The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). This is the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community.

Golden Jubilee

Syria visit

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses a media gathering as Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

Monday, 25 August
Following a morning meeting with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Mawlana Hazar Imam witnessed the signing of a series of agreements between the Government of Syria and agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network. Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister then shared some remarks with the media.

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Middle East

Syrian Jamat prepares to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee visit

Ass’en Street in Salamieh decorated in green, red and golden colours to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: Yamen Mahmoud Farha

It has been nearly seven years since Mawlana Hazar Imam last visited the Syrian Jamat, and the enthusiasm and excitement are building. Over 100 000 people are expected to attend Darbars in Salamieh and Al-Khawabi, including Jamati members from around the world.

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Asia

First purpose-built Jamatkhana opens in the Ishkashim region of Afghan Badhakhshan

Ishkashim Jamatkhana in Afghanistan, with the mountains of Tajikistan visible in the background. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

The Jamat of Afghanistan celebrated the opening of the first purpose-built Jamatkhana in the Ishkashim district of Badakhshan. Hundreds gathered for the official opening, which was attended by a number of distinguished guests including the Governor of Badakhshan Province and the President of the Provincial Assembly.

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Europe

Two cities inextricably linked by a shared heritage and common values

AKF Rural Support Team visits a farm in Syria to check on the new irrigation system. Photo: Sameer Kassam

During the past year, Sameer Kassam served as a volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network in Salamieh and in Cairo. In addition to gaining an understanding of the AKDN’s work and local impact, Kassam also noted the links between the two cities.

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North America

Ali to Karim premieres in Los Angeles

The audience eagerly anticipates the start of the evening performance at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Photo: Farhez Rayani

A simple white stage at the Redondo Performing Arts Center lit up, as 1 400 years of Ismaili history unfolded through a mix of drama, comedy, narrative, legend, poetry, painting and film. The cast stole the audience away on a roller coaster journey of tears, laughter and merriment.

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International Programmes

Ali to Karim

 Copyright: Celebrations Global Limited

Rich with ceremony, pageantry and tradition, ALI TO KARIM: A Tribute to the Ismaili Imams is a docu-theatre production about the Ismaili Imamat and its contributions to Islam and Muslim civilizations over the past 1 400 years. This Golden Jubilee International Programme premieres in Los Angeles on 19 July 2008.

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Africa

Congolese Jamat hosts a dinner in celebration of the Golden Jubilee

Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, Sam Brock, in discussion with External Activities Task Force member, Nimet Janmohamed. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Kinshasa

As part of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Ismaili community in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosted a commemorative dinner in Kinshasa. The dinner was attended by Jamati leaders, key policy makers and government officials, and provided a forum to exhibit the work of the Ismaili Imamat in the country.

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Golden Jubilee

Find out more on the Golden Jubilee