For 2015 Ottawa Doors Open, Simerg Visits 2 Muslim Centres, the Algerian Embassy and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
BY ABDULMALIK J. MERCHANT
A fortnight ago, during the weekend of May 23-24th, 2015, the city of Toronto hosted its 16th Annual Doors Open allowing thousands of Toronto residents and visitors to explore more than 150 architecturally and culturally rich buildings across the city, free of charge. Several thousand visited the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, and my report with photos and interviews may be read by clicking 2015 Toronto Doors Open: Over 15,000 Visitors Explore Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre.
In Ottawa, the 2015 Doors Open got underway on Saturday, June 6, with more than 130 buildings listed. I commenced my day with trips to two Islamic Centres — the South Nepean Muslim Community and the Jami Omar, which serve the cultural and spiritual needs of thousands of Muslims living in Barrhaven, Kanata and other surrounding areas in Ottawa. Later, I proceeded to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Algeria in Sandy Hill, and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive. I am happy to present this post containing photos of the four buildings as well as interviews that I conducted at the Embassy and the Delegation Building.
The South Nepean Muslim Community Centre
2015 Ottawa Doors Open: South Nepean Muslim Community Centre, opened in December 2014. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant
The first batch of visitors to the South Nepean Muslim Community Centre seen receiving an explanation of the prayer halls’s lay-out and its key features. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
South Nepean Muslim Community Centre. A partial view of the men’s prayer space from the upper floor, which serves the women of the Jamat. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
South Nepean Muslim Community Centre. The space on the upper floor where Muslim women offer their prayers. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
South Nepean Muslim Community Centre. A photo of the basement facility for men to perform the necessary ablutions before their prayers. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
South Nepean Muslim Community. The gymnasium, which is adjacent to the prayer hall. Muslim youth participate in sports in large numbers and also have special programs catered for their cultural and religious growth. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant
A broader view of the South Nepean Muslim Community Centre om 3020 Woodroffe Avenue in Barrhaven. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
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Jami Omar
Jami Omar is located on 3990 Old Richmond Road in Ottawa’s West End. Originally established in 1992, this brand new mosque will be one of largest in Canada when fully completed. Pictured are Muslim youth who were receiving visitors to the mosque for Ottawa’s 2015 Doors Open. They are standing on the side of the front of the building. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant
The frontpiece of Ottawa’s Jami Omar located at Old Richmond Road. The upper prayer hall has not been completed. Prayers are offered at the lower level. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
The prayer hall in the basement. It is also used to impart religious knowledge. Here brother Mehdi is seen teaching young boys and girls to read the the Holy Qur’an. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
A close up of a very young boy being instructed on how to read the Holy Qur’an at Jami Omar. Brother Mehdi told me that many young children have memorized the entire Qur’an by heart. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
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The Embassy of Algeria: Fleck-Paterson House
After visiting the mosques, I proceeded to the Sandy Hill area, near Ottawa’s downtown and the University of Ottawa, to visit the Award Winning Heritage Building, the Fleck-Paterson House which houses the Embassy of Algeria.
The house was built in 1901 by J.R. Booth for his daughter, Gertrude Fleck. The house remained Mrs. Fleck’s private residence until her death in 1940. It was then purchased by Senator Norman Paterson, who lived in it until his death in 1983. The house was bought by the Algerian Embassy in 2002 and is now used as a chancery. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
The Fleck-Paterson House which houses the Embassy of Algeria was designated as a Heritage Property in 1978. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
The Embassy of Algeria. The lavish dining room for diplomats. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Embassy of Algeria. The room for receiving diplomats. The room is exquisitely decorated with art objects. A framed copy of the Algerian National Anthem can be seen on the wall at the right above the fireplace. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Embassy of Algeria. Another finely decorated room with a small library containing a collection of the Britanica encyclopaedia and other books of interest. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Embassy of Algeria seen from the furthest end of the backyard that belongs to the Rideau Place Seniors Residence. Both embassy staff and visitors have access to this lawn area as and when required. It offers stunning views of the Rideau River. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
A view of the Rideau River from the garden of the Rideau Place Seniors Residence. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Embassy of Algeria – a view of the guest house. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
For the Doors Open, many of the embassy’s artifacts were moved to the Guest House for the benefit of the visitors. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Visitors to the Algerian Embassy’s Doors Open were served hot sweet mint tea and fresh Algerian dates. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant
This group seen at the Embassy of Algeria had earlier visited the Delegation of the Ismailli Imamat, and Carol, second from left, provided me with an opportunity to interview her. The group very much enjoyed their visit to the Embassy of Algeria. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
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The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat – garden. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Visitors in the main hall of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
This bronze sculpture called Bear Mother is on the upper floor of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building. It was sculpted by the renowned Heidi artist Bill Reid. It was gifted to His Highness the Aga Khan from the leadership of the Ismaili community of Canada on the occasion of the 49th Ismaili Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
This room which is next to the main hall offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada through a series of photographic displays, books and brochures. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Visitors can be seen walking on the upper level of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat during the 2015 Ottawa Doors Open. The building attracts more than 2000 visitors during the annual event. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Happy and excited Ismailis from Ottawa and out-of-town visit the Delegation Building during the 2015 Ottawa Doors Open event on June 6. Those who miss the Doors Open event can visit the building during scheduled visitation hours that are posted at the Aga Khan Foundation website. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Visitors pay close attention as they receive get highlights of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat from Alykhan Jinnah (back to camera) during the 2015 Ottawa Doors Open event. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
The attention of the visitors to the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat is drawn to the upper level as Alykhan Jinnah (hidden) explains the many artistic and architectural features of the building. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant
A view of the garden (the Char-baagh) from the upper level of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building. Photo: Simerg/Malik Merchant.
Date posted: Sunday, June 7, 2015.
Copyright: Simerg. 2015.
Simerg thanks all the individuals who consented to give interviews without any forewarning or preparation. Their spontaneous response is truly appreciated. The interviews are produced in the original form, without any edits whatsoever. Simerg regrets any errors.
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Simerg and Malik,
Very nicely angled shots. I think the interviews were the most fun and interesting. I am interested to know why didn’t go in and interview the tour guides at the Delegation Building, on what might have been some of the questions people asked, as well as find out more about that rainstorm wall – waterfall the gentleman as talking about? I find it intriguing that a couple travelled 10 hours to be here at the Doors Open Ottawa to visit embassies. I wonder how many Ismailis get interested in seeing such things or other things, besides food events and movies> something more cultural. This article is interesting from that standpoint also.