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Date posted: March 18, 2017.
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The Aga Khan: Prince with a Smile Who Fulfills True Role of Religion, A Tribute by Léopold Senghor
Tag Archives: Aga Khan
Timeline 1995: The Aga Khan’s First Visit to Badakhshan, a Historic Day His Ismaili Followers Will Never Forget
PLEASE CLICK: The Aga Khan’s First Visit to Badakhshan, A Historic Day the Ismailis Will Never Forget
Please click on image for story and photos.
Date posted: Sunday, March 12, 2017.
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The Aga Khan: An Icon of Thought, Philosophy and Action – A Tribute by James Wolfensohn
PLEASE CLICK: The Aga Khan Stands Out as an Icon of Action
by James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank (1995-2005)
Photo: Vivian Rozsa. Copyright. Please click on image for tribute.
The Aga Khan: From an Ismaili Muslim Imam to a Global Citizen and Virtual Head of States by Nizar Motani
His Highness the Aga Khan pictured during his Golden Jubilee visit to Vancouver, Canada, on November 25, 2008. Photo: The Ismaili Canada, Golden Jubilee 1957 – 2007, Canada Visit. Please click on photo for essay.
Simerg launches its latest new blog, barakah, with Nizar Motani’s piece in which he portrays the Aga Khan as one of the principal actors on the world stage. A towering international figure, the Aga Khan has been a “Person of the Year”, almost year after year, in the eyes of a vast universe of prestigious private and public organizations.
PLEASE CLICK: THE AGA KHAN – FROM AN ISMAILI MUSLIM IMAM TO A GLOBAL CITIZEN AND VIRTUAL HEAD OF STATES
As the Diamond Jubilee of this remarkably energetic, visionary and revolutionary hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims approaches, this article is intended to further acquaint readers, Ismailis and non-Ismailis alike, with the Aga Khan’s dizzying range of astonishing accomplishments. It is also very relevant for readers who may not know who this Global Citizen, and a “head of many states”, is!
In this concise essay, Nizar Motani has made a compelling case for the Aga Khan to be the foremost candidate for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize….READ MORE
Date posted: February 18, 2017.
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A Delightful Pictorial Summary of Our 2016 Posts: From Historical Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan to Inspiring Travelogues and Photo Essays
Please click: 33 Awesome Photos!
With 2017 getting very close, a year in which Canada will be celebrating its 150th birthday on July 1 and His Highness the Aga Khan will be completing his Diamond Jubilee or 60 years as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims on July 11, we felt we should leave 2016 with a Pictorial Summary for the articles that appeared at Simergphotos during the year. We hope the 33 Photos we have chosen will inspire our readers to delve a little bit more deeply into the detailed pieces.
His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pictured on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Office of the Prime Minister located at the Centre Block of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisee. Copyright. Please click photo for a pictorial summary of our 2016 Posts on Simergphotos.
Date posted: December 28, 2016.
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Tens of Thousands of Canadian Ismailis Brave Wintry Conditions to Celebrate 80th Birthday of Aga Khan with Zeal and Devotion; France Video Energizes Community for Imam’s Diamond Jubilee
INTRODUCED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT
(with material from The Ismaili website)
A mosaic of colourful Salgirah cards prepared by children of Burnaby Lake jamatkhana on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg
“No ocean, no mountain, and no desert can keep the Imam from his murids,” was the caring message that Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, delivered to his spiritual children, the Ismailis, during one of the many visits which he undertook to his global community during his Golden Jubilee Celebrations. The Jubilee began on July 11, 2007, when he completed 50 years of his reign as the 49th hereditary Imam, directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), and ended on December 13, 2008, on the exact day of his 72nd birthday. He was born in Geneva in 1936.
Eight years on, on Saturday December 17, 2016, the harsh elements of nature — snow, freezing rain, and cold — did not subdue or keep tens of thousands of Ismailis in Canada, from attending the video showing of their beloved Imam’s 80th birthday celebration that had taken place just a day earlier at his estate and the Imamat headquarters in Aiglemont, France.
Malik Talib, President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, makes a point during a conversation with other Ismaili leaders at the 80th birthday celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Ismaili leaders from around the world, including President Malik Talib of Canada, travelled to France on behalf of their constituents to personally offer congratulations, express shukrana (thanks), and to reaffirm the Jamat’s bayyah (oath of allegiance) to the 49th Ismaili Imam. Also attending the birthday celebration, were members of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family – Prince Amyn Muhammad, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim and his wife Princess Salwa along with their son Prince Irfan, Prince Hussain, Prince Aly Muhammad and Princess Zahra’s children, Sara and Ilyan.
Earlier during the week, on December 13, the actual day of his birthday, Ismailis had gathered in their local jamatkhanas for special prayers and ceremonies to affirm their loyalty and love for their Imam. Mawlana Hazar Imam, in becoming 80, has established himself as the oldest serving Imam in Ismaili history!
Designed specially for the celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday, this centre piece of the venue comprised a geodesic dome. Neither of the East nor of the West, the dome is an ancient symbol of Divine shelter, care and guidance. The Ismaili/Farhez Rayani.
The celebration in Aiglemont was housed in specially designed marquee, with a protective dome that signified the guidance and shelter that Hazar Imam constantly provides. The dome itself was inspired by an icosahedron — a geometric structure composed of 20 triangles. Each triangle symbolised one of the 20 national Ismaili Councils appointed by the Imam to oversee the community’s well-being.
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family in attendance at his 80th birthday celebration held at his home in Aiglemont on Friday, December 16, 2016. From left to right: Prince Hussain, Princess Salwa and her husband Prince Rahim, MAWLANA HAZAR IMAM, Prince Amyn Muhammad, Princess Zahra, Prince Ali Muhammad, and Princess Zahra’s children, Sara and Ilyan. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
The President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Syria, Muhammad Wardeh, recites the Tilawat-e-Qur’an at the start of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday celebration. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses Jamati and institutional leaders, who gathered at his home on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji
Prince Amyn Muhammad and Princess Zahra applaud as the birthday cake is presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Mawlana Hazar Imam cuts his birthday cake, as Princess Salwa and Prince Hussain look on. The Ismaili/Farhez Rayani.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is presented with a birthday gift on behalf of the global Jamat. Titled “Horses”, this lapis lazuli mosaic was commissioned from the late Ismail Gulgee in 1989. Looking on are the Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders International Forum, Mahmoud Eboo (right), and Vazir Shafik Sachedina. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Salim Ahmed, a Canadian jamati leader and a former Darkhana Mukhi, and his wife, are greeted by Prince Hussain at the 80th birthday celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with the musicians and singers who performed at the celebration of his 80th birthday. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim with Prince Irfan, and Princess Salwa at the 80th birthday celebration. Photo: The Ismaili/Zahur Ramji.
Reflecting on the progress of the Jamat over the past several decades, Hazar Imam said, “I think we can conclude today that the Jamat is a strong community. It is a global community. It is a community with strong institutions, with strong ethics and it is respected around the world. This evening is an extraordinarily special occasion for the global Jamat and for the leaders who are here present tonight who are representing them.”
He said that his wish for the decades ahead was that “you stand firmly by the principles and ethics of our faith. Wherever you are, whatever age you are, whatever you do in your lives, it is essentially important to me that the principles of our faith should be respected everyday of your lives.”
When Mawlana Hazar Imam cut a birthday cake presented on behalf of the global Jamat, he was serenaded by all those gathered with Happy Birthday sung in two languages. Hazar Imam was also presented with a gift of art — a mosaic of horses by the late Ismail Gulgee that was commissioned in 1989. It was selected “because of Hazar Imam’s passion for horses, the history of horses within Islamic civilisation and the history even within Mawlana Hazar Imam’s own family,” explained Chairman Eboo.
Mawlana Hazar Imam expressed great happiness at the celebration of his 80th birthday. “If I had known it was going to be so wonderful, I would have tried to bring it forward,” he joked, “and I would have tried to multiply it!” He said, “I hope that in the decades ahead, you will remember this occasion as one of special happiness, as I do.”
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CELEBRATION AT THE ISMAILI CENTRE, BURNABY, DARKHANA OF CANADA
Jamati members enjoying the jaman at darkhana jamatkhana following the 80th birthday video presentation from Aiglemont, France. Photo: Simerg.
The jamat at the Darkhana, where I was present for the showing, watched the entire program with awe and absolute discipline.We then proceeded in an orderly fashion to a specially constructed tent in the parking lot to partake of the feast (jaman) prepared by a team of special volunteers of the jamat – the randhan committee. It consisted of fresh lettuce, vegetable and chicken biryanis with kachumber (diced tomatoes and onions), a dessert (barfi), soft drinks and chai! The tent was heated and very comfortable, protecting everyone from the freezing temperatures. The senior citizens of the jamat were served their dinner at the jamatkhana’s social hall on the second floor. After the feast, members of the jamat joined for a dandhia raas (stick dancing and hand clapping) program!
Senior citizens wait for the commencement of the dandhia raas program in the social hall of the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby, after completing their meal. Photo: Simerg.
The 80th birthday celebration has generated the momentum for yet another significant milestone in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s life – the celebration of his Diamond Jubilee beginning July 11, 2017, which will take place as Canada begins celebrating its 150th birthday on July 1, 2017.
Date posted: December 20, 2016.
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For a video of the 80th birthday celebration of His Highness the Aga Khan held in Aiglemont, France, on December 16, 2016, please visit http://www.theismaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili community. Readers will also find there a gallery of more than 30 photographs of the celebration.
Aga Khan’s Inspiring Interview on PBS Religion & Ethics Newsweekly is Worth Revisiting (Now Includes Transcript)
This Interesting and Well Presented PBS Program is Worth Watching [and Rewatching]
Click on image or on any text below for link to interview/transcript.
INTRODUCED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT
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Now Watch the Extended Interview
Date posted: Wednesday, November 30, 2016.
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Simerg Special Photo Feature: His Highness the Aga Khan Meets Prime Minister Trudeau at Parliament Hill by Award Winning Photographer Jean-Marc Carisse
Photographs: Jean-Marc Carisse, http://www.carissephoto.com
Text compilation: Abdulmalik Merchant, Editor, Simerg
Please click on photos for enlargement
WITH PRIME MINISTER
His Highness the Aga Khan looks straight at the camera as he greets Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Office of the Prime Minister located at the Centre Block of Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisee. Copyright.
His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, was warmly received by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, with the words “It’s always a pleasure to welcome a dear friend to Canada, a dear friend to my family as well.” The Prime Minister added that they would discuss “pluralism, diversity and all the things that Canada can contribute to offering more peace and stability in the world.”
His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Trudeau are seen engaged in a warm conversation during their meeting at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. In the background are the flags of the Ismaili Imamat with the gold Imamat crest in the centre, and the iconic Maple Leaf of Canada. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright.
Award winning photographer Jean-Marc Carisse, who took the pictures shown on this page, noted in his email to Simerg that His Highness the Aga Khan’s greeting with the Prime Minister started at approximately 4:13/4:14 pm ET. At 5:05, His Highness walked in the South corridor of Centre Block and observed the portraits of former Prime Ministers Paul Martin and then Jean Chrétien (see photo, below). At 5:07, he entered his car. According to Mr. Carisse, “the Aga Khan was his usual charming personae and pleasantly smiled throughout his Parliamentary visit.”
Over the next few days, Simerg will be presenting more photos as well as reports relating to His Highness the Aga Khan’s current visit to Canada, which began with his arrival in Ottawa on Monday May 16, 2016. He was accompanied by his younger brother, Prince Amyn Aga Khan. His itinerary for the current visit includes delivering the opening remarks at the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Annual Lecture and being awarded with an honorary degree by the Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies. Both these events will take place in Toronto this week.
We express our deep gratitude to Jean-Marc Carisse for sharing the wonderful photos with readers of Simerg.
His Highness the Aga Khan glances with interest at an oil painting of former Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, shortly after his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Accompanying him are Kate Bourke, the protocol coordinator, and leaders of the Ismaili community. Photo: Jean Marc Carisse. Copyright.
His Highness the Aga Khan walks happily in the corridor of the Parliament Building following his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday May 17, 2016. He is accompanied, among others, by protocol coordinator, Kate Bourke and Ismaili leaders Shafik Sachedina and President Malik Talib of the Aga Khan Council for Canada. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright.
His Highness the Aga Khan has a broad smile as he prepares to leave the Parliament Building after his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. With him in the picture are protocol coordinator, Kate Bourke (left), Shafik Sachedina (right), based at the Ismaili Imam’s headquarters in Aiglemont, France, President Malik Talib (top left) of the Aga Khan Council for Canada, and Mahmoud Eboo (centre), the Aga Khan Development Network’s Resident Representative to Canada. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright.
His Highness the Aga Khan outside the Parliament Building just before his departure after his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright.
His Highness the Aga Khan returns a farewell wave to well-wishers, as his car departs Parliament Hill following his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse. Copyright
Date posted: May 17, 2016.
Last updated: May 18, 2016 (15:51 EST)
Photos: Copyright Jean-Marc Carisse, http://www.carissephoto.com.
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Related Video of the welcome by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
3 Rare and Memorable Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s 1966 Nairobi Primary School Visit @Simergphotos
GEMS IN YOUR ALBUMS OR ARCHIVES – A NOTE TO OUR READERS
Do your family albums or archives contain historic photos, documents, letters or other pieces of information that offer insights on recent and past Ismaili history? Many readers have found gems looking through old photo albums and their unique contributions can be viewed at our photoblog, http://www.simergphotos.com. We encourage you to do the same, and share your discoveries with readers of this website. Please write in confidence to simerg@aol.com with details of the hidden gem you found or had forgotten about, and we will reply within 24 hours.
Please click on photo for story. Photo: Juby Sprake Collection, Vancouver, Canada. Special to Simergphotos.
Date posted: April 16, 2016.
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Pakistan Visit 1961: Exclusive Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, by Abdul M. Ismaily
PLEASE CLICK: Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Pakistan by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”)
Please click on image for exclusive photos by Abdul M. Ismaily
Date posted: February 20, 2016.
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