In Pictures: Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al Hussaini Aga Khan’s First Year of Imamat
Join Ismailis worldwide in celebrating the historic first year of the Imamat of Mawlana Shah Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam, on February 4, 2026.
0 Comments
Alberta’s January 2026 winter contrasts: From a Prairies landscape in Calgary to snowpacked Lake Louise
Malik Merchant makes the most of the mild winter weather across Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise and comes away with beautiful pictures of great mountain scenery.
The Pioneer Community Center in Houston: A unique sports paradise and meeting place for members of the Ismaili community
Located in the Greater Houston Area, the Pioneer Community Center is a treasure trove of diverse amenities exclusively for the Ismaili community. With its amazing recreational and sporting facilities, it has become a GOTO place for Ismailis from every age group and walk of life. This a unique self-sustaining project created by Ismaili entrepreneurs and professionals!
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV in Pictures: Legacy of Leadership – Part 2, 2000-2025
This concluding part of our two-part series through beautiful photographs and selected speech excerpts offers rich glimpses into His Late Highness Aga Khan IV’s exceptional leadership and influence in the 21st century. The phenomenal accomplishments of the 49th Ismaili Imam through his broad and impactful projects have inspired admiration and respect, showing how his efforts have uplifted communities and created lasting institutions for future generations.
Salina Kassam’s amazing photographs of the seven Ismaili Centres printed on cotton paper
Simergphotos showcases stunning photographs of the seven Ismaili Centers, captured by architectural photographer Salina Kassam. Her work, printed on cotton paper, is included in the permanent art collection at the new Ismaili Center in Houston, which was inaugurated by His Highness the Aga Khan and Mayor John Whitmire on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Nocturnal Journey, a stunning four-million-bead hand embroidery by Ismaili women, is among several beautiful pieces of art in the Ismaili Center, Houston, inaugurated by His Highness the Aga Khan on November 6, 2025
A beautiful post highlighting artwork exhibited at the Ismaili Center, Houston, which was inaugurated on November 6, 2025, by Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire and the 50th Ismaili Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
The glory of autumn: Fall colours and larches, beautiful pumpkins, a stunning sunset and the flying Dutchman!
Malik Merchant, proud of his beautiful country, Canada, shares some stunning autumn memories in this fine collection of photographs taken between September 20 and October 18, 2025, in different parts of Alberta.
“Bad News, Good News” from the iconic Longview Steakhouse, Alberta: My determination — and hope — led me to a meal of a lifetime, thanks to the restaurant’s gracious owners!
Malik Merchant had been yearning for a Longview Steakhouse Rib Eye for years, enticed by its esteemed reputation among food and steak enthusiasts. However, the restaurant’s popularity meant that reservations were a scarce commodity, often booked months in advance. During his visit to the charming village of Longview, Malik had a fortuitous encounter with the restaurant’s owner. To his surprise, the owner informed him of a sudden cancellation a few hours later and extended an unexpected invitation for a reservation. Luck was truly on Malik’s side as he savored the meal of a lifetime!
Photo of the Day: Calgary – Blue Sky City, Really? Or a Beautiful Rainbow City?
A mostly grey day with a few sunny periods — in a city dubbed as Blue Sky City — and a severe thunderstorm produces multiple rainbows across Calgary. Enjoy the photos!
My beautiful stay in “Clementine” in Longview’s extraordinary Willow Hill Lodge
A big surprise awaits Malik Merchant as he discovers a Lodge in Longview, Alberta, that offers an extraordinary and unique stay! Read his glamping story, and enjoy all that the province of Alberta provides to its residents and visitors from around the world.
Sylvan Lake – a stone’s throw from Red Deer with an opportunity to pick your own fresh Saskatoons at the beautiful Hidden Valley Garden
After twenty-plus years, Malik Merchant returns to fruit-picking at a beautiful farm near Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and experiences joy in this activity, just as he enjoys the mountains, lakes and wildlife of Alberta.
From Calgary to Kananaskis, to Aga Khan Garden, to Medicine Lake, to Maligne Lake – an exciting 1,200 km trip in 24 hours!
Malik Merchant takes on a 1,200 km trip to Kananaskis, the Aga Khan Garden, Medicine and Maligne Lakes, all in a day! Read his story and see his stunning pictures.
Photo of the Day: A Tapestry of Joy at Montreal’s Colorful Eid al-Adha Celebration by Muslim Harji
Eid al-Adha photos by Montreal’s Muslim Harji
Photographs: The Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk at Generations Calgary
Malik Merchant captures the beautiful spirit of the World Partnership Walk held for residents of Generations Calgary. He was fascinated by the enthusiasm of the walkers, most of whom were on wheelchairs and walked with the aid of walkers.
Photos: Calgary hosts a magnificent Aga Khan Foundation 2025 World Partnership Walk
Photographs of the beautiful World Partnership Walk held in Calgary on June 1, 2025. The walk is an annual event that has so far raised more than CDN $144 million. since it was first launched in 1985.
Ismailis at Multi Generational Care Centre first to experience the Fanoos in Calgary
It was an amazing and inspiring day at the MGH Care Centre in Calgary, as the Fanoos was introduced to the residents and seniors living in Multigenerational Housing in the Skyview Ranch neighbourhood.
Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, in Pictures
A beautiful pictorial story of Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, as the Ismaili community completes the observation of his Chehlum on March 16 and also welcomes Navroz, the Persian New Year, on March 21, 2025, under their new 50th Imam, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan V.
Story and Pictures of My Autumn Visit to Jasper Following the July 2024 Wildfire
Malik Merchant presents a personal account of his visit to Jasper after the wildfire of July 2024. Read his story and see photographs of the impact of the wildfire on the town of Jasper and its namesake National Park.
Photographs, Story and Video: The Sufi Concert at the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton
Malik Merchant recently visited the Aga Khan Garden and attended the sold-out Sufi Concert in the Garden’s amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was transformed entirely for the event, creating a unique and unforgettable experience! Shabnam Merali and her team of singers and musicians moved the audience with their soulful music.
Ismaili Centre Toronto: Photographs, Stories and Insights Celebrating Ten Years
This is a fantastic presentation of photographs, videos, and insights into the Ismaili Centre Toronto as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Readers will be amazed—and surprised—by what they see in this unique piece, which features material from Simerg and its two sister websites, Barakah and Simergphotos.
Waterton Lakes National Park Offers a Unique Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Malik Merchant’s photographs of his visit to Waterton Lakes National Park are simply stunning. His journey also took him to Montana on a historic cruise boat. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, he had the thrill of encountering at least eight bears in Waterton Park. He believes that the beauty of Waterton is so captivating that once you visit, it will be on your lips just as Banff and other exciting places you have visited are.
The Aga Khan Museum: Photographs, Stories and Insights Celebrating Ten Years
Simerg and its two sister websites, Simergphotos and Barakah, invite you to join us in celebrating the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto’s 10th anniversary. This post features beautiful stories, insights, and a collection of exclusive photographs we have captured since their inauguration by His Highness the Aga Khan and the then Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, on September 12, 2014. This date marked a significant milestone in the history of the Ismaili Imamat in Canada, and the Imamat’s substantial contribution to a deeper understanding of Islam’s artistic and cultural heritage in the Western world.
My Memorable 5-Day Visit to Alberta: Drumheller, Banff National Park and the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton
Iqbal Motani’s five-day visit to Alberta is filled with excitement as he visits the Badlands in Drumheller, the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and the lakes and mountains of Alberta’s Banff National Park!
The Summer of 2024: Two Beautiful Day Trips to the Stunning Johnston Canyon and the Rapids in the Kananaskis River
Two quick day trips offer Malik Merchant rich experiences he had not seen before, despite his many trips to the Kananaskis and Banff National Park. Each visit is unique, and he urges his readers to make nature visits a way of life!
Quarry Lake: A Tiny Lake With Epic Scenery and Beautiful Reflections
Based on recommendations, Malik Merchant visits the tiny Quarry Lake near Canmore. He is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, reflected in the lake’s calm waters. A rare blue heron shows up at the lake to wish him a happy birthday!
Jasper National Park’s Monster Wildfires and Their Impact on Banff National Park
The forest fires at Jasper National Park have made headlines worldwide; it was a top story on BBC. Malik Merchant visited Banff National Park and captured scenes of smoke from Jasper in the atmosphere in Banff’s iconic mountains and valleys.
All in a Day: Four Beautiful Lakes – Louise, Moraine, Peyto and Vermillion – in Banff National Park
Malik Merchant covers 4 lakes — and a little bit more — during his fantastic day trip to Banff National Park.
Grizzly Bears, Trains and Stunning Scenery; and a Beautifully Illustrated Publication O Canada
Malik Merchant shares his joyful and thrilling moments as he spends a full day visiting the Storm Mountain Lookout Point and watching Grizzly bears in Kananaskis Country. The 13th of July turned out to be a truly enchanting and lucky day. This is a MUST-view post!
Photo of the Day: Ismaili Artist Showcases Her Artwork at the Residence of the US Ambassador to Tanzania for US Independence Day Celebrations, July 4
Our Photo of the Day features Ismaili artist Shafina Jaffer celebrating the US Independence Day at the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where she exhibited her stunning artwork on African Women.
Golden Moments in Golden, BC, and a Thrilling Encounter With Boo at the World’s Largest Grizzly Refuge
Malik Merchant has fantastic photos from his recent drive to Golden, BC. He highly recommends a two-day visit to this beautiful town, which is located an hour’s drive from Lake Louise in Alberta.
A Loving Photo Tribute to a Bear Named Nakoda, a Rare White Grizzly, Struck and Killed with Her Cubs by Motor Vehicles on Canada’s Mountain Park
A rare white Grizzly bear named Nakoda was in the news a few days ago, but not for a good reason. She was struck by a motor vehicle and died a few days later from her injuries. Jason Leo Bantle, who had known the bear intimately for over 5 years, has produced a photo tribute to the bear.
ICYMI! The Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, Trochu Arboretum, the Three Hills Car Cruise Show and Murals
Malik Merchant’s discovery of Alberta continues with this post containing beautiful photos of nature, gardens, art, and old cars — something everyone can appreciate and enjoy!
Photographs and Stories of Beautiful and Unique Hand-Made Quilts Exhibited in Calgary by the Bow River Quilt Guild
Malik Merchant attends a unique quilt show along Calgary’s Bow River and comes away with beautiful photographs of hand-woven quilts. Whether you are an artist or a lover of quilts, these are must-see works of art!
11-Year-Old Ismaili Boy, Izmir Kassam, Reaches His Goal of $40,000 as Thousands in Calgary and Edmonton Walk to Raise Over $1 Million for the 40th Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk
These exclusive photographs capture the essence of the 2024 Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk in Calgary and Edmonton.
Beautiful Alberta: A Selection of 2023/24 Winter and Spring Photographs from My Visits to Banff, Kananaskis, the Bad Lands and Waterton
From hundreds of photographs, Malik Merchant selects a few to provide a taste of what’s out there in Alberta for everyone to enjoy at any time of the year.
My Encounter with Beautiful Mountain Bluebirds in Drumheller, Alberta
Though not on a bird-sighting walk, Malik Merchant, to his amazement and surprise, encountered beautiful Mountain Bluebirds near the Rosedale Suspension Bridge in Rosedale, near Drumheller! Read his story and see the photos he captured.
The Canadian Rockies are Majestic, BUT Human Kindness is Priceless: Story of My Visit to Storm Mountain Lookout Point on the Bow Valley Parkway
This is the story of my latest visit to Banff when two beautiful young couples from Syracuse, New York, and Edmonton, Alberta, calmly, amidst plenty of joking and laughter, helped me out at the Storm Mountain Lookout Point on the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park.
A Unique Dome Stay and Wildlife Experience at Métis Crossing, Alberta: Photos of the White Bison, the White Elk, the Percheron Horse and Unhindered Views of the Sky!
Wow, what an experience for Malik Merchant at Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta as he stays in a domed room with unhindered views of the night sky and follows it up with a visit to its magnificent Wildlife Park!
Portraits of the Bison: A Winter Day at Elk Island National Park
After visiting the Aga Khan Garden, Malik Merchant visited Elk Island National Park before returning to Calgary. Although animals were not plentiful, he captured photographs of the huge and beautiful animal — the bison. In his post, he also salutes the Elk Island Visitors Centre for its informative displays, educational videos and beautiful objects for sale for the entire family. Check out Merchant’s post!
A Magical Winter Day at the Beautiful Aga Khan Garden
Malik Merchant’s impatient wait to visit the Aga Khan Garden near Edmonton in winter is over, following a recent snowfall. His pictures show the beauty of the Garden in the winter, with pristine snow covering much of the ground.
Memorial Bench Tributes to Deceased Ismaili Muslims Buried at Calgary’s Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery
Malik Merchant, while attending the burial of his late friend Salim’s son, Rahim, walks through the grounds of the Ismaili cemetery in Calgary and is inspired by the memorial bench tributes given to deceased Ismailis by their family members. Malik presents a collection of these inspiring tributes.
Photo of the Day: The Nad-e ‘Ali Panel Presented to the Aga Khan, and the Significance of the Prayer
It is truly heartening to be publishing this special post as we commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Shia Imam, Hazrat Ali, on January 24, 2024.
Photographs: A Beautiful Winter Hike to Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
In contrast to his recent visit to the stunning Johnston Canyon, Malik Merchant walks leisurely to Troll Falls in beautiful Kananaskis Country. Please enjoy his story and photographs and visit Troll Falls with your family members!
Winter Wonderland on January 1, 2024: Johnston Canyon, Morant’s Curve, Lake Louise Ski Resort and “Ice Magic” at the Fairmont Chateau
Malik Merchant experiences a magical New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024, in Banff National Park. Nature is so powerful, it drove him away from one of his favourite restaurants in Banff where he had been craving for months to have fish tacos. His excitement and love of nature has resulted in this gallery of beautiful winter photos.
A Selection of Beautiful Nature Photographs from 2023
Malik Merchant presents a slide show of a different kind! His selection of some 30 pictures from hundreds he took during his travels around Alberta in 2023, include rich and inspiring quotes and messages from the Qur’an as well as Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, poets and writers.
Stunning Exhibition of Real-Life African and Other Wildlife in Sundre, a Small Rural Town Near Calgary
Malik Merchant spends a thrilling day in Sundre watching wild horses and then visiting the Sundre & District museum, featuring Chester Mjolsness World of Wildlife. For Malik, the museum displays bring back memories of wildlife he had seen in East Africa’s top national parks more than 50 years ago.
A Special Visit to the Canadian Rockies on the Aga Khan’s 87th Birthday, December 13, 2023
This visit undertaken by Malik Merchant to Banff, Canada, was his personal celebration of the Aga Khan’s 87th birthday on December 13, 2023. Enjoy the photographs!
Photographs: Every Visit to Banff National Park is Unique and Full of “Wow” Moments!
Each trip that Malik Merchant makes to Banff National Park, a 75 minute drive from Calgary, is unique. He remains speechless and his utterance of “wows” is endless. Here are Malik’s photos from his November 24, 2023, day trip.
Magnificent Photographs: Crying Out for Fall to Come Back?
A beautiful collection of photographs taken by Malik Merchant during his recent visits to Edmonton and Banff.
Among the Golden Larches: A Perfect Fall Day at the Aga Khan Garden, Alberta
By MALIK MERCHANT Having reached Edmonton’s outskirts well before my hotel check-in time, I decided to visit the Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden for an hour or so… Continue reading