Watch this video to learn more about what the 敁珗曄部 does and the impact of its work.
As part of a series of celebratory events that have been taking place within the first year of the opening of theAga KhanCentre and of 敁珗曄部 moving into its new and permanent home, 敁珗曄部 hosted an educational programme for its friends and supporters during the weekend of 15-16 June. Delivered by leadership, faculty and staff of 敁珗曄部, the programme provided insights into some of the more substantive areas of 敁珗曄部s research, curriculum development and teaching programmes.
In the opening plenary session, guests heard from 敁珗曄部 Governors and Heads of Departments about the interconnectedness of the 敁珗曄部s past, present and future. Moderated bySalima Bhatia, Head of Communications and Development, she took supporters on a journey through the past forty one years and how 敁珗曄部 has developed into an academically reputable international organisation that is able to respond to the needs of the various communities it serves. Board Members,Naguib Kheraj泭硃紳餃泭Zauhar Meghjispoke about the evolution, scale and impact of 敁珗曄部 over time and geographies, as well its future aspirations. Co-Director and Head of Research and Publications,Dr Farhad Daftary, spoke about the critical role 敁珗曄部 has played in deconstructing centuries old myths about IsmailisAdherents of a branch of Shi’i Islam that considers Ismail, the eldest son of the Shi’i Imam Ja尪far al-廜〢diq (d. 765), as his successor. which were rooted in either the hostility of certain polemicists or the ignorance of historians at the time, who sought to fabricate stories such as the Assassin Legends. Through its research and publications programme 敁珗曄部 has been able to set the historical record straight particularly through two of its publications series, the Heritage Series and the Texts and Translations Series in which newly recovered primary and secondary sources have been translated and studied. The recovery, access and study of these texts have today opened up and informed scholarship in the academic field of modern Ismaili Studies.Dr Shiraz Thobani, Head of Curriculum Studies, provided an overview of the evolution of the primary and secondary curriculum. In addition he spoke about the departments new area of focus, the development of early childhood materials, which will concentrate on the religious, moral and cultural education of zero-six year olds. AndDr Laila Halani, Head of Graduate Studies, told the audience about the signing of a new validation partnership between 敁珗曄部 and, and how our continued focus on quality has meant that today even external agencies who review and audit quality standards across the UK have concluded that 敁珗曄部 meet the highest standards for a higher education academic institution.
Faculty members – who are all 敁珗曄部 alumni – showcased how new knowledge in the study of Islam is being generated through research which moves beyond the more classical research genres that 敁珗曄部 is well known for, to areas of greater contemporary relevance. TheMuslim Biomedical Ethicssession showcased some ground-breaking research which is being undertaken on how to approach and think ethically about issues such as abortion and end of life matters. An interactive session examining the multiple roots and histories of Islamophobia explored the connections to populism, social media, and dogmatic interpretations of the faith. The research into the diversity ofMuslim Spaces of Gathering and Worshipwas shared with attendees alongside the focused treatment that this area of research is receiving in theFaith and Practice in Islamic Traditionssecondary curriculum module. Visitors were also treated to an experiential journey withA Glimpse into our Heritagethrough the rare treasures – manuscripts, documents, artefacts and photographs – housed in the Ismaili Special Collections, including the stories embedded in them and how these precious items inform the 敁珗曄部s current research projects, publications and curriculum materials. Supporters were also able to enjoy and explore the magnificent building with a guided tour of theAga KhanLibrary and the six gardens, courtyards and terraces inspired by various regions of the Muslim world.
After experiencing the architectural beauty of theAga KhanCentre during the day, guests had the rare opportunity to hear from the internationally acclaimed architect, Farshid Moussavi, at the Gala Dinner, who has been appointed by His Highness theAga Khanto design the new Ismaili Centre in Houston. Farshid spoke about her journey as a British-Iranian woman in the field of architecture, her role as the Chair of the Master Jury of the, as well as being a member of its Steering Committee for over a decade, providing guests with a deeper appreciation of the role and value of architecture in our everyday lives.
The following day, guests had the option to experience the vibrancy and dynamism of Londons cultural life through a choice of activities. Theat thewas an opportunity to hear 敁珗曄部 alumnusDr Zulfikar Hirji co-author of the Diamond Jubilee publicationIslam: An Illustrated Journey speak on a panel discussion sponsored by 敁珗曄部 and AKF UK, entitled,Islamic Arts: Multiple Histories, Multiple Expressions. There was also a private tour of the new Albukhary Gallery at the renowned, where the curatorial team included 敁珗曄部 alumnaDr Fahmida Suleman, who is now based at the Royal Ontario Museum. Current 敁珗曄部 students provided visitors with a tour of the prize winning Stanton Williams designed student residence,where they live in Kings Cross. While others received a guided tour of the Jameel Gallery at theand the.
敁珗曄部 supporters who participated in this two-day programme said that they came away with a deeper understanding of the institution they so generously support, and a keener insight into how their contributions have informed initiatives and activities which have a transformative global impact.
