A website dedicated to photographs and videos from Canada and around the world with an emphasis on nature, wildlife, food, travel and sport as well as art, architecture and culture. In culture, the focus will be on projects related to the work of His Highness the Aga Khan, his Ismaili Muslim community and Islam in general.
Ottawa’s Dazzling Tulips at Dow’s Lake, Rideau Falls and Major Hill’s Park; and a Peek at the Contemplative Garden at the Global Centre for Pluralism
I finally made it to Ottawa after 15 months, and I was absolutely thrilled to meet my daughter Nurin after such a long time. As readers may be aware, Nurin had posted beautiful photos of the Ottawa Tulip festival that she had taken at Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake, at the beginning of May, when tens of thousands of tulips were still in the bloom phase. One of her many superb photos is shown immediately below. I did not expect that many thousands of tulips would still be in full-bloom after almost 3 weeks, but they were when I went to the Park early on the morning of Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Nurin’s urging. What a sight to behold, with tulips in dazzling colours and in so many varieties.
Of course many thousands of tulips had withered but even with what was still there to see, I could have literally spent the whole day at the Commissioners Park taking photos, and at the shore of Dow’s Lake reading a newspaper or two. However, I decided that in the spare time that I had before driving back to Toronto, I would also visit two other tulip locations — Major Hill’s Park and Rideau Falls — that I suspected would still be in bloom.
And of course how could I depart Ottawa without walking by the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building and the Global Centre for Pluralism, tulips or no tulips!
Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan, had made a remarkable reference to gardens and water during the opening of the Global Centre in May 2017. He said:
“When I first visited this site, I went across the Ottawa River, to see things from the opposite side. From that perspective, I noticed that many buildings on the Ontario side had, over the years, turned their backs to the river. But as we began to plan, another possibility became evident. It seemed increasingly significant to open the site to the water.
His Highness the Aga Khan’s excerpts continue below
“Water, after all, has been seen, down through the ages, as the great source of life. When scientists search the universe for signs of life, they begin by looking for water. Water restores and renews and refreshes. And opening ourselves and our lives to the water is to open ourselves and our lives to the future. In addition, the Ottawa River represents a powerful connection to other places, nearby and far away. It is not only a refreshing symbol, it is also a connecting symbol, connecting this site to the rest of Canada and the rest of the world.
“Throughout the history of Canada, the Ottawa River has been a meeting place for diverse peoples, originally the First Nations, and then the British and the French, and more recently Canadians from many different backgrounds. It symbolizes the spirit of connection. And the spirit of connection, of course, is at the very heart of the Global Centre for Pluralism.
His Highness the Aga Khan’s excerpts continue below
“The new forecourt garden suggests that the Centre will be a place for contemplation and reflection. And the opening to the River suggests that it will also be a place for connection and engagement. What happens at 330 Sussex Drive in the years ahead will radiate out well beyond its walls, to the entire world.
His Highness the Aga Khan’s excerpts continue (and conclude) after following photo
“What happens at 330 Sussex Drive in the years ahead will radiate out well beyond its walls, to the entire world.” — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 2017.
Before departing this website, please review our Home Page for links to our fantastic photo essays. We welcome feedback/letters from our readers. Please use the LEAVE A REPLY box which appears below or send your comments for publication to simerg@aol.com. Please share this article link with your friends and family members.
3 thoughts on “Ottawa’s Dazzling Tulips at Dow’s Lake, Rideau Falls and Major Hill’s Park; and a Peek at the Contemplative Garden at the Global Centre for Pluralism”
Sultan on said:
Great photos Malik.. Reminds me of good old days.. Around Tulip Festival is the best time to visit Ottawa for sure.. 🙂
Looking at the tulips it reminds me of Ottawa and I remember my beautiful past with Mukhi sahib but say shukhar. Take care Malik. My prayers are with you always.
Malik yet another post capturing the nature – as Allah’s creation to ponder upon and enjoy in our life – parks, gardens, flowers, river and natural habitats, etc. What a holistic approach to portray Allah’s blessings to mankind. We pray that you continually derive inspiration and make efforts to post such material in the future.
Great photos Malik.. Reminds me of good old days.. Around Tulip Festival is the best time to visit Ottawa for sure.. 🙂
Malik
Looking at the tulips it reminds me of Ottawa and I remember my beautiful past with Mukhi sahib but say shukhar. Take care Malik. My prayers are with you always.
Mahwash Datoo
Malik yet another post capturing the nature – as Allah’s creation to ponder upon and enjoy in our life – parks, gardens, flowers, river and natural habitats, etc. What a holistic approach to portray Allah’s blessings to mankind. We pray that you continually derive inspiration and make efforts to post such material in the future.