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Prince Rahim delivers the Commencement Address at the Institute’s 2007 Graduation Ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, London. Message from the Director

ear Donors and Friends of In these challenging times, the necessity of an DThe Institute of Ismaili Studies, education that links Muslim identity and heritage to a As we celebrate and reflect upon global perspective, has become urgent. The growth of the significance of the Golden Jubilee the past decade has enabled the Institute to become a for the worldwide Jamat, we have an mature institution, acknowledged as an important centre opportunity to assess the place of the of academic studies on Islam. As echoed in Prince Institute within Mawlana Hazar Rahim’s Commencement Address to the graduating class Imam’s vision of building a knowledge society. in 2007, the Institute aspires to prepare the leaders of the Over a thousand years ago, as the Muslim world forged future, who have a deeper appreciation and its own knowledge societies, the Imams of the time created understanding of the cultures and histories of the centres of learning such as Al-Azhar and Dar al-Hikmah in different parts of the Muslim world and elsewhere, where Cairo. Later, the ethos of those centres was replicated in the Jamat lives. Additionally, they should acquire an Persia and Syria. Part of their mission and inspiration was to understanding of the processes of change that affect our attract the best scholars and to offer an intellectual space, to inter-connected lives and our shared future. build creatively on existing knowledge but also to extend it. In the Golden Jubilee year, I feel honoured to extend to Their institutional identity was grounded in Muslim views you, friends and supporters of the Institute, an invitation about the importance and significance of knowledge in to deepen your connection with it, but also to be inspired society and this pursuit embraced the sciences, arts, and share in its remarkable growth and potential for architecture as well as economics and material and political contributing to future generations. life. The expressive quality of literature that emerged at the time (much of it preserved at the Institute today), demonstrates the importance of these institutions as transmitters of knowledge and explorers of horizons beyond the knowledge that they had inherited. IIS UPDATE MAY 2008 iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:53 Page 3

10th September 2007 Commencement Address by Prince Rahim Aga Khan at IIS Graduation, London

ismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim As I believe you all know, B the Aga Khan Development Distinguished guests; governors, Network (AKDN) is engaged in an faculty, staff and students of ever-wider set of activities across the The Institute of Ismaili Studies, Muslim world, and beyond. The families and very young children of work ranges from health and the graduates; ladies and gentlemen, education to media and I am thrilled to join the infrastructure, from finance to graduation ceremony in honour of manufacturing, from culture to those completing the IIS Graduate tourism. These efforts are focussed Programme in Islamic Studies and on improving the quality of lives of Humanities. To you, to your families peoples in myriad regions, from and to all those who have helped varying backgrounds, and of you in this achievement, I say different faiths. Our model, mash’Allah. You have my warmest however, even when it involves the congratulations not only for the world beyond Islam, and even when work you have done, and the goals it extends beyond the present you have accomplished, but also for decade, is also deeply rooted in the choice you made when you Muslim values. Among other things, decided to pursue, at an advanced our approach to development is Prince Rahim Aga Khan level, the systematic study of our holistic and conceived organically, traditions, cultures and history. meaning that our action is shaped I am sure that you are genuinely with the full involvement of the proud of your achievements, as you potential beneficiaries, rather than global network of Imamat should be. But even as you look prescribed or imposed from institutions, for these organisations back with great pride, I am also sure without. Only in this way, we believe, are also trying to understand and that you are looking ahead with can our work be self-sustaining. address the same challenges. great hopes. As you do, it is my own The implication of this approach, I was impressed to learn that hope that the education that you of course, is that the AKDN needs a amongst you are represented five have gained through this particularly sound and deep different nationalities, as are several programme will lead to great understanding of the environments diverse cultural traditions of our success in your chosen fields of in which it operates – their cultures, Jamat. I am certain that this diversity endeavour, whatever those may be. their norms, their traditions and has enhanced your classroom This being said, and in view of their faiths: precisely the areas of experience, and I am confident that your achievement, I am convinced scholarship that you have pursued. it will have given you a deeper that the institutions of the Imamat The AKDN also needs fresh minds, appreciation of the meaning and and of the Jamat could benefit endowed with cutting-edge value of diversity itself. directly from the contribution of knowledge of crucial sectors, in We are all aware that we live in a each of you, either in a professional order to remain effective. world where diversity is often or a voluntary capacity. Such a Education, international studies evoked as a threat and, more contribution would certainly be in and diplomacy, non-profit particularly, where diversity in the keeping with the ethic of our faith leadership, media, development, interpretation of a faith can be seen that makes it incumbent upon each law, and regional studies will all be as a sign of disloyalty. This of us to use our blessings – be they among the most relevant fields of phenomenon is sometimes material or intellectual – to assist expertise in the decades ahead. perceived to apply principally to our families, to serve the Jamat and This will be particularly true in the Muslims, but it also exists in other the Ummah, and to help improve developing world. In deciding to societies. Absolutist, exclusivist, and society, and indeed, all of humanity. attend the IIS, you therefore also rejectionist claims to the truth, The Jamat and its institutions need chose to analyse and understand especially to religious truth, are young and dynamic women and the problems of the developing increasingly heard from all men like you, who are able to draw world, and to address some of the quarters. Rather than seeing on the rich heritage of our past, and most intractable issues of our time. religion as a humble process of on the best educations of the I hope that as you look to life growth in faith, some people present, to address the challenges beyond the IIS programme, some of presume to claim that they have of the future. you will consider careers with the arrived at the end of that journey iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:53 Page 4

and can therefore speak with near- your words, by your attitudes, by As you look towards the future, I divine authority. your actions, and by example. hope that you will remember that Unfortunately, in some parts of The untrue and unfair, but intellectual pursuits should, the Muslim world today, hostility to increasingly widespread equating of wherever possible, seek to address diverse interpretations of Islam, and the words “Islam” and “Muslim” the universal aspirations of lack of religious tolerance, have with “intolerance”, sometimes even humankind, both spiritual and become chronic, and worsening, with the word “terrorism”, could concrete. Those aspirations, for our problems. Sometimes these lead some Muslims to feel generation more than for any attitudes have led to hatred and despair, indignation, or even before, are intertwined in a single violence. At the root of the problem shame. To me, however, the global community. is an artificial notion amongst some current global focus on the It can be overwhelming at times Muslims, and other people, that Muslim world, and on Islam itself, to ponder the vast array of new there is, or could ever be, a restricted, presents a golden opportunity problems which seem to multiply in monolithic reality called Islam. for us to educate and enlighten, this globalised world. Our Ismaili tradition, however, while actively exemplifying These include the implications of has always accepted the spirit of the counterpoint I mentioned new technologies and new scientific pluralism among schools of before. To my eyes, it creates an insights, raising new ethical and interpretation of the faith, and seen opportunity, and an even- legal questions. They include this not as a negative value, but as a greater obligation for us to delicate and complex ecological true reflection of divine plenitude. make a positive and visible issues, such as the great challenge of Indeed, pluralism is seen as impact on the world - on culture climate change. They include essential to the very survival of and art, science and matters ranging from the widening humanity. Through your studies philosophy, politics and ecology, gap between rich and poor, to issues you have known the many Qur’anic among others. of proper governance and effective, verses and hadiths of our beloved In order to respond to fair, and representative government, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon this opportunity, it will be crucial and to the spread of rampant him) that acknowledge and extol to reverse another damaging consumerism and greed, at the the value of diversity within human consequence of intolerance, which expense of others, or of our societies. You all know, I am sure, has been the dissuasion of many environment. In some communities, the hadith to the effect that Muslim populations from seeking illiteracy and innumeracy are not differences of interpretation access to what has been called the only continuing problems but are between Muslim traditions should be Knowledge Society. Without an even growing problems. And our seen as a sign of the mercy of Allah. acceptance of diversity, without the challenges also include the It should also be clear to anyone ability to harness the creativity that increasing difficulty of nurturing who has studied Islamic history or stems from pluralism, the very spirit pluralism in the face of strong literature, that Islam is, and has of the Knowledge Society is stifled. normative trends - finding ways to always been, a quest that has taken We must encourage, I believe, that accommodate our differences - many forms. It has manifested itself Muslims of all communities come even as hugely differing peoples in many ways - in different times, together, working collaboratively to find themselves in much closer amongst different peoples, with tap into the vast endowment of contact with one another. changing and evolving emphases, knowledge available today, and You have been engaged in responding to changing human without which progress is, if not studies, some of which analysed the needs, preoccupations, and halted, at least deferred. This achievements of past Muslim aspirations. cannot be done in the absence of civilisations. What I hope you have Even during the early centuries open-mindedness and tolerance. come to see is that understanding of Islam, there was diversity of Implicit in this approach is the past Muslim achievements, traditions, intellectual approaches among need for humility, which is also a values, and ethics should also have Muslims. Today, however - both central Muslim value. We must all equipped you exceptionally well to outside the Islamic world and inside search for the answers to the address the great emerging issues of it - many people have lost sight of, challenges of our generation, our own times. or wish to be blind to, Islam’s within the ethical framework of our As you now graduate into this diversity, and to its historical faith, and without pre-judging one challenging world, you will be evolution in time and place along a another or arbitrarily limiting the taking with you the hopes of those multitude of paths. It befalls us, scope of that search. Like the great who founded, and of those who now then, to help those outside the Muslim artists, philosophers and drive this study programme. Their Muslim World to understand scientists of centuries past, we must central hope is that you will become Islamic diversity, even as we provide enthusiastically pursue knowledge global leaders in a variety of fields, an intellectual counterpoint to those on every hand, always ready to bearing with you as you go, and within Islam who would reject it. embrace a better understanding of applying always, the open- I hope that you, as graduates of Allah’s creation, and always ready to mindedness of our tradition, and this programme, will include this harness this knowledge in the ethics of our faith. message in your own ways in the improving the quality of life of years ahead, through your work and all peoples. Thank you. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:54 Page 5

Introducing the First Class of STEP

n September 2007, the Institute developed by the IIS, to Ismaili Whilst on the programme, STEP Iwelcomed the first cohort of students worldwide. students undertake courses at the students on the newly established The first cohort, who will complete Institute of Education, University of Secondary Teacher Education the programme in September 2009, London, and The Institute of Programme (STEP). STEP is a consists of 41 students from the five Ismaili Studies. Over their two year large-scale initiative that aims to countries where the IIS’ Secondary course of study in London, they will train, sustain and provide resources Curriculum will be piloted, namely gain a Masters in Teaching for teachers who will teach the Canada, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan (MTeach) and a Masters in Secondary Curriculum, being and the USA. Education (Muslim Societies and

Fayyaz from Saba Ebrahim from Fatima Kaba from Toronto, Canada has a Atlanta, USA has an Toronto, Canada has BSc in Computer Science. MA in the Teaching of a BEd in Junior & English and Intermediate Education a BA in English & and a BA in English Educational Studies. & Psychology.

Noorjehan Deedar Ali Shamsah Ebrahim Shaira Kachra from Sajwani from Karachi, from Boston, USA has Edmonton, Canada has Pakistan has a Masters a PhD in Biochemistry. a B.Ed in Secondary in Education. Science Education and a BSc in Biology & Psychology.

Temur Aydimamadov Noorin Fazal from Karima Kapadia from from Khorog, Tajikistan Vancouver, Canada has Mumbai, India has an has a Diploma in a BSc in Cognitive MA in Psychology and Physics & Mathematics. Systems (Computer a Diploma in Science, Psychology, Management of Philosophy and Learning Disabilities. Linguistics).

Ahmed Chagani from Marziya Fezakova from Nargis Keshwani from Houston, USA has a Khorog, Tajikistan has New York, USA has a Masters in Educational a Diploma in Tajik Masters in Education. Management and a BSc Language & Literature. in Computer Information Systems.

Shahnaz Charania Tasmeen Fidai from Salman Khawaja from from Mumbai, India has Toronto, Canada has Las Vegas, USA has an an MA in History and a a BEd in Secondary MA in Instructional BEd in History & Education and a BA Technology and a BSc in English. in Psychology. Computer Engineering.

Ali Chunara from Mezhgan Hakimy from Iftikhor Kukanboev Houston, USA has a Toronto, Canada has from Khorog, Tajikistan BSc in Finance & a BSc in Biology & has a Diploma in Sociology. Psychology. Linguistics.

Jasmine Dolani from Shafeena Hirji from Zulekha Lakhani from Mumbai, India has a Calgary, Canada has a Kolkata, India has a Bachelors in Education, BCom in International Teacher Training a Postgraduate Diploma Business and a BA in Certificate in English. in Education Management Psychology. and a Diploma in Human Resource Management. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:55 Page 6

Civilisations). A unique aspect of experience the history and culture as exploring innovative models for STEP is that students are regularly of Muslim societies and civilisations the future. exposed to the classroom first hand, aim to stimulate creative As the Institute embarks on the environment through practicum thinking amongst STEP students project to develop world-class sessions. In both their first and on how best to convey the richness teachers and to professionalise second years on the programme, and complexity of Muslim religious education for children STEP students gain practical civilisations, both present and and youth of the global Ismaili experience in Ismaili Religious historical, to young people. Jamat, we hope that our donors and Education Centres and at secular The improvement and friends will join us in welcoming schools. development of creative teaching the first cohort of students on this In addition to practical work, methods is also an important part historic programme. STEP students are also taken on of STEP and, throughout the field trips to locations such as Cairo programme, participants are in Egypt and Cordoba in Spain. encouraged to explore ways of These visits, which allow them to enhancing existing methods as well

Rizwan Lalani from Zohirbek Piltaboev Eraj Sodestairov from Vancouver, Canada has from Khorog, Tajikistan Khorog, Tajikistan has a BEd in Special has a Diploma in Tajik an MA in Political Education and BA in Language & Literature. Science and a General Studies Diploma in English. (Education, Biology and Kinesiology).

Sabrina Lalani from Laila Noorallah Pirani Shermeen Surani is Karachi, Pakistan has from Karachi, Pakistan from Karachi, Pakistan an Msc in Entomology has a Masters in and has an MSc in and a BSc in Zoology. Business Administration Mathematics. (Human Resource Management).

Rahim Lalji from Sabiha Pradhan from Mehreen Tejani from Toronto, Canada has Mumbai, India has a Dallas, USA has a BA a BSc in Computer Masters in Commerce in History and a Information Systems. and a BA in Teacher Certification Management. for Secondary Social Studies.

Ryan Makhani from Shameer Ali Prasla Rahim Valli from San Francisco, USA has from Karachi, Pakistan Vancouver, Canada has a BSc in Electrical has an MA in a BA in International Engineering and a International Relations Development. Certificate in Project and an MSc in Management. Biotechnology.

Samreen Momin Nadia Rahim from Farah Virani from from Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan has Toronto, Canada has Pakistan has a Masters a Masters in Business a BSc in Integrative in Education. Administration Biology & Psychology. (Marketing).

Reshma Panjwani from Afshan Rajkotwala from Sheila Virani from Hyderabad, India has Austin, USA has a BSc in Chicago, USA has a BSc in a Masters in Hospital Education. Business Administration Management. & Human Resources.

Asif-Aly Penwala from Nazira Sodatsayrova Longueuil, Canada has from Khorog, Tajikistan a BCom in Finance. has a Diploma in Foreign Languages (English & Arabic). iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:55 Page 7

2007 Graduation Ceremony & Alumni Reunion

Prince Rahim being introduced to guests at the pre-event Prince Rahim meeting with Lord Amir Bhatia and scholars reception by Prof. Azim Nanji, Director of the IIS. from the IIS.

Prince Rahim at the pre-event reception. Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya with the Class of 2007 and se

Prince Rahim awarding a certificate to Hussein Hirji, a graduate Prince Rahim meeting with the graduating students and of the Institute's programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities. their families. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:56 Page 8

Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya meeting with staff and Prince Rahim and Zauhar Meghji, IIS Governor and President of the students of the IIS. Ismaili Council for the UK, making their way to the graduation ceremony.

nd senior faculty of the Institute. Prince Rahim delivering the Commencement Address.

Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya meeting with IIS alumni Prince Rahim and Dr Farhad Daftary, Associate Director of from Asia. the IIS, meeting with IIS alumni from North America. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:56 Page 9

Qur’anic Studies

he Holy Qur’an has been an Tinexhaustible source of intellectual and spiritual reflection in Muslim history, giving rise to ever-proliferating commentaries and interpretations. Many of these have remained a realm for specialists due to their scholarly demands. Others, more widely read, remain untranslated from the primary languages of their composition. In order to make some of these materials from a broad chronological range – the formative centuries of Islam to the present day – available to a wider Mawlana Hazar Imam speaking at the international conference entitled Word of readership through translation and God, Art of Man - The Qur’an and its Creative Expressions in London. publication in English, The Institute of Ismaili Studies This programme is also an always room in such matters for established a Qur’anic Studies Unit opportunity for achieving insights into personal preferences, commitment in 2000. how the discourse of the Qur’an-e Sharif, to particular traditions of belief, and During a conference organised rich in parable and allegory, metaphor scholarly evaluations, much is to be by the Unit in 2003 entitled, Word of and symbol, has been an inexhaustible gained by a simple appreciation, not God, Art of Man – The Qur’an and its well-spring of inspiration, lending itself always evident today, of the Creative Expressions, Mawlana Hazar to a wide spectrum of interpretations. enormous wealth of intellectual Imam commented on the work of This freedom of interpretation is a effort that has been devoted to the the Institute in this area saying: generosity which the Qur’an confers upon Holy Qur’an from the earliest times. “This is part of an ongoing ambitious all believers, uniting them in the It is with this in mind that the programme of Qur’anic studies in which conviction that All-Merciful Allah will Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit is scholars from around the world, both forgive them if they err in their sincere pursuing an ambitious project that Muslim and of other persuasions, are attempts to understand His Word. involves the careful analysis and participating. They bring to bear a variety Happily, as a result, the Holy Book study of the wide body of Qur’anic of academic disciplines on a reflection of continues to guide and illuminate the commentaries known as tafsîrs. how Islam’s revelation, with its challenge thought and conduct of Muslims These commentaries, which to man’s innate gift of quest and reason, belonging to different communities of provide a unique window into the became a powerful impetus for a new interpretation and spiritual affiliation, ways Muslims have approached the flowering of human civilisation. from century to century, in diverse Holy Qur’an throughout the ages, cultural environments. The Noble are currently being translated and An illuminated album page from Qur’an extends the principle of pluralism studied at the Institute before being a 16th century Qur’an manuscript also to adherents of other faiths.” published as a multi-volume work originating from Iran. Despite the fact that throughout known as the Anthology of Qur’anic the Muslim world scriptural sources Commentary. Once completed, the continue to command passionate Anthology will present groups of interest and commitment and that Qur’anic verses organised the Holy Qur’an has been subject to thematically and will provide a contending, often antithetical ideas commentary and interpretation on and interpretations, the aim of the each verse from a variety of schools Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit is of Islamic thought, covering a to place on record the rich diversity broad chronological span, from the and plurality of approaches and first commentaries down to present opinions which have appealed to the day, and taking into consideration Holy Qur’an throughout history the linguistic and cultural variety and even more so today. The found in the field of tafsîr. It is breadth of this range, however hoped that this unique and ground partisan or controversial individual breaking Anthology will be launched presentations within it may be, is in 2008 with its first volume entitled instructive in itself. While there is On the Nature of the Divine. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:56 Page 10

Central Asian Studies

he Ismaili communities of of Central Asia had been strongly presentation. This approach has TCentral Asia, who are dispersed influenced by the work of the 11th proved particularly successful with across four countries (Tajikistan, century poet, philosopher and regard to the ‘living tradition’ Afghanistan, Pakistan and China) Ismaili da‘i . research project that specifically and mainly reside in the In 2002, The Institute of Ismaili focuses on the existing religious mountainous regions of Pamir, Studies, whilst continuing its efforts Hindukush and Karakorum, in religious education, created the traditions and practices of the constitute one of the largest Central Asian Studies Unit to study Central Asian Jamats. concentrations of Ismailis in the the cultures and traditions of the Over the last five years, the world. Central Asian Jamat. Central Asian Studies Unit has Following the collapse of the Conducting research, developing produced and contributed to a Soviet Union in the early 1990s, programmatic interventions, number of publications in both many who had lived under Soviet producing publications and rule for decades, found themselves developing human resources are all Tajik and Russian. Its most recent in a social and political vacuum. It part of the mandate of the Central works include selected proceedings was at this point that the Asian Studies Unit. In particular, of an international conference institutions of the Imamat, amongst the unit’s research on the identity commemorating the millennial which the IIS was the first, started and religious traditions of the anniversary of the birth of da‘i Nasir to work with the Ismaili Jamats in Ismailis in Central Asia as well as Khusraw, entitled Nasir Khusraw: Central Asia. their socio-economic challenges in The Institute’s primary role in the modern period, continues Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow the region was to provide materials to be a valuable source of (2004), and a Russian publication and resources for the religious information for Imamat institutions, entitled Poetry as Means of Preaching: education and cultural formation the academic community and The Concept of ‘Good Word’ in Nasir of the Ismaili community. What others in the field. Scholars from Khusraw’s Poetry (2007). The unit became apparent during these the region and beyond are also endeavours to translate efforts were the rich cultures and commissioned by the unit to existing publications of the IIS into traditions of a community that had undertake an interdisciplinary and managed to maintain its faith and multi-method approach to Tajik and Russian, thus making heritage whilst living under research, using multiple techniques them accessible to the Ismaili decades of oppression. The Ismailis of data collection, analysis and Jamats and others in the region. A Short History of the Ismailis: Traditions of a Muslim Community Poetry as Means of Preaching: Nasir Khusraw: By Farhad Daftary The Concept of ‘Good Word’ in Nasir Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Russian Translation by Leila R. Khusraw’s Poetry Edited by Sarfaroz Niyozov Dodikhudoeva and Lola N. Dodkhudoeva By Leila R. Dodikhudoeva & Marina Reisner and Ramazon Nazariev iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:56 Page 11

Golden Jubilee Commemorative Publications

Word of God, Art of Man The Qur’an and its Creative Expressions Edited by Fahmida Suleman omprising a collection of essays based on the proceedings of an Cinternational conference held at the Ismaili Centre, London, in 2003 to mark the Institute’s 25th Anniversary, the 16 chapters in the book explore expressions of the Holy Qur’an in a range of media and include a contextual introduction by Dr Fahmida Suleman who organised the conference and edited the papers for this volume. Contributors include museum curators and academics of art and architectural history, palaeography and material anthropology. This collective volume covers topics ranging from medieval coins and early illuminated copies of the Holy Qur’an to contemporary paintings. The essays provide a multidisciplinary approach to the questions of how, why and in what contexts the Holy Qur’an has inspired Muslims to adorn the spaces they inhabit and the objects they cherish. The volume includes 120 colour illustrations, some published for the first time, and the opening address of the conference delivered by Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Master of the Age An Islamic Treatise on the Necessity of the Imamate MASTER Edited and Translated by Paul E.Walker OF THE omposed around 1015 CE by the Ismaili thinker and da‘i, Hamid al-Din al- CKirmani, this work is a critical edition and translation of the Arabic treatise AGE al-Masabih fi ithbat al-imama (“Lights to Illuminate the Proof of the Imamate”). Few doctrines in Islam have engendered as much debate as those surrounding  the Imamate. In the medieval period, while the Caliphate still existed, rivalry An Islamic Treatise on among the claimants was particularly intense. In this context, al-Kirmani the Necessity of the Imamate

produced a long, interconnected series of philosophical arguments logically A critical edition of the Arabic text and English translation of constructing the absolute necessity of the Imamate. Critically edited and Hamid al-Din Ahmad b. 1Abd Allah al-Kirmani’s translated by Professor Paul E. Walker of the University of Chicago and al-Masabih fi ithbat al-imama including some 30 full-colour plates from manuscripts in the IIS library, the Masabih is unique in the precision of its doctrine and in the historical Edited and Translated by circumstance surrounding its composition. PAUL E. WALKER

Arts of the City Victorious Arts of the City Victorious Islamic Art and Architecture in Fatimid North Africa and Egypt Islamic Art and Architecture in By Jonathan M. Bloom Fatimid North Africa ased on over 30 years of research in the field, this is the first book-length and Egypt Bstudy of the art and architecture of the Fatimids, who ruled in North Africa Jonathan M. Bloom and Egypt from 909 to 1171 CE. Fatimid art has long been admired for its lively figural imagery, elegant and inventive Arabic calligraphy, and its blend of eastern and western traditions. Written by Professor Jonathan M. Bloom of Boston College and Chair of Islamic Art at the Virginia Commonwealth University, the book covers a spectrum of the arts, including architecture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and carved rock crystal, ivory and woodwork. With over 100 photographs and an engaging and accessible style, this book provides a fascinating window into the visual culture shared among the Muslim, Christian and Jewish inhabitants of the Fatimid domains for researchers and admirers of art and architecture alike. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:58 Page 12

The Ismailis An Illustrated History By Farhad Daftary & Zulfikar Hirji ased on modern scholarship Band research, The Ismailis: An Illustrated History will span the better part of 1400 years of Ismaili history, from the foundations of Islam and the rise of the Shi‘a to the public re-emergence of the Ismaili Jamat and the Imamat under the Aga Khans. Along the way, the book also surveys the establishment and decline of the Fatimid state as well as that of the Nizari Ismaili state in Persia and Syria. The Ismaili contributions to art, architecture, literature and 3`;^^gefdSfWV:[efadk learning are also discussed. Edited F:7;E?3;>;E by Dr Farhad Daftary, Associate Director at the IIS, and Dr Zulfikar Hirji of York University, each chapter is fully illustrated and accompanied by relevant maps and diagrams. The book has more than 300 illustrations, most in colour, consisting of images from manuscripts (a number hitherto unpublished), artefacts, monuments, community documents, as well as important historical and contemporary photographs of members of the Ismaili Jamats (many from private collections and archives) and the varied geographical contexts in which they have lived. A chronology of key events, a glossary of important terms and a select bibliography are also provided.

An Anthology of Ismaili Literature time extracts from a range of important Ismaili texts A Shi‘i Vision of Islam from Fatimid times (10th to 12th century CE) to the Edited by Hermann Landolt, Kutub Kassam & Samira Sheikh early 20th century, this Anthology comprises key ne of the richest, yet least-known, traditions of translations from originals in Arabic, Persian and the OMuslim literature is that of the Shi‘a Imami languages of Badakhshan and South Asia. With sections Ismailis. Although many literary treasures of the Islamic entitled History and Memoir, Faith and Thought, and world are available in English translations, those of the Poetry, the publication offers glimpses of the depth, Ismailis have only recently become accessible to scholars diversity and distinctive qualities of Ismaili literary and and the general public. Bringing together for the first intellectual traditions. iisupdate2008.qxp 14/05/2008 17:58 Page 1

New Appointments

r Arif Amlani Mr Hasan Al-Khoee Dr Anjoom Mukadam Mjoined The Research Assistant Lecturer Institute of Ismaili Department of Community Relations Department of Graduate Studies Studies in early Mr Nuruddin Badruddin Mr Chris Murley 2008 as Head of Programmes Coordinator Senior Academic & Student Support Curriculum Department of Community Relations Services Manager Studies. Prior to Dr Karen Bauer Department of Graduate Studies joining the IIS, Research Associate Mr Amlani was a Mr Farzin Negahban Department of Academic Research Editor & Translator Teaching Fellow in the Graduate & Publications Department of Academic Research School of Education and & Publications Information Studies at the Mr Samir Dawoud University of California, Los Administrative Assistant Ms Nacim Pak-Shiraz Angeles, teaching on several Department of Academic Research Lecturer courses including Educational & Publications Department of Graduate Studies Anthropology, Introduction to Dr Razia Fakirmohd Ms Amber Romasa-Nagori Educational Enquiry: The Study of Senior Research & Evaluation Coordinator Website Content Editor Inequities in Education and Reflections Department of Graduate Studies Department of Operations, Finance on Social Science Research Miss Crystal Fernandes & Development Methodologies. He has spent almost Academic Administrator 20 years working for the University Department of Graduate Studies Dr Amyn B. Sajoo Research Associate of California in different capacities Mr Karim Javan Department of Academic Research and comes to the Institute with a Lecturer & Cataloguer & Publications background in philosophy and Department of Graduate Studies education. He has also served as a Mrs Eva Sajoo National Board Member for Miss Eleanor Kilroy Research Assistant the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Editor Department of Academic Research Education Board for the United Department of Academic Research & Publications & Publications States of America, supervising Miss Nazneen Sachedina national community-based Dr Sharmina Mawani Alumni Relations Officer religious education programmes, Lecturer Department of Operations, Finance including teacher education, Department of Graduate Studies & Development curriculum implementation and Dr Gurdofarid Miskinzoda Miss Tara Woolnough assessment, and parental Research Associate involvement. Mr Amlani is also an Editor Department of Academic Research Department of Academic Research alumnus of the IIS’ first human & Publications resource development initiative, & Publications the Waezeen & Teacher Education Mrs Marodsilton Muborakshoeva Dr Saeed Zeydabadi-Nejad Programme (WTEP) and Lecturer Lecturer graduated with the class of 1983. Department of Graduate Studies Department of Graduate Studies Forthcoming Publications

A Modern History of the Ismailis The Traditions of Pluralism in Islam Modernity and Continuity in a Muslim Community By Zulfikar Hirji By Farhad Daftary Introduction to the Epistles of the Muslim Modernities Ikhwan al-Safa’ Expressions of the Civil Imagination Volume 1 Edited by Amyn B. Sajoo By Nader El-Bizri Festival Sermons of the Fatimid Caliphs An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia Khutbas by and for the Imams Volume 2: Ismaili Thought in the Classical Age Edited by Paul E. Walker Edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr & Mehdi Aminrazavi An Early Shi‘i Revival An Anthology of Philosophy in Persia The Reign of the Fatimid Imam-Caliph al-Mu‘izz li-Din Allah Volume 3: Philosophical Theology in the Middle Ages Edited and Translated by Shainool Jiwa Edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr & Mehdi Aminrazavi

If you have feedback or would like to update your contact details, please email us at [email protected]. Photo credits: Zahurali Ramji, Arnhel De Serra, Alnur Sunderji, Zamiha Virjee. Published by the Department of Operations, Finance and Development. Designed by the Design and Production Unit. The Institute of Ismaili Studies, 42-44 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0EB, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7881 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7881 6040 Website: www.iis.ac.uk