Special Series — Ismaili Oral Testimonies from the Mountains of Northern Pakistan: (I) A Mountaineer’s Adventures

“…In the Diamir Face, Nanga Parbat is one of the most difficult and technical mountain to climb. Where there is 100 metres of negative incline climbing, and in that wall there are stairs in four places and one has to hang on those places….You cannot rest freely on the climbing route of Nanga Parbat, if you walk for eight hours then you have to stay on the rope for eight hours for having rest. It is not like G-2 and Broad Peak where you can rest, you can sit and then continue your climbing. But in Nanga Parbat you have to stay bent on the rope continuously for eight hours with no possibility of sitting down…”

PLEASE CLICK: Mountain Voices —  Ismaili Testimonies of Life in the Remote Mountains of Pakistan: (I) A Mountaineer’s Adventure

The road to school is full of potential dangers for Shimshal children. Photo: Pam Henson. Copyright.

The road to school is full of potential dangers for Shimshal children. Photo: Pam Henson. Copyright.

Stories of Ismaili Volunteers: Badrudin Kurwa’s Courageous Journey to Chitral for His Nazrana (Gift) of Time and Knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam

This is a fascinating story of faith and courage by an eye-surgeon who decided to travel to Chitral, Pakistan, and give the precious gift of an eyesight to individuals who thought they would never see again. Simerg invites individuals to come forward and share their stories as part of its 4th anniversary series dedicated to Ismaili volunteers, badged as well as non-badged.

PLEASE CLICK: An Ismaili Eye Surgeon’s Courageous Journey to Chitral

Badrudin Kurwa, right, performing a cataract surgery in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click on image to read article.

Badrudin Kurwa, right, performing a cataract surgery in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click on image to read article. Photo: Badrudin Kurwa Collection.

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Post of patients following cataract surgery by Dr. Badrudin Kurwa in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click for article.

Post op patients following cataract surgery by Dr. Badrudin Kurwa in Chitral, Pakistan. Please click on image for article. Photo: Badrudin Kurwa Collection.

To contribute to series, please click STORIES OF ISMAILI VOLUNTEERS

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Gujarati Communities Across the Globe: Memory, Identity and Continuity

BOOK REVIEW BY NIZAR MOTANI

This latest addition to the expanding frontier of Gujarati studies offers eleven masterly chapters written by thirteen scholars representing several disciplines…..Out of the eleven chapters three of them focus on the current Ismaili Imam’s leadership style and the geet and ginanic traditions of his followers of Gujarati origin….Read More

Please click for book review by Nizar Motani

Please click for book review by Nizar Motani

Photo Essay: The Historical Jubilees of His Highness the Aga Khan (1877 – 1957)

“The measure of the Imam’s achievement can be gauged from the phenomenal progress of the Ismaili Community during the Imam’s regime. The community’s proud position in modern civilization during the course of only about half a century, is a saga of success with probably no parallel in history…the Imam was the architect of this modern miracle…The resurgence of the Ismaili Community, literally from rags to riches, is a fitting monument to the Imam’s indefatigable efforts”

Photo Essay: The Historical Jubilees of His Highness the Aga Khan (1877-1957), the Imam of the Socio-Economic Revolution

Please click for His Highness the Aga Khan’s Jubilees

Ismaili Portraits from Tajikistan by Olivier Galibert @Simerg

Olivier Galibert: Ismaili Portraits from Tajikistan

“I have had some incredible experiences while I got all these portraits, smiles, faces… I don’t remember all the teas I have shared, neither all the meals”

Please click for “Ismaili Portraits”

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 Please also click: Historical Photos: Life in the Ismaili Community (1957 – Current))

The Iconic Ismaili Centre in Dubai by Muslim and Nevin Harji @Simerg

Dubai’s Jewel: The Ismaili Community’s Congregational Space

“This new Centre is itself a profoundly spiritual place. Its defining symbolism is inspired by the Fatimid tradition — stretching back over 1000 years and widely shared with sister traditions throughout the Islamic world….Just as Dubai is indeed a very special place, this is also a very special time. For me this is particularly true because this new beginning coincides with my 50th year as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims — a Golden Jubilee moment which connects the past to the future for me and in a special way. 

“And that is what this celebration today is all about — at a time of demanding challenge, we look for strength and inspiration from our spiritual and cultural roots.” – Excerpts from the speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of The Ismaili Centre Dubai – 26 March 2008.

Please click for “Dubai’s Ismaili Gem”

Please also click: THE JAMATKHANA
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Historical Photographs from ‘The Ismaili’ Collection of Master Khimani of South Africa @ Simerg

A Brief Note on Master Khimani’s Service to the South African Jamat, and Historical Photos from His Family Archives

“…The Master’s wisdom and profound knowledge of Islam drew many members of the Jamat to him to help resolve disputes, seek personal advice as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the faith. Their exemplary lives remain an inspiration to the South African Jamat everywhere.”

Please click for Historical Photos from the Collection of Master Khimani. Photo: Front Cover of a special birthday edition of “The Ismaili” (dated 17th April, 1928) in Master Khimani’s family archives.

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Note to Readers: Please scroll down or click  Home page for other recent posts and click What’s Newfor links to all articles published on this blog since March 2009. Subscribe to this Website via the box near the top right of this page.

Previous post: Salim Kanji’s Thank You Letter to Three Ismaili Pioneers in East Africa

Reflection for Mother’s Day: A Thank You Letter to Lady Ali Shah, Mother of Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, by Zarina Moosa @ Simerg

Thank You Letter to Lady Ali Shah Through the Voice of Her Son, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III

“PARADISE LIES AT THE FEET OF YOUR MOTHER”
A tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.)

Please click for “Thank You” Letter

Note to Readers: Please scroll down or click  Home page for other recent posts and click What’s New for links to all articles published on this blog since March 2009. Subscribe to this Website via the box near the top right of this page.

Previous post: Reminiscences of Two Great Ismaili Missionaries, Pir Sabzali and Meghji Missionary

A Remarkable Speech by the Late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Delivered in Vancouver 37 Years Ago

“…Remember that it is by becoming a better individual, by trying to improve as a single human being, that you can do more for your community and your country in general.” – Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan

Please click on photo for Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Speech. UNHCR photo. Copyright.

“I would like to see every Ismaili and particularly every young Ismaili become an Ambassador, a real ambassador of the community. And I mean active ambassadors, Ambassadors who really work hard.” – Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan

Words of Wisdom from Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan to the Canadian Jamat

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A Note to Readers: Please scroll down or click Home page for other recent posts and click What’s New for links to all articles published on this blog since March 2009. Subscribe to this Website via the box near the top right of this page.

Previous post: The Treasures of Iran, with Excerpts on Hafiz by His Highness the Aga Khan III

Magnificent Photo Gallery of the Ismailis of Tajikistan by A. M. Rajput

Photo  Gallery: Ismaili Portraits From Tajikistan (I)

Please click for article, video, and photos.

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A Note to Readers: Please scroll down or click Home page for other recent posts and click What’s New for links to all articles published on this blog since March 2009. Subscribe to this Website via the box near the top right of this page.

Previous post: “Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” and “Shia Isma‘ili Islam” – Two Absorbing Presentations by Khalil Andani