Schlamminger (1935-2017), at the Ismaili Centre London. Karl’s artwork on calligraphy and geometrics, had a profound effect on Karim. He is frequently seen conducting calligraphy workshops for children at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Karim is also active on the literature counter at the Ismaili Centre Toronto.

Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Navroz: An Occasion for Revitalization

“Navroz, with the awakening of nature, is also a good opportunity to revitalize in us these landmarks — the fundamentals of the ethics of our faith, gratitude, humility, wisdom, compassion, tolerance, service, solidarity, and a frontierless brotherhood…. our reflections and resolutions should be focused on the meaning we want to give to our family life, which must remain more than ever united”

By MOHEZ NATO

Alhamdulillah and Shukran Mawla

First of all, let us give thanks to Allah for His Mercy and for blessing the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims with guidance under the divine authority of the Imam-of-the-Time. We lovingly express our gratitude to our revered Mawlana Hazar Imam for his constant blessings and prayers for all his murids around the world for good health and happiness, spiritual progress, worldly success, strength of faith, unity, barakah and mushkil-ahsan. It is indeed gratifying that we are able share this happy day of Navroz (also Nawroz, Nowruz) with our family members, with those of the Jamat and with those who are cherished to us.

Navroz 2023 has a very special character for the Ismaili Jamats around the world. It is now almost 5 years since the memorable Diamond Jubilee, when more than 50,000 Ismailis gathered in Lisbon for a momentous Darbar and where we witnessed the installation of the Headquarters of the Imamat — the Divan — in Portugal. The precious Farmans that were delivered by Mawlana Hazar Imam during the Lisbon Darbar remain in our hearts, and we are glad that they accessible in printed format along with other Farmans that Mawlana Hazar Imam has made in the last two decades.

A Time of Renewal

Crocus sativus or saffron crocus in the author's garden at his home in Paris. Photograph: Mohez Nato.
Crocus sativus or saffron crocus in the author’s garden at his home in Paris. Photograph: Mohez Nato.

Navroz, with the awakening of nature, is also a good opportunity to revitalize ourselves in these landmarks:   the fundamentals of the ethics of our faith of gratitude, humility, wisdom, compassion, tolerance, service, solidarity, and  a frontierless brotherhood.

The current time is going through health crises, climatic, ecological, geopolitical and economic turbulence. And in this troubled world, so stressful and anxious, our reflections and resolutions should be focused on the meaning we want to give to our family life, which must remain more than ever united. We must also more than ever before express our Ismaili identity and our brotherhood without frontiers  as a “One Jamat” in solidarity.

We have to reflect on the meaning and direction of our professional achievements, on how to remain faithful to our loyal commitments in the national civil society. 

A clear vision of these goals will result in progress in our spiritual quest and in remaining true murids of Mawlana Haza Imam. We seriously have to reflect on his Farmans and aspirations for the Jamat.

With the faith of conviction and with Mawlana Hazar Imam guidance to us on the path of Siratal-Mustaqim, we will overcome our fears and face our difficulties. 

Awareness

Navroz is also the occasion of an awareness, the adoption of firm resolutions for a high ideal, for the spiritual quest and the choice of a serene life, made of brotherhood, love and generosity.

And this awareness necessarily leads to a commitment for one’s family, for one’s community, for one’s country, and for those most in need, and must lead to greater service to fellow human beings, by putting aside our personal interests.

Mawlana Hazar Imam, in his speech at Columbia University on May 15, 2006, specifically called “for a concern for personal responsibilities in order to pursue common goals such as passion for justice, pursuit of equity, respect for tolerance, and dedication to human dignity.”

We must not compromise on the fundamentals of our ethics, and never forget to feel at all times grateful to Allah’s Mercy and place ourselves at all times under His Blessing and Protection.

Islam is an art of living! And part of this art and Islam’s ethic is to balance our material and spiritual lives. This fundamental balance must  be explained to the younger generation and the youth of the Jamat. In our daily lives, in our social and professional relationships, we must be meritocratic, irreproachable and considered above all as values or models of example. And in religious matters, we must strive to add a spiritual dimension through constant prayers and remembrance of Allah. 

Hectic Life

Our life, since the turn of the 21st century, seems to be marked by a great rush. We often feel as if we are running after our existence, with the feeling that it is slipping away from us more and more. And yet, in spite of the hectic pace, we must commit ourselves to taking care of our interiority. This raises the question of how to combine the ethics of our faith with our personal, professional and social life.

We need to manage our time in order to devote moments to our interior life, reinforced by a moral ethic, and thus give an increasingly richer meaning to all the moments of our life.

It is therefore inwardly, in our soul and in our spirit, that we must seek the meaning of our life, our commitment to a harmonious and fulfilled life so that the cause of our joy, of our fulfillment remains within us. Our sincere and humble endeavours in our spiritual quest through meditative silence will give us the presence of a Light, which escapes any explanation, but which is something subtle, a reality rich in spiritual happiness.

The day we decide to look for the essential in ourselves, we will be on the way to freedom, serenity, plenitude. We only need to silence the discordant voices of our egoistic instincts, of our proud passions, of our jealous thoughts and our dark, chaotic feelings.

The silence of Ibadat and Bandagi (early morning meditation) will have the power to project us in another time, in another space, where the divine knowledge inscribed in us from all eternity, will reveal itself little by little to our conscience. And we will feel fulfilled, filled with divine light. With sustained and selffless efforts, this quest for light will lead to living a faith of conviction.

The challenge is to unify our all aspects of our lives, which will give us an opportunity to live a time that is not accelerated. Let us not let ourselves be “devoured by time”. We have to let our mind wander to marvel at the beauty of creation, to be inward looking and take hold of the questions, “What is the meaning of our life?” and “How can we have a successful life?”

Prayers and Hopes for Navroz

Let’s take the courageous decision to cultivate our spiritual life and our interiority in a consumer society that invites scattering and produces an imbalance in our existence. 

On this blessed day of Navroz, let us raise our prayers together:

– O Mawla Ali, O Hazar Imam, make us confident and serene murids living a solid faith of convictions; 

– O Hazar Imam, please pour on the darkness of our intelligence some rays of your Noor, that will illuminate us,  give us the key and the inspiration to face and solve all the options of the din and the duniya!

Navroz Mubarak! 

Date posted: March 20, 2023.

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Born and raised in Madagascar, Mohez Nato went to France in the late 1960’s to pursue his university education. Political tensions in Madagascar prevented him from returning to his home country, where he had planned to teach and carry out research on medicinal plants. Instead, he remained in France and completed his PhD, following which he worked as a teacher-researcher in Plant Biotechnology at the University of Paris Sud XI from 1971 to 2011.

Now, in his retirement, Mohez does voluntary work giving courses in French-speaking Universities in countries like Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Benin, Algeria and Tunisia. He is also the president of a Humanitarian Association which has been active in Madagascar since 1993. Within the Ismaili community, Mohez was Secretary General of the Ismailia Association for France (with President Mohamad Peera) which organized Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Paris in 1980. Thereafter, he devoted time for the opening of a Jamatkhana in Antony in southern suburb of Paris, where he also held the position of Kamadia from 1981 to 1983. After the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2007-08, Mohez was bestowed with the title of Alijah by Mawlana Hazar Imam. Mohez is married to Farida, with whom he has two daughters, Farahna and Rahima. We invite you to read his earlier piece Ode à l’Imam du Temps Présent / Ode to the Imam of the Present Time published in Barakah.

Must See Film: The Spirit of Nowruz — One Family, One Song

“I think we all recognize that nothing in our world is more necessary than the spirit of Navroz. When we see all the conflicts, the plights of migrants and refugees, when we see the rise of xenophobia and racism in so many parts of the world, it is clear that we all need the spirit of Navroz” — António Guterres, UN Secretary General, quote from film.

Simerg is pleased to present a special YouTube feature on Navroz entitled “The Spirit of Nowruz: Marking the Start of Spring” that was organized by the US Library of Congress (LOC). The entire LOC program with discussions and a Q&A session is almost 1 hour and 13 minutes long. The informative 45 minute film by award-winning documentary and educational film producer and director Farzin Rezaeian commences at the 15th minute mark of the program with remarks by UNSG António Guterres. The film provides viewers with an excellent overview of the history of Navroz and how the festival is celebrated today across different countries, cultures, traditions and faiths. Every aspect of Navroz is covered in this fine — and at times heart-warming — film that will raise our spirits as we commence the New Year on March 21, 2023, followed by the holy month of Ramadhan two days later, on March 23.

Film commences at around the 15th minute mark. NOTE: The YouTube presentation takes a few moments before it begins.

Date posted: March 18, 2023.

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

“Wadima” Raibanu Sikina Kanji Lalji, the Grandma of Mbeya, Tanzania

By DR. MOHAMED FAZAL MANJI, MD DMRT DABRT FRCPC

PRELUDE: Thirty years ago, Mbeya Town, situated in the Southern Highland region of Tanzania lost Raibanu Sikina Kanji Lalji. She and her husband Rai Kanji Lalji were one of the pioneers of Mbeya. She was a dedicated person not only to her Lalji Bharmal family by marriage but to all communities of the town. Being her grand nephew, I am humbled to write about her so that she is not forgotten and thus will belong to the pages of history of the Indian contribution in the development of East African countries.

It is a misconception that the people of Indian origin in East Africa are descendants of the labourers who built Kenya-Uganda railway. Almost 32,000 workers from Kutch and Punjab were involved in laying a railway line from Mombasa to Kampala. Between 1896 and 1901, 2,493 workers died and 6,454 became invalid while laying the tracks. After the completions, only about 7,000 workers chose to stay back; the rest of them returned to India.

History indicates that there were trade links between Kutch, Gujarat and African coast for centuries. Modern day migration of Indians (or Asians as they were called in East Africa) to East Africa started in early and middle part 19th century. It was estimated that the number of Indians living in Zanzibar in 1859 was around 2,000.

Before, during and after the completion of laying of railway tracks in East African countries, Indian traders, mostly in the beginning from Kutch and then Kathiawar, had migrated to establish trading posts, called “dukas” along the railway routes. There were however others who were brave enough to venture out and establish trading posts in unexplored and dangerous regions of these countries. This was to provide the needs of indigenous populations and also of German and British administrators, living in the towns where they had established administration centers called “Bomas”. One such part was Southern Highland region of German East Africa (Tanganyika) and one such family was of my great grandfather Lalji Bharmal Rana’s children and grandchildren.

Initially, the Indian settlers in East African countries were male Indians. These men came alone without their spouses, as either they felt that the move to East Africa would be temporary and short lived or would send for their wives later on, when financial means permitted. The other group was young single men.

Women, following their migration to East Africa, either to join their husbands or after becoming  brides of young single men who had gone back to get married, have played a very major and important role in the success of Indian settlement in Africa in general and East Africa in particular. They not only minded their homes and looked after the children but they were pillars of support for Indian men. They helped their husbands in the “dukas”, looked after the extended family and also helped other women in the community they were living in.

Mbeya and Tukuyu regions of the Southern Highland Province of Tanganyika was blessed with arrival in the early part of 1923 — after her marriage to Wadabapa Kanji Lalji Bharmal — of a lady, who would play a major role not only in the settlement of Lalji Bharmal family and Indian community of various backgrounds and religion but also the betterment of the general population of Mbeya.

Her name was Sikinabai Kanji Lalji — our Wadima, The Grandma of Mbeya.

Wadima Raibanu Sikina Kanji Lalji, Simerg, Ismaili history and personalities
Wadima Raibanu Sikina Kanji Lalji. Photograph: Dr. Mohamed Manji collection.

Wadima Sikina was the daughter of Hirji Rajpar Kalyan from Nagalpur, Kutch. She was a sister of five brothers who all migrated to Tanganyika. The oldest brother, Jaffer, settled in Zanzibar and the rest, Mollo, Merali, Bandali and Suleman settled in Tukuyu. Wadabapa Kanji Lalji was the second son of Lalji Bharmal and being single, immigrated first in early second decade of 20th century. His older brother, Manji, was a family man and a breadwinner for the Lalji Bharmal family, farming on their small piece of land called “Kundhi Wadi”. Thus he was not able to go first to Tanganyika. Wadabapa Kanji Lalji after succeeding in his business, returned to Kutch in 1922 to get married.

Mr & Mrs Hirji Bhaloo. Photograph. Dr, Mohamed Manji collection. Simerg Ismaili history and leaders
Wadima’s parents, Mr & Mrs Hirji Rajpar Kalyan. Photograph: Dr. Mohamed Manji collection.

The 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan lll, had instructed the Kutch Kathiawar Ismaili Jamats to go to East Africa for economical betterment. So this newly married couple was given a big task to take some of Wadabapa’s brothers and nephews with them on their trip back to East Africa to settle them and help them to earn their living there.  At a young age of seventeen and as a newly married bride, she took this responsibility with her husband and became the “mother” of the family.

The new home of Wadima, as Mrs Sikinabai Kanji Lalji, will be addressed from now on, was in New-Langenburg (presently known as Tukuyu), a small hillside town in the Southern Highland region of Tanganyika (now known as Tanzania).This was the place the German administration, before 1st World War, had established a center called “Boma”. Mr Kanji Lalji had moved to this place from a close by village of Masoko where he had initially settled in 1911.

 Mr & Mrs Kanji Lalji. Photograph: Dr. Mohamed Manji collection. Ismaili leaders, Mbeya
 Mr & Mrs Kanji Lalji. Photograph: Dr. Mohamed Manji collection.

In those days, these small villages in East Africa did not have any hotels or restaurants. There were only few Indian families of different backgrounds, i.e. Hindus, Sunni Muslims and Khoja Muslims (mostly Ismailis).They thus had no choice but to look after each other in all ways of life. Any new arrival or visitor would just have to go to any “duka” of an Indian person and he and his family would be taken care of. They would be fed, housed and also would get help so to open their own “dukas” or find them employment, regardless of religious background. This was an old Sindhi, Kutchi and Khatiawadi tradition for generations, practised in India and outside India.

Click on map for enlargement

Tanzania map
Shaded relief map of Tanzania. Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas. This is an annotated version prepared by Simerg and locations mentioned in the article have been circled in red.

As very few of the Indian man-folk had wives, Wadimaa played major role in this aspect in Tukuyu, during that time. One such example was an arrival of a Sunni Muslim family of Haji Yusufmia in Tukuyu in late 1920’s or early 1930’s; they had arrived in Tukuyu after crossing Lake Nyassa (Malawi) in a small canoe from Nyasaland. They were on their way to Mbeya region to settle. They stayed with them and Haji Yusufmia made Wadimaa  his blood sister. From then on that relationship between these two families continues to exist until the present day and has remained strong among their children and grandchildren. Haji Yusufmia became a prosperous businessman in Mbeya and a respected Muslim community leader in the Southern Highland region. He and his family were officially invited to attend the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in 1946 in Dar es Salaam.

Wadima Sikinabai and Wadabapa Kanji Lalji were matriarch of the Lalji Bharmal family in the settlement of Wadabapa’s older brother Manji’s sons and daughters, his younger brothers Hussein and Karim Lalji. They helped them settle, marry and establish themselves in Tanganyika and some of them became quite successful economically.

In spite of being young, Wadima had an inborn mature quality and accepted a major role in the social aspect of the communities. She learned Swahili language and also local tribal language of Nyakyusa. As there were no doctors or official midwives, women helped each other during deliveries. She was one of the main women involved as a “midwife”. She was self-taught by observing and also from a midwifery medical book for women; she told me that she bought this book in Mumbai for 3 rupees during her first return visit to Kutch after her marriage. She also told me (being an MD myself) during our fireplace talks in her later years, while visiting Vancouver, that she still wanted to learn more. She wanted to know about new procedures involved during deliveries in the present  modern day.

In 1935, Wadima and her family relocated to Mbeya. They became one of the pioneers of Mbeya. She continued her involvement in Mbeya community in the same way, and in some respect in more involved way. She was the main lady player in establishment of the Ismaili community of Mbeya. She, with her husband served as Mukhiani and Mukhi of Mbeya Ismaili Jamat in 1938. Their names are embedded on the plaque shown below. She also was instrumental in the establishment of other Ismaili majalis gatherings in Mbeya. In early 1950’s, as per Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s instructions, she was one of the first ladies in Mbeya, to adopt the simple western dress and gave up her Indian attire of “pacheri” and saris. She also was instrumental in getting other reluctant Ismaili ladies to do the same.

 List of Mukhis and Kamadias of Mbeya Jamat Photo: Dr Moh'd Manji collection, Simerg Ismaili history, Aga Khan community
 List of Mukhis and Kamadias of Mbeya Jamat Photograph: Dr. Mohamed Manji collection.

Wadima established the Ismaili Ladies Voluntary corps in Mbeya. The following pictures show her involvement over the decades. She also participated in preparing food during Ismaili functions as part of “Jaman” committee. In spite of her age, she also participated in one of the early Vancouver Partnership Walk during her visit to Vancouver, BC.

                    

Mbeya Aga Khan Women's Voluntary Corp early 1950s. Photograph: Dr Mohamed Manji collection     
Mbeya Aga Khan Women’s Voluntary Corp early 1950s. Photograph: Dr Mohamed Manji collection.     
Mbeya Aga Khan Women's Voluntary Corp late 1950s. Photograph:: Dr Mohamed Manji collection. 
Mbeya Aga Khan Women’s Voluntary Corp late 1950s. Photograph: Dr Mohamed Manji collection.
 Mbeya Aga Khan Women's Voluntary Corp late 1980s. Photograph: Dr Moh'd Manji collection. 
Mbeya Aga Khan Women’s Voluntary Corp late 1980s. Photograph: Dr Mohamed Manji collection. 

Over the years, she earned the respect of all communities of Mbeya, whether they were of native African population or of Indian and European background and came to be known as WADIMA (Grandma). She had a persona of being confidant and in expressing authority. Families would get her involved in settlement of family, marital and financial issues of the community. After Tanganyika’s independence on December 9, 1961, local native political leader would come and greet her as she had known them since they were young. At any Indian wedding, she would be consulted and invited. I remember that my father did consult and inform her about weddings in our family.

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, members of the Lalji family in Mbeya would visit Wadima’s  place once or twice a week after Jamatkhana, for chit-chat. I was very young and my young cousins and young uncles would gather around  a “sigree” (charcoal heating utensil), as Mbeya at an altitude of 1,758 metres (5,500 ft) was quite a cold place. The rooms were lit by lanterns; in that period there was no electricity in Mbeya. We would listen to the elders talking about local news, news from Kutch and other family news. Wadima was  a very good storyteller. The young ones would sit with her and she would tell to us about our ancestry, about Kutch and their early hard days they went through when she came to Tanganyika and other interesting stories. This was kind of passing on to all of us, our history and informing us, who we were and where we came from. 

Her legacy is being remembered and talked about, up to now, by all Lalji Bharmal youngsters, who were sitting around the “sigree” in those early days and also the new Lalji Bharmal generations in the latter days. When we get together here in Canada and talk about Mbeya, we remember her by saying to each other that “Wadima was saying so”.

Wadima during one of her visit to Vancouver in early 1990’s fell sick. Her wish always was to be buried in the African soil. She returned to Mbeya, Tanzania, her “home”. She passed away in Mbeya, surrounded by family, at the age of 88 years, on February 8th, 1994, and she is buried in Mbeya, Tanzania  —  the place she was a part of in building. 

As I reflect on her magnificent life, I pray for the peace of her soul as well as the souls of all the departed members of my family.

Acknowledgements: I would like to first acknowledge my late Wadima Raibanu Sikina Kanji Lalji herself. She over the years provided me her history, which enabled me to pen down the above write up.  I would also like to acknowledge my father’s first cousin and Wadimaa’s son Mr Badrudin Kanji Lalji, his daughter Al-Shamsh (Shamshi) Ladha and Wadimaa’s blood bother’s son Haji Satarmia Haji Yusufmia for providing information for this write up.

Date posted: March 16, 2023.
Last updated: March 18, 2023 (names, typo corrections.)

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Dr. Mohamed Manji cancer specialist special article for Simerg
Dr. Mohamed Fazal Manji

Dr Mohamed Fazal Manji, a cancer special and recipient of the 2022 Royal College of Canada M. Andrew Padmos International Collaboration Award, is originally from Mbeya, Tanzania. He is a Consultant Radiation Oncologist at BC Cancer Agency of British Columbia, Canada, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of British Columbia.He graduated in medicine from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and immigrated to Canada in 1972. Dr. Manji specialised in radiation cancer treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital (Cancer Center as it is called now) in Toronto. He  obtained the Canadian Fellowship (FRCPC) and American Board Specialist Certification (DABRT) in Radiation Oncology. He also undertook special courses in Nuclear Medicine and Endocrinology at Harvard Medical School, Boston USA. He became the first Canadian trained Ismaili Radiation Oncologist in Canada and probably in North America.

A plaque from Aga Khan University in appreciation of Dr. Manji’s services and at right Dr. Manji received the 2022 Royal College of Canada M. Andrew Padmos International Collaboration Award

He has been working at BC Cancer agency since 1977. He spent time abroad, working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to help modernize the Radiation Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center. He spent 12 years at this tertiary hospital for cancer and other diseases. He was also involved in the planning and development of Radiation Oncology Departments at the Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi and Nairobi and spent some time working at both places. He has contributed to many peer review publications, abstracts, book chapters and also lecture presentations nationally and internationally. He is the son of Rai Fazal Manji of Mbeya Tanzania, who served as a member of Aga Khan Supreme Council of Tanganyika in 1950’s and Raibanu Rehmat Fazal Manji, daughter of  Alijah Mohamed Hamir who, in early 1930’s, built an iconic Jamatkhana in Iringa, Tanzania, and donated it to Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah unconditionally. Dr Manji served as first Member for Health on the first Aga Khan Ismaili Regional Council of Ontario and Quebec in 1973. He has previously contributed an informative piece on Prince Amyn Aga Khan’s visit to Toronto in 1973 on Simerg’s sister website Barakah.

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Stunning photos: Banff National Park’s beautiful animals and nature in the thick of a Canadian winter

Please click: BEAUTIFUL BANFF

If you are in Alberta, and are waiting for warmer weather to see Banff National Park’s emerald coloured lakes, green forests and wildlife, make no mistake that the Park offers extraordinary scenery in winter. Its snow covered mountains and frozen lakes will baffle your eyes and, with the exception of bears who will be in hibernation for a few more weeks, you will also encounter an amazing variety of wildlife. Malik Merchant’s short excursion to Banff and Lake Louise offered him a rare opportunity to witness how Albertans, Canadians and people from all over the world come to Banff to enjoy its extraordinary mountains, ski resorts, sulphur springs, canyons and trails….as well as coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries! Please click HERE or on the photo below for Merchant’s story and photographs on Simergphotos.

A coyote off Banff’s Tunnel Mountain Road. Please click on image for story and more photos.

Featured photos at top of post: A CP freight train passes through Morant’s curve on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A), 6 kms from Lake Louise. The lookout point is a very popular spot for visitors as it offers a stunning view of trains coming around the bend, with the Bow River flowing along the side and mountains in the background. It is a dream spot for train lovers! The frequency of the trains is unreliable, though.

Date posted: March 14, 2023.

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Photo Essay: Alberta’s Beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park and the Stunning Kananaskis Country

Please click Waterton Lakes National Park and Kananaskis Country

Nurin Merchant pens down a photo essay to reflect on her summer visit to Alberta in 2022. With spring soon approaching and summer to follow, Nurin strongly recommends that Albertans and visitors to the province should consider visiting Waterton Lakes National Park and the Kananaskis country to experience their extraordinary natural beauty, the stunning Rocky Mountains and superb wildlife. Please click PHOTO ESSAY or on the photograph below to view a small collection of photographs from more than 1,200 that she took with her dad over a period of 6 days in Alberta.

Waterton Lake. Please click on image for photo essay.

Featured photo at top of post: Forget Me Not Pond, Kananaskis Country.

Date posted: February 26, 2023.

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Norway’s FORUM 18 paints worrying picture of religious freedom for Ismailis in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

By MALIK MERCHANT

Oslo, Norway, based Forum 18 has published a very detailed and comprehensive account on the situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO), as it relates to the faith, culture and practices of the Shia Ismaili Muslims living in the area.

The report entitled TAJIKISTAN: Regime bans Ismaili home prayers, lessons for children (download PDF version HERE), by Feliz Corley, dated February 21, 2023, contains the following sub-titles:

  • Stopping Ismailis gathering in homes for prayers;
  • Warnings, fines follow regime ban on prayer meetings in homes;
  • Regime bans Aga Khan portraits in homes;
  • Regime bans studies at Ismaili Institute in London;
  • Ismaili-based Ethics and Knowledge course banned from schools; and
  • Ban on voluntary Ethics and Knowledge classes, books seized

The above measures contradict Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after which Forum 18 was apparently named. The Article states:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas.
Map of Tajikistan, showing the autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan province and surrounding countries. Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas.

The Forum 18 piece does however mention that the Ismaili Centres in Dushanbe and Khorog remain open for prayers. This piece of news is welcome.

Simerg is unable to independently verify the concerns that the Forum 18 article has raised. However, on its About page, Forum 18 states that it “provides truthful, original, detailed, and accurate monitoring and analysis of violations of freedom of thought, conscience and belief in Central Asia, Russia, the South Caucasus, and Belarus.”

Simerg therefore feels it necessary and appropriate to provide a direct link to Felix Corley’s piece in Forum 18. The editor has also noted that the link to Corley’s piece is being widely distributed over the internet via WhatsApp and email messages. Corley’s article in Forum 18 has since been reproduced in Eurasiareview on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Simerg welcomes official statements from appropriate authorities, institutions and individuals in GBAO clarifying the concerns raised in the Forum 18 report by submitting their official feedback HERE or sending it to mmerchant@simerg.com with their complete contact information.

Date posted: February 23, 2023.
Last updated: February 26, 2023 (link added to download PDF version of report.)

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FEEDBACK AND CHECK OUR TOC

Simerg welcomes your feedback. Please click on Leave a Comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.

Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Aswan, Egypt: Final resting place of Aga Khan III; and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s message to the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims on his succession

Prepared by MALIK MERCHANT

[An extended version of this post can be read on Simerg’s sister blog Barakah which was launched in 2017 as an honour and dedication to the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim al Husssaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, on the auspicious and historic occasion of his 60th Imamat anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee — Ed.]

When the 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan, passed away on July 11, 1957 at the age of 79, he chose his 20 year old grandson, Shah Karim al Hussaini, then a student at Harvard University, to succeed him as the 49th Hereditary Imam of the community.

The late Aga Khan who was born on November 2, 1877, succeeded to the throne of Imamat on August 17, 1885, when he was only 7 years old. His Imamat of 71 years is the longest in the 1400 span of Ismaili history that goes back to the origins of Shia Islam when the Prophet Muhammad — may peace be upon him and his family — appointed his son-in-law, Ali, to continue his teachings within the Muslim community. The current 49th Imam said in an interview, that the Ismailis are the only Shia Muslims to have a living Imam, namely himself.

Aga Khan III, by Elliott & Fry, photograph. © National Portrait Gallery, London. Reproduced under a licensing agreement.

At the death of the 48th Imam in 1957, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (d. September 2022), sent the following message to the new Aga Khan through her Private Secretary:

“His Highness will be remembered by all for the wise guidance and selfless leadership which he has freely given during his many happy and eventful years. His energetic and devoted work for the League of Nations in a life dedicated to the service of his followers and to the welfare of mankind will long be remembered. In the arduous responsibility which you will be called on to bear as leader of your people, Her Majesty extends to you her sincere greetings and prayers that you may long fulfil your role as counsellor to the Ismaili community who owe you their allegiance.”

Aga Khan III had long expressed the wish that his burial should be in Aswan, Egypt. His wife, the Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan, undertook the monumental task of coordinating the construction of the mausoleum near the villa. The mausoleum was completed in about 18 months. In the meanwhile, the body of the late Imam was temporarily buried in the compounds of the Villa. The final burial then took place on February 19, 1959.

We present a selection of photographs of the mausoleum as well as other images from the historical day (for more details and photos see the post in Barakah.)

Aga Khan burial Aswan
The successor of Aga Khan III, Mawlana Sha Karim al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, left, his uncle Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, right, and his younger brotehr Prince Amyn Aga Khan at the back, carrying the shrouded body of the 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, from its temporary resting place to the mausoleum. Photograph: Jehangir Merchant collection.
Aswan Aga Khan burial in mausoleum, Simerg
Mourners watch as the body of the 48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan, is carried into the mausoleum, February 19, 1959. Photograph: Jehangir Merchant collection.
Sarite Sanders Aga Khan Mausoleum Aswan, Simerg
The mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan, in Aswan overlooking the family’s white villa, Noor al Salaam, and the River Nile. This magnificent mausoleum of the Aga Khan was modelled on the Fatimid tombs in Egypt. Photo: © Sarite Sanders. Published in Simerg and its sister blogs Barakah and Simergphotos under a licensing agreement with Sarite Sanders.
Sarite Sanders Aga Khan Mausoleum Aswan, Simerg
High up on the west bank of the Nile in Aswan stands the tomb of Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah His Highness the Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of the Ismailis, who died in 1957, and of his wife the Begum, who died in 2000. The Mausoleum is a very elegant pink granite structure of late 1950 origin. The Aga Khan succeeded his father in 1885 when he was eight to become the 48th Imam. Upon his death on 11 July, 1957, he was succeeded to the Imamat by his grandson, Prince Karim Aga Khan. Photo: © Sarite Sanders

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The new Aga Khan on his predecessor

Aga Khan takhtnashini or ceremonial installation dar es salaam tanganyika 1957 simerg
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, pictured on October 19, 1957 at his 1st Takhtnashini or ceremonial installation, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika (now Tanzania). He became the 49th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims,on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20. Photograph: Ilm Magazine, July 1977.

“Today, I am speaking to you in a city and in a country which have a particular meaning to my family and myself. On 2nd November, 1877 my beloved grandfather was born here in Karachi. Through 72 years of Imamat, he guided his spiritual children to happiness and prosperity” — Karachi, August 4, 1957.

“Many many memories come to our minds as we think of him. He achieved in his life, for our community that which could only have been accomplished normally in a period of many generations. The tributes that the world has paid him bear honest testimony to his great life and work” — Takhtnashini, ceremonial installation, Karachi, Pakistan, January 23, 1958.

Date posted: February 21, 2023.

Featured image at top of post: The mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan, overlooking his villa and the Nile. Photograph: Motani Family collection, Ottawa, Canada.

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For an extended version of this post please click HERE.

Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos

The editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

A view shows the area affected by an avalanche in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat responds to avalanches in Khorog and the Badakhshan regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan which have claimed lives and damaged properties

Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
from AKDN, Reuters, BBC and the website of the President of Tajikistan

Featured image at top of post: A view shows the area affected by an avalanche in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Photograph: Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS.

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), an agency within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), reports that more than 50 avalanches have hit the Badakhshan regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan in recent days causing multiple casualties and damage to around 20 buildings and houses in the provincial capital Khorog  (or Khorugh — town is circled in map below.)

Map of Tajikistan with surrounding countries from the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas. Simerg news avalanche
Map of Tajikistan with surrounding countries from the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas. Note: Towns circled mentioned in story; map has been annotated for story. Click on image for enlargement.

According to the latest report by Reuters, the death toll stands at 20. Khorog is home to some 30,000 people. Its population is predominantly Ismaili Muslims and the town hosts the Tajikistan campus of the University of Central Asia. The mayor of provincial capital Khorog, Rizo Nazarzoda, urged its residents to stay at home as heavy snow and rain fell. Reuters states that videos from the area showed one-storey buildings covered up to their roofs with snow and ice blocks, with rescue teams digging through the snow in search of bodies.

The following is a summary of the avalanche as reported in BBC news on February 17, 2023:

  • Khorog worst hit with 13 people killed;
  • 2 female students missing in the Ishkoshim area [or Eshkashem, town is circled in map above];
  • Child pulled from a collapsed house and crowds nearby are seen digging through the deep snow in the hope of finding more survivors.
A view shows the area affected by an avalanche in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS
A view shows the area affected by an avalanche in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS.
A view of an area in Khorog where an avalanche has destroyed several buildings as well as claimed lives. Photograph: Courtesy Photo.
People take part in a rescue operation following an avalanche slide in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS
People take part in a rescue operation following an avalanche slide in Gorno-Badakhshan region, Tajikistan, February 15, 2023. Photograph: Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan/Handout via REUTERS

In response to the avalanches, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, called the chairman of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, Alisher Khudoberdi Mirzonabot, and gave specific instructions for the prompt elimination of the consequences of the natural disaster and the provision of material assistance to affected families. In its brief, the President’s office states that more than a metre of snow fell in the region in the recent 3 days, which caused an avalanche to descend in Khorog.

The President has also received numerous messages of condolences including the following from his counterpart in the neghbouring Kyrgyz Republic, President Sadyr Japarov:

“It is with deep sorrow that I received the news of the death of people as a result of an avalanche in the city of Khorog, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province of the Republic of Tajikistan, which occurred on February 15, 2023. On behalf of the entire people of Kyrgyzstan and on my own behalf, I express my condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and share their grief. I ask the Almighty for a speedy recovery of the injured.”

A view of the campus of the University of Central Asia in Khorog. Photograph: AKDN.
A view of the campus of the University of Central Asia in Khorog. Photograph: AKDN.
Shams Kassim Lakha with Governor of GBAO and Mayor of Khorog
Left to righ: Dr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of University of Central Asia’s Board of Trustees pictured with the Governor of Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Alisher Khudoberdi Mirzonabot, and the Mayor of Khorog Mr. Rizo Nazarzoda on February 7, 2023, in Khorog. The Mayor is seen presenting Dr. Kassim-Lakha with a Rubab, a traditional Tajik musical instrument. The meeting took place before the avalanches descended in Khorog on February 14, from very heavy snowfalls in the region. Dr. Kassim-Lakha thanked the Governor, the Mayor of Khorog and the Government of Tajikistan for their support extended to UCA, and discussed with him the on-going and planned joint initiatives aiming to enhance the quality of education for the peoples of Tajikistan. Photograph: University of Central Asia.
Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
Community Emergency Response volunteers trained by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) have been mobilised, at the request of the Government of Tajikistan, after over 50 avalanches have hit the region. In this picture AKAH volunteers clear a road blocked by an avalanche in Badakhshan in 2021. Photograph: AKAH.

AKAH has mobilised quickly to respond to the urgent request from the Government of Tajikistan, deploying trained teams to conduct search and rescue operations. With heavy snowfall continuing, AKAH is helping relocate people from at risk areas and providing temporary shelter for those displaced. AKDN is also providing fuel to district authorities to support local ambulance services and is clearing roads blocked by the avalanches.

AKDN’s Pamir Energy is working to repair damage to power lines and resume energy services in affected towns as soon as possible.

Date posted: February 16, 2023.
Last updated: February 17, 2023 (added message of condolence from the Kyrgyz Republic, BBC story and map of region.)

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Related report(s):

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.