Simerg is an independent initiative dedicated to Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan — their Hereditary Imam — and the Ismaili Imamat, and Islam in general through literary readings, photo essays and artistic expressions
Malik Merchant scours printed Ismaili magazines dating back many decades, personal and family archives, contributions from readers around the world and the official websites of the Ismaili community for Barakah’s impressive collection of 250+ pictures highlighting the life of the 49th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini His Highness the Aga Khan IV, who died on February 4, 2025. This is Part 1 and just the tip of the iceberg of his story and contributions that would take years and volumes to complete.
Cover page of Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens; Hardcover Linen with jacket, 260 pages, 25 x 30 cms, 225 colour illustrations. Available online and at Ismaili Jamatkhana literature counters. Order online at htpps://shop.ismaili
As our beloved 50th Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim, His Highness the Aga Khan, nears the completion of the 3rd week of his Imamat, we wish to remind our readers of a beautiful pictorial biography of his father, our beloved 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim, titled Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, edited by Gary Otte.
In his review of the book, Atlanta’s Dr. Nizar Motani urged our readers to make it a MUST-HAVE book in their family. This book, a collection of photographs and a treasure trove of knowledge about Mawlana Shah Karim’s life, is not just a valuable collection, but a responsibility to pass down to future generations. It ensures that the legacy of Mawlana Shah Karim’s inspiring life is preserved and celebrated. Exactly three years after its publication in February 2022, Mawlana Shah Karim passed on February 4, 2025.
This beautifully printed hardcover volume, a unique treasure, boasts 220 meticulously selected colour illustrations. These illustrations offer a comprehensive visual journey through all aspects of Mawlana Shah Karim’s inspiring life. It is a keepsake for generations of Ismailis and a stunning pictorial life story of the longest-lived Imam in Ismaili history, whose Imamat spanned 67 years. You can find this unique book at Jamatkhana literature counters and at the Ismaili’s community shop, htpps://shop.ismaili. It is also available from external booksellers such as Chapters-Indigo, Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.
A selection of photographs from Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens
Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, Edited by Gary Otte.
~~~~~~~~
Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, Edited by Gary Otte.
~~~~~~~~
Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, Edited by Gary Otte.
~~~~~~~~
Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, Edited by Gary Otte.
~~~~~~~~
Photograph: Depth of Field: The Aga Khan Beyond the Lens, Edited by Gary Otte.
A reminder once again to acquire the book from Jamatkhana literature counters or order it online at htpps://shop.ismaili.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 