For Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s 85th Birthday, a Feast of Twilight Photos for the Enjoyment of the Worldwide Ismaili Jamat and Friends of the Ismaili Community
A feast of beautiful photographs of sunrise and sunset in Toronto!
Category Archive: Nature and Space
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Winter 2021/2: Toronto’s First Snowfall, and Scenes from Aga Khan Park at its Snowy Best
How lovely the grounds of the Aga Khan Park appear with Toronto’s first snow fall for the 2021/2 winter season! Malik Merchant arrives at the scene and presents a selection of photos of the beautiful grounds, and the surroundings Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Jamatkhana.
Videos and Photos: The Sun, the Moon and the Sea; the Woodpecker, the Ismaili Flag and the Qibla; and Human Interaction With Nature
Nature is beautiful, and is to be admired and discovered. Malik Merchant continues raiding Toronto’s parks, forests and creeks, and discovers the amazing woodpecker. Watch videos and plenty of photos, and promise yourself to see nature in all its glory.
Woodpecker and Salmon at Morningside Park, and Scenes of Transition from Autumn to Winter at Aga Khan Park
Malik Merchant continues his picture taking, and experiences the beautiful seasonal transformation that is underway in parks, creeks and forests of Toronto. From beautiful autumn colours to barren trees, the pictures encapsulate the wonders of nature from one day to the next. Malik covers the Aga Khan Park in his spirited outing!
Peaceful, Glorious and Heavenly: The Ismaili Jamatkhana at Night as Autumn Begins to Give Way to the Oncoming Winter
Dazzling night time photos of the Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, as autumn begins to give way to winter.
Toronto: A Gem of a City – “Yours to Discover”
A potpourri of delightful nature and wildlife pictures by Malik Merchant — from the rising of the sun to the great Salmon Run in a Toronto Creek! And for food lovers, Malik also names 2 restaurants that are his favourite!
Wow! Aga Khan Park’s Blazing Red Autumn Foliage and Spectacular Photos from Toronto’s Parks and Forests
We are almost at the start of the second week in November but the trees in Toronto’s Parks and Forests are still showing superb fall colours. Malik Merchant travels around the city to capture the beauty of fall. Share the article with your family and friends!
Nature Pictures Inspired by His Highness the Aga Khan III’s Appreciation of the Glories of Nature
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah was a lover of nature. We pay a tribute to him on the 144th anniversary of his birth with photos of nature and human ingenuity, as well as videos of struggles in the everyday life of living things that humans also have to face and overcome.
Photos and Videos: A Beautiful Fox at Aga Khan Park Amid Brilliant Autumn Colours and Captivating Photos from Countries on the Silk Roads
Malik Merchant enjoys a beautiful chilly morning at Aga Khan Park taking photos of the autumn foliage, and encounters a beautiful fox — a recent new visitor to the park.
To the Children, Young Girls, Sisters and Mothers in Afghanistan: With Love, Warm Thoughts and Hope from a Flower With Power
A greeting of hope to the beautiful girls, sisters and mothers of Afghanistan through the beauty of the hibiscus flower.
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: Fantastic Photos and Videos from Toronto’s Parks and Gardens, and the Ismaili Flag is Restored to Full Mast at Aga Khan Park… plus an Idea for Apricots Grown in Hunza!
NATURE, NATURE AND NATURE. Absolutely amazing and inspiring photos from Aga Khan Park and Toronto’s beautiful parks and gardens! MUST SHARE.
Photo of the Day: A Male Mallard, a Beautiful Robin, a Bumble Bee, a Spotted Beetle, Colourful Dragon Flies, an Otter and its Foe – a Red Winged Blackbird – and More!
A gorgeous selection of photos of animals, birds and insects taken in the parks, trails and forests of Toronto, not far from the Aga Khan Park – namely Edwards Gardens and the East Don Trail.
Photo of the Day: The Beautiful Service Berry Tree at Aga Khan Park – and, Yes, the Berries Are Edible; Try Them Out!
A service berry tree with lots of ripe EDIBLE berries features as the Photo of the Day at Simergphotos.
Photo of the Day: Aga Khan Museum’s Striking Teal Visitor, and the Sighting of a New Bird as Well as a Tiny Mouse at Aga Khan Park
The Photo of the Day in Simergphotos features a very rare man made custom built object — in rich teal colour! Check it out and be vowed!
Photo of the Day: The Beautiful Cardinal and Other Wildlife at Toronto’s East Don Trail by Shannon Doern
Shannon Doern shares beautiful photos of the cardinal and other birds and animals that she has taken during her recent visits to East Don Trail. Her piece is our Photo of the Day feature.
Extraordinary and Amazing Nature Photos and Videos from Aga Khan Park and East Don Trail That You and Your Family MUST See
Wow! What an experience at Aga Khan Park and East Don Trail. Malik Merchant watches nature at its best with beautiful animals, scenic views as well as intimate encounters that you will rarely see! WATCH THE VIDEOS AND SHARE THIS POST.
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
Malik Merchant ends his brief trip to Ottawa by paying a visit to Dow’s Lake to see a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of tulips. DO NOT MISS THE SHOW!
Parks, Forests, Gardens and Trails of Toronto Through the Lens of Malik Merchant: The Superb East Don Trail
Malik Merchant ventures to see a beautiful trail filled with wildlife, tall trees and shrubs, swamps and more in the heart of Toronto! A MUST SEE AND SHARE ARTICLE.
Photo Essay: A Unique Day at the Ismaili Centre Toronto with the Birth of Six Beautiful Canadian Geese Goslings
PHOTOS AND VIDEO: An extraordinary must read and share photo essay by Malik Merchant on the birth of 6 baby geese or goslings on May 12, 2021 at the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.
Photo of the Day: Weeping Cherries at Aga Khan Park
Malik Merchant times himself well as he visits the Aga Khan Park to take photos of the weeping cherry trees with masses of pink pastels. He is not alone at the park! He sees a little boy discovering the petals and Circe, a beautiful one year old dog, whose pose for his owner’s camera is absolutely remarkable.
Aga Khan Park’s Story on the Tulip, and Ottawa’s Fantastic 2021 Tulip Festival Through the Lens of Nurin Merchant
Nurin Merchant’s love of nature is clearly seen in this fantastic series of photos from the 2021 Ottawa Tulip Festival. The Toronto Aga Khan displays about the tulip are incorporated into the piece making Nurin’s photo essay highly informative and educational for both young and old alike.
Photo of the Day: From Magnolias on Tree #049 at the Aga Khan Park in Toronto to Cherry Blossoms at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Vancouver
Malik Merchant arrives in Vancouver to pay respects to his mum who died 3 months ago, and feels an inner voice calling him to carry on posting new articles on his websites. Here is his Photo of the Day piece from Vancouver’s Ismaili Jamatkhana and the Burnaby Mountain.
Photo of the Day: Tree #049 at Aga Khan Park is Quite Special for a Special Reason!
In Photo of the Day, Malik Merchant traces tree #49 at the Aga Khan Park from its budding stage to an almost full bloom. What is so special about this tree? PLEASE READ THE STORY
Terry Fox: Celebrating a Canadian Hero During a 4500 Km Drive from Vancouver to Ottawa in the Midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic
MUST SEE PHOTOS: Nurin Merchant drove 4,500 km with her mom from Vancouver to Ottawa, passing through smoke covered mountains, forests and the Prairies. She then celebrated Canadian Hero Terry Fox at his memorial in Thunder Bay. Read her fantastic photo essay of the drive during the year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Video: The Lovely Sounds of Chirping Birds at Aga Khan Park, With a Quick 360° Tour of the Aga Khan Museum and Jamatkhana
The sounds of birds chirping at Aga Khan Park bring joy to Malik Merchant, and he makes this short video which also takes you around the front section of the Aga Khan Park with views of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and the Aga Khan Museum.
Photo of the Day: The Scourge of Plastic Bags and Garbage, Even at Aga Khan Park, and Prince Hussain Aga Khan on Individual Responsibility to Protect the Environment
Photo of the Day: Malik Merchant is saddened to see garbage including plastic bags and pop cans left on the grounds of Aga Khan Park by careless visitors, and urges visitors to be responsible to protect the park and our environment by referring to Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s message on the subject.
Photo of the Day: Birds Vying for Pole Position on the Flag of the Ismaili Imamat
On Saturday March 27, 2021 Simerg launches “Photo of the Day” on its photo website Simergphotos. In this first set of photos, see a bird keeping its pole position on the flag of the Ismaili Imamat as as other birds seek to dislodge her.
Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan, Made Navroz March 21, 2021, the Most Joyous Navroz in My Life, and I Will Tell You Why
Malik Merchant reflects on the Navroz 2021 Talika Mubarak of Mawlana Hazar Imam, and explains why March 21, 2021 was the most joyous day in his life
Photos of the Day: Magical Spring Energy on the Ground and in the Sky at Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum
Aga Khan Park budding tree simerg
Beautiful Daytime Moon Photos at Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 3 Unique Projects — the Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum
Exceptional photos of daytime moon on a clear bright sunny day at Toronto’s Aga Khan Park, the Ismaili Centre, and the Aga Khan Museum.
From Dawn to Dusk: Splendid Photos of Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum in Mid-Winter! But Where is the Snow After THAT White Xmas?
Malik Merchant visits the Aga Khan Park in mid-January and comes away with an amazing and beautiful collection of photos taken from dawn to dusk.
Hunza’s Remote Khyber Village Inhabited by Ismailis is Also Home to Rare Wildlife – See Beautiful Film of WWF Team Spotting a Large Herd of the Magnificent Ibex
In a fascinating 5 part travelogue of his trip to China and Pakistan, Ali Karim dedicated an entire post to the Ismailis of Northern Hunza. His visits to the villages of Passu and… Continue reading
Photos from our 2020 stories: Mawlana Hazar Imam and his family, Covid-19 impact, Aga Khan projects, the four seasons, and other events
A selection of recent and historic images published in Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos during 2020.
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!
Photos of the Ismaili Centre, Aga Khan Park and Aga Khan Museum on Xmas Day, December 25, 2020 after a 10-12 cm overnight snowfall.
Aga Khan Park’s Vibrant 2020 Autumn Colours
Beautiful autumn colours at Toronto’s Aga Khan park. See the red maples at their peak!
The “Largesse” of the Aga Khan, and Fall Colours and Waxing Moon at Toronto’s Ismaili Headquarters Jamatkhana, the Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park
The “LARGESSE” of the Aga Khan, and a gorgeous collection of photos of autumn colours and the waxing moon at the 3 Aga Khan Projects on Wynford Drive in Toronto. MUST SEE AND SHARE
Spectacular Photos: The Lit-Up Dome of the Toronto Headquarters Jamatkhana, and the Aga Khan Museum’s Unique Garden Party
By MALIK MERCHANTPublisher-Editor Simergphotos, Simerg, and Barakah The Aga Khan Park and Aga Khan Museum were colourful, elegant and spectacular on the night of Friday, August 14, 2020. The Ismaili Jamatkhana was absolutely inspiring. For the first… Continue reading
Alone at Aga Khan Park on a Beautiful Full Moon Night
Malik Merchant spent the whole night at the Aga Khan Park enjoying the sight of the Full Moon on July 5, 2020. Here is his story and photos.
Countdown to the Aga Khan Museum’s Reopening: Ponds are filled with water, and even the Heech is smiling
A collection of glorious photos taken by Malik Merchant, as a countdown to the reopening of the Aga Khan Museum on June 27, 2020.
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
2019 Fall Rhapsody: A Superabundance of Autumn Colours in Canada’s National Capital Region, Ottawa and Gatineau, that no City in the World can (Ever) Match
Magnificent photos of fall colours in the National Capital Region of Canada – Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec.
A Day Trip to Fabulous Algonquin Park, Canada
Dr. Nurin Merchant and her dad, Malik, spent a fabulous day at Algonquin Park and enjoyed the park’s trails, sights, scenery and autumn foliage. This post includes remarkable pictures from their 12 hour trip, and highlights what can be accomplished during a day’s trip, even if you are travelling from Ottawa or Toronto! The post captures nature at its finest.
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.
An Eyewitness Account of the Total Solar Eclipse on August 21, 2017
“For two minutes, we were suspended in this bizarre, truly ethereal state — two minutes that passed much much too quickly. Next thing we knew, the second diamond ring appeared and it was… Continue reading
The Ismaili Jubilee Games’ Lantern is Welcomed to the Ismaili Centre and the Children’s Soccer Camp in Burnaby
BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT Publisher-editor, Simergphotos and Simerg A boy proudly holds the Ismaili Jubilee Games lantern on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at the annual soccer camp which is being attended by 198 young… Continue reading
Photo Essay: Tajikistan Landscapes Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
A map of Tajikistan with surrounding countries. Among the places Muslim Harji visited with his wife, Nevin, during his adventurous and heart warming trip to Tajikistan were Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, and the autonomous… Continue reading
A Memorable Photo Essay: The Travels and Accomplishments of His Highness the Aga Khan in 2015: (II) Canada, India and Greece
PREPARED AND COMPILED BY ABDULMALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor, http://www.Simergphotos.com and http://www.Simerg.com) A beautiful panoramic photo of the Aga Khan Museum (left) and the Ismaili Centre (right), connected by the all-season Aga Khan Park. The Museum… Continue reading
Photo Essay: The Beauty and Glory of Autumn Foliage in Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada’s Capital Region
BY MALIK MERCHANT (Publisher-Editor Simerg and Simergphotos) I couldn’t live (leave) without them — the blog(s) and the car! Each year, in October, I make it a point to visit Gatineau Park to… 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