The Aga Khan Museum: Photographs, Stories and Insights Celebrating Ten Years

Fumihiko Maki, architect of the Aga Khan Museum, and Gary Kamemoto of Maki & Associates review cladding stone for the Aga Khan Museum with His Highness the Aga Khan; October 2010. Photograph: The Ismaili.

By MALIK MERCHANT

INTRODUCTION: AGA KHAN MUSEUM PRE-OPENING

MAY 28, 2010

One of our earliest references to the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto was when Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, with Canadas’s Honorary Citizenship on the occasion of the two buildings’ foundation ceremony on May 28, 2010.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and his younger brother Prince Amyn played a pivotal role in developing these landmarks, overseeing their design and construction to ensure they reflect the values and principles of the Muslim Umma and the Shia Imami Ismaili community.

Let me begin by expressing my profound appreciation for the great honour which this country has paid to me today by extending this generous gift of Honorary Canadian Citizenship. I have been deeply moved by your gracious gesture — which I also regard as a tribute to the institution of the Ismaili Imamat, which I represent. It is a significant recognition of the values which our community of faith shares with the people of Canada — His Highness the Aga Khan, Toronto, May 28, 2010.

I should emphasise, as well, that the Museum building itself will be an important work of art — designed by the great Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. Many of you know his superb building in Ottawa that has been the home for the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat since 2008″ — His Highness the Aga Khan, May 28, 2010.

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OCTOBER 2010

Fumihiko Maki and Gary Kamemoto of Maki & Associates review materials for the exterior finish of the Aga Khan Museum with Prince Amyn Aga Khan in October 2010. Photograph: The Ismaili.

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Fumihiko Maki and His Highness the Aga Khan discuss the glass finish options for the courtyard walls of the Aga Khan Museum in October 2010. Photograph: The Ismaili.

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NOVEMBER 2010

Jim Bowie, a motorcycling enthusiast and photographer hobbyist who had moved into a building overlooking the construction site, made it his mission to capture the development of the Aga Khan Museum, the Ismaili Centre, and their Park by taking a photograph every day. We provided Bowie’s spectacular photographic treasure trove in a special photo essay.

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Story of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre as Covered by Simerg and its Sister Websites

September 12, 2014, marked a truly historic day with the official inauguration of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre by Prime Minister Harper and the Aga Khan. The Aga Khan Museum was opened to the public the following week on September 18, and members of the Ismaili Muslim community gathered at the Ismaili Centre for prayers on Friday, September 19. The Aga Khan Garden was opened in the spring of 2015. As we mark the significant 10th anniversary of the opening of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, we are excited to bring you pictorial highlights of our coverage of the Ismaili Imamat projects in the coming week in two parts, starting with the Aga Khan Museum.

PART 1: THE AGA KHAN MUSEUM

September 12, 2014: Inauguration

Members of the media, including Malik Merchant of Simerg, gathered at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre where they were briefed about the sequence of events for the official opening of the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum. Numbering around 35, they were were shuttled in two buses to the Ismaili Centre across the street for the first opening ceremony.

Members of the media awaiting a photo opportunity with His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the upper terrace of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, September 12, 2014. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Stephen Harper pose for a picture at the exclusive photo session accorded to members of the media; September 12, 2014. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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Guests invited for the opening of the Aga Khan Museum watch a live relay of His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Stephen Harper walk along the Aga Khan Park to the Museum building from the Ismaili Centre; September 12, 2014. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan unveil the plaque to officially open the Aga Khan Museum. The museum opened to the public on Thursday, September 18, 2014. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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A volunteer assisting with parking at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre poses for a photo following the inaguration of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto, September 12, 2014. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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Thousands of Ismailis from Metro Toronto and surrounding cities gathered at the Direct Energy Centre to watch a live telecast of the official opening of the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum. This was followed by prayers, food as well as entertainment that included Indian and Central Asian dancing. September 12, 2014. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simerg.

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October 2014 – January 2015: “The Garden of Ideas” – A Collaboration and Partnership Between Artists, the Museum and Corporate Sponsors

The Aga Khan Museum’s mandate of seeking to build strong ties with renowned museums around the world, forging relationships with Canadian and International institutions and communities, as well as building local and international connections was clearly evident by partnerships it has formed since its inception. Indeed, one of the temporary exhibitions with the theme “The Garden of Ideas” honoured this spirit of collaboration upon which the Museum is built.

“The Garden of Ideas” was a collection of fascinating, inspiring and vibrant works of art by a team of six Pakistani artists in the gallery spaces inside the Museum as well as in the Park. The exhibition received a major boost when three international corporate sponsors stepped in with a generous donation. The three sponsors, Aljomaih Group, Trimark Capital and Asharys are from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan respectively.

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May 23-24, 2015: Doors Open Toronto Draws 17,000 Visitors to the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre

Toronto’s 16th Annual Doors Open was held on May 23-24, 2015. The Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, two new Islamic gems, were added to the exploration roster of more than 155 architecturally and culturally rich buildings across Toronto. An estimated crowd of 17,000 people visited the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre during Doors Open. Visitors described their experience as rich and complimented the hosts for their excellent organization and the provided explanations. Several Toronto residents said they would return to visit the museum’s collection of Islamic art in greater detail.

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May 2015 and July-August 2015 : Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre Magazine Coverage in Azure and Arts of Asia

Among the specialty or luxury print magazines that I came across were the July-August 2015 issue of Hong Kong’s “Arts of Asia”, which carried an elaborate piece on the Aga Khan Museum with a collection of fantastic photos from the museum’s Islamic Art collection, and the May 2015 issue of the Canadian “Azure” magazine dedicated to the City of Toronto, with a nice piece on the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre.

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March – July 2018, Exhibition: The World of the Fatimids

The second-floor gallery of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto offered museum visitors a glimpse of Fatimid history, a first of its kind in North America. The exhibition pulled together various artifacts (about 90 in total) from 14 international lenders based in Paris, London, New York, Cairo, and others. The exhibition took place during Aga Khan IV’s Diamond Jubilee year as the 49th hereditary Imam of the transnational Shi‘a Nizari Ismaili Muslim community.

The World of the Fatimids exhibition took a special meaning for the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismailis in Canada. The Fatimids were among many Muslim Dynasties of the 10th to 12th centuries. Named after the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima, the Fatimids embraced the lineage of the Shi‘a Ismaili faith, from which Aga Khan IV has his authority as the 49th direct descendant and Imam of the contemporary Ismaili community.

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Aga Khan Museum: Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Epic of the Kings)

Written a thousand years ago, Ferdowsi’s Shahnama or The Epic of the Kings tells the story of the Iranian people from the time of the world’s creation. National epic, landmark in world literature and a profound expression of the Iranian soul, Ferdowsi’s masterpiece is still read and recited throughout Iran. It is the first materpoece of Persian literature.

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December 27-30, 2018: Aga Khan Museum “Light Up the Dark”

For four evenings, the Aga Khan Museum ran a repeating 15 minute video segment highlighting some of its programs and events on its main entrance wall. Approximately 4,000 people visited the museum during the light show held from December 27-30, 2018, between dusk and 9 PM.

Aga Khan Museum Light Show, Sunday, December 30, 2018. Projection of an artistic piece. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Yurt in the Aga Khan Museum’s courtyard, surrounded by festive lights; Sunday, December 30, 2018. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Aga Khan Museum Light Show, Sunday, December 30, 2018. Projection of an artistic piece. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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 Aga Khan Museum Light Show, Sunday, December 30, 2018. Projection of an artistic piece. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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April 2019: The Best Samosas in Toronto — and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Fondness of Samosas

Beef samosas from the Aga Khan’s Museum’s cafetaria. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

After watching an incredible roller coaster football (soccer) game between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions knockout stage that saw 5 goals scored inside the first 21 minutes — with Tottenham finally winning — the author of this post headed to the Aga Khan Museum, for delicious samosas that were prepared for the Museum’s courtyard cafe by the highly acclaimed on-site Diwan restaurant. As he ate the samosas, he recalled his Imam’s (Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan) speech made in 1986 when he expressed his liking for samosas as follows:

“…Earlier this evening, I was struck by how quickly we are all affected by the culture we live in, although it’s not our own. Bahadur Hirji, you all know, was taking pictures, and he kept on saying to my wife and me “cheese” — in the end, I said to him, at least if you had said “samosas” or “biriani”, I would have recognised that he was conveying a message to me — His Highness the Aga Khan, Los Angeles, November 3, 1986.

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May 25-26, 2019: Door Open Toronto Draws Thousands to Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre

The 2019 version of the Doors Open Toronto event celebrated 20 years on the weekend of May 25-26, drawing thousands of visitors to more than 150 buildings across the city. Visitors got a chance to explore some of Toronto’s most architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings. The Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto have proved to be extremely popular during the Doors Open since their first introduction to the public through the 16th Toronto Open Doors in 2015, a few months after the buildings were inaugurated by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2014.

Visitors enter the Aga Khan Museum to a panel welcome during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: © Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Thousands of visitors walked through the doors of the Aga Khan Museum during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open to get a glimpse of the museum’s artistic and architectural splendour; May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: © Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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A guide points out features of the Aga Khan Museum’s open air courtyard during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open; May 25-26, 2019. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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A guide captivates children as she introduces the ceramic art collection of the Late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and his wife, Princess Catherine, during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open. The collection is housed in the Bellerive Room of the Aga Khan Museum. May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Visitors at the Aga Khan Museum’s concert hall, during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open; May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Visitors get a view of the beautiful spiral staircase located just outside the concert hall of the Aga Khan Museum during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Friends pose for a photo in the atrium section of the Aga Khan Museum as they attend a wedding during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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This is a view of the Aga Khan Museum’s permanent gallery from the upper floor, which hosted a special exhibition entitled “The Moon: A Voyage Through Time” that ran until August 18, 2019. Visitors on both floors were in awe of the spectacular five-metre-wide sculpture of the moon when they visited the Museum during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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A young boy touches the glass top of a case holding an actual moon rock during his visit to the Moon exhibition at the Aga Khan Museum during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open; May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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A verse from the Qur’an stands out prominently at the moon exhibition, which concluded at the Aga Khan Museum on August 18, 2019. Photo: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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An exhibit of an alam (or standard) in the Aga Khan Museum’s permanent gallery draws keen interest from a visitor during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Visitors at the Aga Khan Museum view Qur’anic manuscripts and other Islamic objects in front of a lighted map showing various Islamic dynasties that ruled in the past during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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Children are seen participating in activities held in the Aga Khan Museum’s education unit during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

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An aspiring art historian cherishes a beautiful moment at the Aga Khan Park during her visit to the Aga Khan Museum during Toronto’s 20th Doors Open event, May 25-26, 2019. Photograph: Simergphotos/Malik Merchant.

Visitors left with a sense of amazement and wonder after experiencing the exterior and internal beauty of the two buildings. Guides were on hand to provide brief insights into the artistic and cultural elements of the two buildings. The entire two day event was extremely well organized, and thousands took to see the Aga Khan Park after their visits to the Aga Khan Museum and the dome-shapped Ismaili Centre, with its beautiful Jamatkhana underneath.

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August – September 2019, Exhibit: A 100-Year-Old Hizam Fragment

On display for the first time in Toronto was a 100-year-old silk fragment from a hizam — part of a ceremonial draping that covers the Ka’ba, Islam’s holiest site to which millions of Muslims make the annual pilgrimage. The Ka’ba is draped in a black ceremonial covering known as the kiswa, and around the upper part of the kiswa runs the hizam — an ornamented belt embroidered  in silver and silver-gilt thread with Qur’anic verses relating to the pilgrimage.

This hizam is one of the Aga Khan Museum’s most significant textiles and was on special display until September 9, 2019. Measuring eight metres long and nearly one metre tall, it once belonged to a kiswa that measured 47 meters and was made in Cairo around the early 20th century.

The inscription here contains verses 27-29 from chapter 22 (Al-Hajj) of the Qur’an:

“And proclaim to mankind the hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant mountain highway. That they may witness things that are of benefit to themand mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor who have a very hard time. Then let them complete their prescribed duties, perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House.”

The roundels contain further Qur’anic references that mention ‘God the Eternal’ as well as the Prophet Muhammad.

The Ka‘ba receives a new drape every year during the pilgrimage season. After it ends, the kiswa is taken down, divided and either gifted to dignitaries or sold to raise money for charity.

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June 2020: Amid Covid-19, a Message from the CEO About the Aga Khan Museum’s Reopening to the Public on Saturday, June 27, 2020

….as I cross a small pathway by the majestic dome of the Ismaili Jamatkhana, I see the Museum 200 metres away, where a lone guard stands by the main entrance. Is he bored? I wonder. Thousands have been, for many many weeks. The Museum’s on-line programming has kept us going. But we miss the inside — the actual exhibits, the shop, the samosas at the café, the Diwan restaurant, the courtyard with its many performances, the design, colours and architecture of the building, the Bellerive Room, and the tunnel entrance downstairs that we walk through when we are parked underground! Yes, we do miss so many things, inside and outside the museum building, beautifully thought out by His Highness the Aga Khan and his younger brother Prince Amyn. The children especially love water, and the 5 ponds are empty. The geese who used to fly into the ponds in glorious harmony at around 6:00 AM have to take their bathing somewhere else — it’s truly a joy to watch them bathing in an acrobatic manner! For the rest of us, who walk by the 5 ponds or sit on the benches, there is no running water to soothe our senses! But all this changed on June 26,  2020, a day before the reopening.

CEO Henry Kim’s Message on the Museum’s Reopening

I would like to thank you for your patience and ongoing support during these challenging times. With restrictions on gatherings gradually easing, I am pleased to let you know that the Museum will reopen on June 27, 2020. As we rebuild our lives and livelihoods over the next few months, I do hope you can look to the Museum as a source of hope and inspiration. 

The safety of our visitors is our primary focus, and our intention is to make your return a safe and enjoyable experience. We have instituted a number of measures designed to protect you and our staff, so that during your visit, you can see beautiful art, be moved by learning, and enjoy live performances worry-free. 

As your hosts, we have a duty to ensure your health and safety — it is our highest priority……

The world has changed, and so have we. Reflecting what we have gone through together over the last few months, we have redrawn our programs for the remainder of the year and created Rebuild 2020, our commitment to reconnect and reinvigorate communities through the arts. Please do visit our website for more information on the many programs we have created to reignite your curiosity and spark your imagination. 

Whether you explore online or plan to visit in-person, you are welcome at the Aga Khan Museum. We cannot wait for your return.  

With gratitude, 

Henry S. Kim
Director and CEO, 
Aga Khan Museum 

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June 26,  2020: Amid Covid-19, the Penultimate Day Before the Aga Khan Museum’s Reopening

The 5 ponds in the beautiful Aga Khan Park, which separates the Aga Khan Museum from the Ismaili Centre, are filled with water; children who intentionally throw a beach ball into the centre of the pond are warned by parents not to wander into the pond to retrieve it — they patiently wait for it to float to the edge; the ponds reflect the surrounding trees, the dome of the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum itself, creating a mesmerizing scene; the spotlights that light up the trees at dusk add a different dimension to the reflections in the water, a jet that seemingly appears to fly into the exact path of the (5 days old) crescent moon, misses it by a few strokes; a young girl freely cycles along the main entrance of the Museum; everyone I cross paths with has smiles on their faces and excitedly talk about the museum’s reopening; and when I am at the edge of the Museum and look up at the iconic steel Heech sculpture I find it smiling too!

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June 27,  2020: Amid Covid-19, the Reopening of the Aga Khan Museum; the Sanctuary Exhibition

The Aga Khan Museum, closed on March 13, 2020, was reopened after over 100 days.

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BELLERIVE ROOM – BEFORE AND AFTER COVID-19

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July 12, 2020: Rendition of Nashid al Imamah

Afraaz Mulji was nearing the end of his piano rendition of Nashid al Imamah in a little corner on the main level of the Aga Khan Museum. He was wearing a leather outfit. It was hot. The Nashid could be heard all around the main museum floor; a visitor to the museum, Karima (she asked me not to use her full name), heard the rendition and quickly hurried to where Afraaz was playing the piano. Afraaz finished about 10 seconds after she arrived at the site. The music had given her goosebumps, and she exclaimed, “Look, you can see, I have goosebumps. See for yourselves!” Yes, Afraaz’s rendition had touched everyone’s hearts. He played it once more at Karima’s request, and we stood there listening in awe. He took his break and was back again for another majestic performance of other compositions. It was a joyous day for Ismailis all around the world. My family is not with me, and visiting the Aga Khan Museum and walking through the Aga Khan Park has brought me a great deal of happiness in these uncertain times.

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August 14, 2020: The Aga Khan Museum is Lit with Colours

The Aga Khan Museum was a kaleidoscope of colour, elegance, and spectacle on the night of Friday, August 14, 2020. The Ismaili Jamatkhana, with its glass dome illuminated, symbolized the community’s unity and strength. After a hiatus of approximately 156 days, the Jamatkhana reopened on Monday, August 17, 2020, following the closures announced across Canada on March 13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aga Khan Museum celebrated this momentous occasion with a Garden Party the same evening.

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September 12, 2020: The 6th Anniversary of the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre

To commemorate the 6th anniversary of the inauguration of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver’s Farah Tejani penned a thoughtful poem.

By FARAH TEJANI

Two complementary sister structures of architectural elegance and splendor
Jut out and pierce the heart of Toronto’s sky.
The Aga Khan Museum and
The Ismaili Centre.

United are they for the beneficial purpose of extending a hand
Of Everlasting Friendship,
Between Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.
Uniting the Muslim Ummah,
The World Ummah,
With Cultural and Religious Tolerance and Respect…

Dispelling all deplorable depictions of Islam in the Media,
By propagating the Truth:

Peace, Love, Brotherhood, Compassion, Spirituality and Prayer.

Yes, we extend a hospitable, gracious, loving hand of friendship,
Celebrating Cultural Diversity,
Historical Traditions,
Arts and Artifacts,
Awe-inspiring Calligraphic Designs and Structures,
Tours, Recitals, Exhibitions, Theatre, Films and
Educational and Cultural Activities.

The Ismaili Centre has unique and grand tiled floors
Laced with elaborate, poignant calligraphy,
Upon entering the prayer hall
We begin every act beseeching God to
Bless and Accept
All Our Endeavours.

The Prayer Hall’s distinctive
And elegant Crystalline dome,
Illuminates the night sky,
Reflecting itself into the pond,
While angels come together to lift and carry,
Each and every Murid’s,
Most Earnest and Heartfelt Prayer
To the stars:
Just Outside Allah’s Door.

Comprising one fifth of the world,
We are Muslims…
Yet there is little known of our faith and traditions.
These two buildings will stand side by side like Doves of Peace,
Aiming to bridge the gap and promote Compassion and Understanding,
Welcome, one and all.

Housing Well-Preserved Priceless Works of Art:
Objects and Artifacts,
From the Aga Khan and his Family’s Personal Collection,
The Aga Khan Museum’s Relics will tell of themselves,
For countless years to come.

Tradition and Modernity,
Come and join together to create these Majestic Timeless Landmarks,
For people from all parts of the world to enjoy.

As His Highness the Aga Khan said at the Opening Ceremony:
“We are, after all, a community that WELCOMES THE SMILE!”
With His Grace, many outdated notions of what Islam is
Will be Demystified,
And the Exemplary Fundamental Truths Unveiled
For all to see.

So again we say Welcome…
We extend a hand of Loyal and Loving Friendship,
With Peace, Brotherhood, Unity and Prayer at the Core of Our Existence.
And from the Heart of each and every individual Ismaili,
We welcome you to
Our Wonderful Universal and Timeless Tradition.
Come discover, share and learn.

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September 24, 2020; The Annual Lapis Event

The Aga Khan Museum annually hosts the fundraising LAPIS, with Prince Amyn Aga Khan honouring the event by personally attending it. Due to COVID-19, the signature event was reinvented with a broadcast from the Aga Khan Museum, and everyone was invited to register for free.

The program on Thursday, September 24, 2020, was streamed at 8 PM ET and included remarks by Prince Amyn, Chairman of the Aga Khan Museum Board, meaningful conversations with acclaimed international artists on art in a changing world and four breathtaking performances with diverse talent from around the world.

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October 2020: Pumpkins Grace the Aga Khan Museum Courtyard and a Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad on the Fruit

The Aga Khan Museum successfully implemented COVID-19 protocols, making the museum a safe haven for its visitors. On one fine autumn day, October 23, 2020, the scene in the Museum’s Courtyard was thrilling with the sight of pumpkins. It is one of the most popular desserts served during the Thanksgiving holidays in Canada (October 12, 2020) and the USA (November 26, 2020); how is the pumpkin viewed in Islam? My little research led me to numerous traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) on the pumpkin, and I am delighted to post adaptations of some that I read.

It is related that a sailor once invited Prophet Muhammad to eat some food he had prepared. Anas bin Malik, who accompanied the Prophet, noted that the Prophet was served barley bread and pumpkin soup. The Prophet keenly ate the pumpkin around the dish, and from that day, Anas made it his favourite food. Traditions also note that whenever a dish of bread, meat and broth was presented to the Prophet and contained pumpkin, the Prophet would pick it up because he really liked it.

Ibn Ridwan, in a medical treatise written during the Fatimid period, recommended the pumpkin as a diet for healthy living along with several other fruits and vegetables such as celery, carrots, lentils and cucumbers.

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November 9, 2020: For One Day, the Aga Khan Museum Assumes a New Identity — D.C. Art Museum!

For one day only, the “Aga Khan Museum” sign in English and French read “D.C. Art Museum,” shocking people who had not learnt that a temporary new sign was for the shooting of the action comedy film, “The Man from Toronto.”

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End date March 21, 2021: Exhibition REMASTERED

Ulrike al-Khamis, the new Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, described the REMASTERED exhibition in a press release as “one of the most innovative showcases of Islamic manuscript paintings ever to have been assembled. Remastered invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of some of the most impressive masterpieces in the Islamic tradition and find new meaning in centuries-old stories of heroism, love, and principled living.”

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Toronto’s White Xmas: Photos of Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum on December 25, 2020…and then on December 28 following rain!

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December 31, 2020: Messages of Hope

Before another COVID-19 shutdown, due to provincial regulations, the Aga Khan Museum allowed visitors to pen their heartfelt wishes on one of several beautiful pre-designed tiles available at the museum bookstore and post them onto a large panel prominently placed by the beautiful courtyard. The theme of the project was “Blossom Together Community Tile Wall.” Young and old alike shared messages of hope for 2021 and beyond: No deadly virus, cleaner water, happiness and freedom for all, unity, no wars, the vaccine for COVID-19, and more.

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May 15, 2021: Aga Khan Museum Hosts Covid-19 Walk-In Vaccination Clinic

On a gorgeous day in Toronto, residents neighbouring the Aga Khan Museum and other hot spot areas steadily started showing up to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Two large tents were set up — one to administer the vaccine and the second to be a waiting area for those who received the vaccine for any unexpected changes in their health or allergic reactions. Patients were asked to wait 15-30 minutes before leaving the clinic. The administration of Moderna doses began shortly after 8AM on Saturday, May 15, 2021. It continued for the remainder of the day until the supply of 2500 doses would run out. None of the patients I spoke to had any immediate reaction to the vaccine, and they were delighted to walk away with a beautiful Aga Khan Museum tote bag and a stick-on-label proclaiming, “I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE.” The clinic was a collaborative initiative of the Michael Garron Hospital, East Toronto Health Partners, Ismaili CIVIC, Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park.

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June 2, 2021: A Reflection on the Simurgh at the Aga Khan Museum’s Beautiful Bellerive Room

By AFRAAZ MULJI

My favourite ceramic artefact from the Prince Sadruddin collection at the Aga Khan Museum is known as Simurgh, after the Conference of the Birds story by Attar.

I have always been drawn to birds and the art of flight, both in a practical and mystical sense. Birds and flight are great symbols of transcendence and freedom in Islam, particularly Sufism. One could argue that in the Sufi canon, there are literal and metaphysical references to flight and journeys through the dissolution of selfhood.

I would claim that although the vessel embodies the form of a bird, it symbolises the idea of nothingness, fana’fillah (annihilation in Allah) and the realisation that when you know yourself, you know your master. This is why I have an affinity for it. It is also a beautiful example of the mastery of the artisan under whose hands, the vessel was given life.

As a consequence of my lifelong study of art and in particular fountains and mosaics, I can attest to the beauty and caliber of the vessel. Being that I am a connoisseur of objects of art, I am able to make known the quality and exceptional poise the collection as a whole displays, but in particular this magnificent object.

Simurgh is situated in the Bellerive Room within the Aga Khan Museum. The collection of some 60 ceramic objects in the room was the gift of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan’s widow, Princess Catherine, to honour his memory. The Prince was a consummate collector who formed one of the great collections of art from the Muslim world. Simurgh is a rare display of a connoisseur with a taste for exquisite craftsmanship and also utility. Many of the vessels served practical purposes and had a functional aspect. 

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The Aga Khan Museum Gift Shop: Books on Prophet Muhammad

In the Prophet’s Garden is a compilation by Fatimah M D’oyen and Abdelkadir Chahi of two hundred ahadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) taken from authentic sources. The book is thematically arranged in twenty-nine short chapters to cover essential Islamic teachings on faith, religious practices, morals and manners, character, and conduct. Aimed at children and young people from the age of ten onwards, this book also forms a suitable general introduction to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad for people of other faiths and those new to Islam. The book is a colorful presentation with images, Arabic narration, and English translation. Buy In the Prophet’s Garden at Aga Khan Museum.

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A Whisper of Peace by Dawud Wharnsby, a convert to Islam, is a delightful collection that covers important themes in Islam — its message of peace, love of the Prophet Muhammad, God’s nearness, and caring for and marvelling at the wonders of the world. Full of uplifting rhymes and faithful ideas, this collection will inspire and inform children of all faiths and none. Dawud is well known for writing stories, songs, and poems for people of all ages for many years. Buy A Whisper of Peace at Aga Khan Museum.

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Exhibit: The Nadi Ali

By  DR. ULRIKE AL-KHAMIS

This white felt hat once formed part of a dervish’s outfit. It is embroidered with a well-known prayer to ‘Ali (“Nadi ‘Ali”), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the figurehead of Shia Islam. The embroidered text is contained within tall and elongated, gracefully crenellated units that interlock. Hats of this shape are known to have been worn since the Safavid period, but this particular style seems to have emerged much later in the nineteenth century. A similar cap, attributed to the Khaksari Sufi Order and dated to the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, can be found among the collections of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (Reg. No. 2004.100.5). The following are the transliteration and translation of the Nadi Ali

Transliteration: Nadi ‘aliyyan muzhir al-aja’ib. Tajidahu ‘awnan laka fi al-nawa’ib. Kullu hamm wa ghamm sayanjali bi ‘azamatika ya Allah, binabuwwatika ya Muhammad, bi-wilayatika, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali, ya ‘Ali 

Translation: Call upon ‘Ali, the revealer of miracles! You will surely find him a helper to you in crisis. Every care and sorrow will pass through your magnificence, oh God, your prophethood, oh Muhammad, your companionship, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali, oh ‘Ali.

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February 2022 (Selected dates): Aga Khan Museum Exhibition “Hidden Stories — Books Along the Silk Roads”

The Aga Khan Museum hosted an informative exhibition entitled “Hidden Stories: Books along the Silk Roads.” The exhibition opened on October 9, 2021, but Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the province forced the museum’s closure for January 2022. “Hidden Stories” richly informed visitors about the diverse and pluralistic nature of the Silk Road by displaying books/texts, textiles, carpets, ornaments, clothing, writing material and many other objects. They provide a unique glimpse of the knowledge and technological contributions of the many peoples, cultures and religions that comprised the Silk Roads.

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May 22 and May 24, 2023: Prince Hussain Aga Khan Presents The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty at the Aga Khan Museum

Prince Hussain Aga Khan made two presentations of his exhibition The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto on Monday May 22 and Wednesday May 24, 2023, that included lively and informative chats with Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News, Omar Sachedina (May 22) and award-winning journalist and anchor of Global National, Farah Nasser (May 24). At all events, Prince Hussain was accompanied by his wife Princess Fareen Aga Khan.

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Following the presentations, guests walked through the Aga Khan Park to view the Prince’s magnificent photographs displayed at the Ismaili Centre’s social hall and its outdoor patio. The exhibition officially opened to the public on Wednesday evening, May 25, at 8:00 PM, and continued until June 4.

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September 21, 2023: Nanji Family Foundation’s Gift to the Aga Khan Museum

The Nanji Family Foundation made a Multi-Million-Dollar Gift to Expand the Aga Khan Museum’s Global Impact. It is the Largest Donation in the Museum’s 9-Year History. In a press release, the museum stated, “The generous donation will be the largest granted by the Nanji Family Foundation to an arts organization. In recognition of their longstanding generosity and support, the Museum’s Auditorium will be renamed the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium.”

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October 15, 2023: Screening of Two Films by Young Ismaili Artist Kiana Rawji

On October 15, 2023, two extraordinary films — Inside Job and Mama of Manyatta — made by a remarkable young artist, Kiana Rawji, screened at the Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto with resounding success. Kianna hired the auditorium to facilitate the film screening. In the packed auditorium of over 200 people on a Sunday afternoon, the event evoked laughter, tears, and in the end, a well-deserved standing ovation.

Inside Job is a fictional film about an Indian woman who, when preparing to leave her home in 1970s Kenya, loses a piece of jewelry and suspects that one of her African domestic workers stole it. Mama of Manyatta is a short documentary film about Phelgone Jacks, an extraordinary woman fighting HIV and gender-based violence in a Kenyan slum.

The screening of the two films was followed by a Q&A moderated by Narendra Pachkhédé, a trained filmmaker who practiced as a multidisciplinary artist, curator, programmer, critic and writer.

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June 6, 2024: Aga Khan Museum Architect Fumihiko Maki Passes Away — Museum Statement

His Highness the Aga Khan with architect Fumihiko Maki at an Aga Khan Museum Exhibition held at the Louvre in 2007. The renowned Japanese architect served twice on the Master Jury of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and designed the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building in Ottawa which was opened in December 2008 , the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto opened in September 2014., and the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross in London, opened in June 2018. Photo: AKDN/Gary Otte.

The news of Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki’s death on June 6, 2024, at the age of 95 reverberated across the globe, with obituaries appearing in esteemed publications. Responding to Mr. Maki’s death, the Aga Khan Museum, issued the following message:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed architect Fumihiko Maki.

“Professor Maki’s innovative talent is reflected at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada and the Aga Khan Centre in London, UK. These buildings, which he designed in close collaboration with His Highness the Aga Khan, transcend artistic boundaries and their spaces inspire intercultural and intellectual connection.

“As the Museum commemorates its 10th anniversary [in September 14, 2024], it is not possible to do so without honouring the profound contributions of the award-winning architect, whose love of light, cultural curiosity, and spirit of contemplation, illuminate our buildings and all those who step inside them.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor Maki’s family, colleagues and the countless individuals he has inspired.”

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September 12, 2024: 10th Anniversary Coverage on the Aga Khan Museum Website

Please click HERE or on image below for Aga Khan Museum: 10 Years of Connecting Cultures

Date posted: September 12, 2024.
Last updated: September 17, 2024 (clarification that Kianna Rawji’s film screening was not an official museum event. Rawji had hired the museum facility for the film showing.)

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VISIT THE AGA KHAN MUSEUM: For information on visiting the Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Drive, Toronto), please go to http://agakhanmuseum.org.

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