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