2021 in Photos: The Bellerive Room – the Ceramic Collection of the Late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Princess Catherine Aga Khan
A collection of vibrant photographs of the ceramics housed in the Bellerive Room at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Category Archive: Islam
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Photo of the Day: Exciting New Encounters at Aga Khan Park at Peak of Summer: The Honey Bees, the Russian Sage, the Majestic Hawk, and the Beautiful Hibiscus, and a Snapping Turtle at Evergreen Brick Works
Nurin and her dad Malik take their cameras to wonderful parks in Toronto and come up with these wondrous photos of birds, insects and flowers at Aga Khan Park at the peak of summer.
Photo of the Day: The Simurgh at the Aga Khan Museum’s Beautiful Bellerive Room by Afraaz Mulji
Multi talented – musician, poet, writer – Afraaz Mulji reflects on his favourite ceramic piece, the Simurgh, situated in the Bellerive Room of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
An inspiring walk through the Aga Khan Park in Toronto, in the midst of Covid-19 physical distancing
Story by MALIK MERCHANT Publisher-Editor Simergphotos, Simerg, and Barakah with photographs by the author and SHAFIN JAMAL A close-up of a tulip at the Aga Khan Park, Toronto. The tulip is seasonal, and blooms in… Continue reading
The Hajj: An Amazing Collection of 19th/20th Century Photos from the US Library of Congress
Compiled by MALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor, Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos) THE PILGRIMS’ JOURNEY TO MECCA Between 1900 – 1920. To Sinai via the Red Sea, Tor, and Wady Hebran. Mecca pilgrims on deck a ship. Photo: US Library… Continue reading
Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre Draw Thousands during Doors Open Event Held in Toronto on May 25-26, 2019
More than 8,000 visitors attended the Doors Open event at the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre on May 25-26, 2019. This post captures the event through a selection of photographs.
Spain’s architectural masterpieces: The Al Hambra Palace in Granada and the Great Mosque in Cordoba through the Lens of Muslim Harji
The Magnificent Alhambra Palace and the Mosque of Cordoba Through the Lens of Muslim Harji.
Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (6) In Hunza’s Capital, Karimabad – Named after Prince Karim Aga Khan
Ali and Dilshad Karim at Altit Fort, strategically located, precarious for enemies. Legends speak of the spot where they are standing as the capital punishment spot where enemies were simply pushed over the… Continue reading
Ismaili Jamat in Moscow Celebrates Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th Birthday with A Wonderful Cultural Show – Must See
Ismaili youth performing at Moscow concert against a backdrop photo of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to Tajikistan. Introduced by Abdulmalik Merchant The Luzhniki Sports Arena became the venue on December 11, 2016, for… Continue reading
33 Awesome Photos that Summarize Our 2016 Posts: From Historical Visits and Landmark Ceremonies of His Highness the Aga Khan to Fantastic Travelogues and Photo Essays
PREPARED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher/editor — Simergphotos, simerg and barakah) (The photos on this page are representative of some thirty photo pieces that we published in 2016. The photos are not shown in… Continue reading
“Horses” by Gulgee: An Exceptional Gift to His Highness the Aga Khan for His Landmark 80th Birthday
Ismail Gulgee Ismail Gulgee (1926 – 2007) COMPILED AND ADAPTED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT Editor/publisher, http://www.simergphotos.com Ismail Gulgee was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1926. Since his childhood, Gulgee’s heart was in the visual arts. He dabbled in… Continue reading
Special Coverage – with an Exclusive Transcript – of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to the UAE for the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony
I. A Photo Summary of the Six Winning Projects BAIT UR ROUF MOSQUE, DHAKA, BANGLADESH Architect: Marina Tabassum A REFUGE FOR SPIRITUALITY IN URBAN DHAKA, SELECTED FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL USE OF NATURAL LIGHT.… Continue reading
Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Pakistan by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”)
Editor’s Note: Our multi-part series of photos of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, taken by the late Rai Abdul M. Ismaily (1926-1981), lovingly known as “Papa Jaan,” continues with this… Continue reading
Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Uganda by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”)
Editor’s Note: Our multi-part series of photos of His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Hazar Imam, taken by the late Abdul M. Ismaily, lovingly known as “Papa Jaan,” continues with this post containing… Continue reading
A Historic Handshake Between Two Faith Leaders, His Highness the Aga Khan and Pope Benedict XVI
COMPILED AND PREPARED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor http://www.simerg.com and http://www.simergphotos.com) As part of his famous Apostolic Journey to France in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, on September 13, paid a visit to the “Institut De… Continue reading
The 2015 Travels and Accomplishments of a Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader, His Highness the Aga Khan
GLIMPSES OF THE 49TH ISMAILI IMAM’S WORK From the Aga Khan University Convocations in East Africa to the Signing of Agreement to Establish the Seat of the Imamat in Portugal to the Opening of… Continue reading
A Rare 1954 Video of the Hajj, With Footage of Mata Salamat, the Begum Aga Khan; and a Masterpiece Work of Art by the Begum of His Highness the Aga Khan
~~~~~~ Date posted: November 27, 2015. ____________
Dushanbe’s Ismaili Centre Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
Editor’s note: Muslim Harji’s series on Central Asia continues with a superb collection of photos of Dushanbe’s Ismaili Centre, which was inaugurated on October 12, 2009 by His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of… Continue reading
Prayer Houses of Badakhshan, Tajikistan, Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
Editor’s note: Montreal’s Muslim Harji, pictured above with Ismaili students in Khorogh, continues his special series on Central Asia with this special feature on Ismaili prayer houses in Badakhshan. Thousands of readers have… Continue reading
A Unique Video of the Signing Ceremony Establishing “Seat of the Ismaili Imamat” in Portugal
Editor’s note: We are pleased to offer our readers a link to an extraordinary footage shown on Portuguese Cable News Channel, SIC Noticias, of the signing ceremony that took place in Lisbon establishing… Continue reading
An Anthology of the Silk Road Through the Lens of Muslim Harji and Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival
Editor’s note: In this third part of a special photo series, Muslim Harji of Montreal focuses on Uzbekistan, with some stunning photos of Islamic buildings in the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara,… Continue reading
An Ismaili Wedding in the Pamirs Through My Lens by Muslim Harji
Editor’s note: Our remarkable series of portraits from Badakhshan through the lens of (Montreal’s) Muslim Harji continues with this Part II exclusively dedicated to an Ismaili wedding in a small village in the Pamirs that… Continue reading
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… Continue reading
Photo Essay: Fabulous Photos of the Aga Khan Park and the Inauguration Ceremony
THE PATRON AND BUILDER Please click on photo(s) for enlargement THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WITH PHOTOS OF THE AGA KHAN PARK ~~~~~~ COMPLETION AND CONNECTION “The Aga Khan Park now connects those buildings [the Aga… Continue reading
Exclusive Photo Essay: 2015 Navroz Celebrations in Montreal
Photo: Muslim Harji Editor’s note: Montreal, Quebec, has by far the largest population of Ismailis from Afghanistan of any city in the Western world. Numbering in their thousands, one is often left wondering on major… Continue reading
Islam and the Muslim World: An Interesting Collection of Prints, Photographs and Images at the US Library of Congress
I. THE ROTUNDA: GREAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CIVILIZATION ~~~~~~~~ II. PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS His Highness the Aga Khan ~~~~~~~~ Kedive of Egypt ~~~~~~~~ British Propaganda ~~~~~~~~ A Tajik Wedding Ritual ~~~~~~~~ Gracious Uzbek Lady… Continue reading
Image of the Year: “The Ismaili Imamat is Unique”, Mawlana Hazar Imam Our Guide, Hope and Inspiration
Please click on http://www.simergphotos.com for wonderful photo essays
New Delhi’s Spectacular Islamic Heritage Through a Canadian Lens
Editor’s note: Intrepid traveller Muslim Harji never fails to have a trip of a lifetime wherever he goes. New Delhi, the Indian capital was no exception judging by the pictures that he has captured, which cover the… Continue reading
Simergphotos: Celebrating Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 78th Salgirah (Birthday) With a Rich Collection of Photos and Quotes
Compiled and Prepared by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos and Simerg The images and quotes published below represent: Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family; the Imam’s affection and love for all his murids; the breadth and… Continue reading
Photos and Videos: Simerg Captures the Spirit of the Jamat on the Opening Day of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, Canada
Jamat and Volunteers Speak from the Heart on this Auspicious and Historical Day BY MALIK MERCHANT Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos Happy Ismaili youth pictured at the Park at 10:30 pm after completing their… Continue reading
September 18, 2014: Opening Day of the Majestic new Aga Khan Museum
BY MALIK MERCHANT Editor, Simerg and Simergphotos Tanzanian Altaf Hirani (centre) with friends I was hoping to be at the new Aga Khan Museum in Toronto well before it opened to the public… Continue reading
Photo Essay: Stunning Photos of North America’s First Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana as the Second Ismaili Centre in Toronto is Set for an Official Opening Ceremony on September 12, 2014
Editor’s note: Mohib Ebrahim, the founding publisher and editor of Nanowisdoms, recently visited the first North American purpose built high profile Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and came away… Continue reading
His Highness the Aga Khan’s Historic Visit to the Parliament of Canada: A Collection of Photos and Speech Excerpts
“As we all know, Canada is home to a well-established and fast-growing Ismaili community. His Highness has therefore become an increasingly frequent visitor, and always a welcome one.” — Prime Minister Stephen Harper… Continue reading
The Magnificent Aga Khan University, its Symbolic Logo and the Elegant Jamiapoash Worn by His Highness the Aga Khan for the University’s Convocation
THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY When the Charter of the University was first granted in 1983, His Highness the Aga Khan concluded his speech on the occasion with the words, “In everything we do… Continue reading
Glimpses from the 2013 Aga Khan University Convocation, with a Summary of Seven Key Themes in His Highness the Aga Khan’s Address
Compiled and Prepared by Abdulmalik Merchant (Publisher-Editor, Simergphotos and Simerg) 1. SUCCESS STORY: THE CONSTITUENTS WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN “I am delighted, first of all, to extend my warmest congratulations to our graduands and to… Continue reading
Chinese Female Imams – A Short 8-Minute Film
“EDUCATING A WOMAN MEANS EDUCATING A WHOLE FAMILY” China’s Hui Muslims are unique in many respects. The country’s second-largest ethnic minority share linguistic and cultural ties with the majority in China that have… Continue reading
Google and Nasir al-Din Tusi
By Malik Merchant, Editor One would think that Gerald Ferreira of 3d Car Shows would only focus on cars. Only my love for cars and what Ferreira’s website represents would take me there, but yesterday I… Continue reading
The Tradition of Amulets and Talisman in the Muslim World
INTRODUCTION (Introduction adapted from The Metropolitan Museum of Art) An amulet [similar to a talisman] is any object that is imbued with protective powers, and all cultures and faiths have manifestations of such… Continue reading
Peaceful Times and Fond Memories of Salamiyya, Syria….Then Terror Strikes Violating the Qur’anic Injunctions on the Sanctity of Life
INTRODUCTION Jabal Mashhad is one of the two mausoleums in Syria which is of special historical significance to Ismailis. The mausoleum is thought to hold the tombs of the 8th Ismaili Imam, Wafi Ahmed,… Continue reading
Historical Images: The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Very Spiritual Piece”
Compiled by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos.com & Simerg.com INTRODUCTION: On Sunday November 25, 2012, Simergphotos began a weekly/bi-weekly series of historical illustrations that underline an artistic, ethical, moral, religious or scientific theme. This… Continue reading
Historical Images: Ibn Sina and His Canon of Medicine
“THE ENDURING RESPECT IN THE 21ST CENTURY FOR A BOOK WRITTEN A MILLENIUM EARLIER IS A TESTIMONY TO IBN SINA’S ACHIEVEMENT” – Mona N. Tibi and Emilie Savage-Smith Compiled by Malik Merchant Editor, Simergphotos.com… Continue reading
Historical Images: President Thomas Jefferson’s Copy of the Qur’an
AN OCCASIONAL SERIES Compiled By Malik Merchant, Editor From time to time Simergphotos will publish historical illustrations that underline an artistic, ethical, moral, religious or scientific theme. This second piece introduces readers to a rare copy of the… Continue reading