Scenes from bustling Cairo through the lens of Muslim Harji
In this special and exclusive third piece in a 4-part series Muslim Harji presents scenes from bustling Cairo. Please read and share!
Category Archive: Travel Essays
1 Comment
Cairo’s Al-Azhar Park through the lens of Muslim Harji
In this special and exclusive second part of a 4-part series on Cairo and Egypt, Muslim Harji presents a selection of beautiful pictures of the Al-Azhar Park, originally a dumpsite for centuries until the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan transformed it to “Cairo’s green lung.”
Toronto’s annual Doors Open draws thousands to Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum; several hundred take opportunity to view Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s photographic exhibition The Living Sea
Thousands walk through the doors of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre at the Doors Open Toronto event held on May 27-28, 2023. We bring you a selection of photos.
Exclusive: Beautiful photographs of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations at the Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana
Muslim Harji brings readers of Simergphotos delightful photos of the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations on April 21 at the Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana.
Street foods of Cairo through the lens of Canada’s Muslim Harji
Montreal’s Muslim Harji commences his exclusive photo series for Simergphotos with Street Foods of Cairo. Enjoy this and other upcoming photo essays and share Simergphotos with your friends and family members around the world.
Easter and Sacred Christian Objects
By MUSLIM HARJI As hundreds of millions of Christians around the world celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9, 2023, we present these images captured by Muslim Harji during his travels around the world.… Continue reading
Start of 2023 Spring: Six Beautiful Twilight Photographs from Calgary
Malik Merchant drives a very short distance from his home in Calgary to a farmland and captures beautiful photographs of the morning twilight. As readers can see, the early morning’s sunlight has a magical transformative effect on the colours of the Prairies!
Stunning winter photographs from Banff National Park and restaurant and accommodation suggestions
Malik Merchant take sa short break and travels to Banff National Park in the thick of Canada’s winter. He comes away with a collection of stunning photographs and also has suggestions for meals and accommodation in Banff. Share Malik’s post with your family and friends as well as on the social media.
Photo Essay: Beautiful and amazing moments in Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park – must see places in Alberta
After her incredible visit to Alberta during the summer of 2022, Nurin Merchant wants you to visit the places she went to including Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes national Park. She shares her beautiful photographs of her visit in this special post for Simergphotos.
Stunning Photographs: Snow Leopard at Sunset by Germany’s Sascha Fonseca wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award; Highly Commended Finalists are from Canada and Spain
Absolutely stunning! A small but spectacular wildlife collection of photographs you don’t want to miss including the winning entry by Germany’s Sascha Fonseca of a Snow Leopard pictured in mountains in Northern India. Please read this post and share widely among your family members — especially the young ones — as well as friends around the world.
The Iconic Boeing 747 Will Be Etched in My Memory Forever as Last Jumbo Leaves Assembly Line 53 Years After First Flight
As the last of the Boeing 747 leaves the assembly line, Malik Merchant reflects on his favourite plane with a collection of official photographs of the 747 from the Boeing Company. This is a MUST read and share post that includes a historical snapshot and chronology of the iconic plane since it took flight more than 50 years ago.
Dramatic Photos: The Sun and the Sky on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, Amidst Smoke From Forest Fires in British Columbia
Malik Merchant encounters dramatic “smokey” skies on route from Jasper to Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It is a phenomenon he witnessed for the first time in his life, and he presents his photographs for readers of Simerg Photos. Please view the stunning pictures and share the link with your friends and family members around the world.
Prince Hussain Aga Khan Thoughtfully Remembered Through 2 Artistic Exhibitions at Banff’s “Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies”
Malik Merchant visits two ground breaking exhibitions on global warming and pollution in oceans at Banff’s Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and what he saw, experienced and learnt will become the basis of how he models his life in the future. This MUST read post will raise the consciousness of every reader to take ACTION to save our planet!
Beautiful Photos: Calgary, Banff, Vermillion Lakes, the Cave Basin, Lake Louise and Morant’s Curve
Malik Merchant returns to Banff National Park after 15 long years, and this time at the start of 2023 in the thick of winter. His photographs will bring you closer to one of Canada’s top destination and you will be awed with what you learn and see about Morant’s Curve and a rare endangered snail that only lives in Banff’s sulphur springs. You must read and share this beautiful post!
Ron Richey’s Starry Night and Milky Way Photographs to Behold: The Night When the Stars Spoke to Me
A superb collection of Starry Night and Milky Way photographs captured by Edmonton’s Ron Richey that will awe and inspire you. Please share this post with your young family members.
World War I Internment of Ukrainian Canadians, with a Peek into My Father Jehangir Merchant’s Internment in Mozambique in 1961-1962
Malik Merchant is deeply touched as he encounters sights of internment camps in Banff and Jasper National Parks during his recent drive to Jasper to view the dark sky. Read and share his piece.
An Unforgettable Day in Kananaskis Country: Grizzly Family of 4, Emerald Ponds, Rockies and a Beautiful Sunset
Wow! Grizzlies, beautiful emerald coloured ponds, jagged mountains, and I will let the photographs do the talking.
Alberta’s Glenbow Ranch and Big Hill Springs Provincial Parks, and a Grizzly in Kananaskis Country
Malik Merchant continues to explore towns and wilderness areas close to Calgary, and is awed by the scenery and wildlife at two provincial parks as well as on the main corridor of Kananaskis Country, where he encounters a grizzly bear. He takes home with him photos and videos of the bear as birthday gifts to him!
Photos: Tributes to Loved Ones on Memorial Benches in Nature Settings
Malik Merchant has been struck by tributes to loved ones that he has read on memorial benches at parks, gardens and forests in Canada. He presents a special photo essay on the subject following his recent adventures in Alberta’s thrilling Kananaskis Country. In the piece, he also suggests resources where readers may obtain more details about contributing a memorial bench honouring your loved one.
Driving Through the Smith-Dorrien Trail or Hwy 742, from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Canmore
Malik Merchant has come to love Alberta’s Kananaskis Country and recently drove through the famed gravel road, Hwy 742 or the Smith-Dorrien Trail to see some stunning mountain scenery. Here are his photographs and impressions of the 3 hour trip which ended with a lovely steak at the Rustica restaurant in Canmore.
Photographs: The 2022 Ismaili Stampede and Eid al-Adha Breakfast
Malik Merchant heads to the Ismaili community’s stampede breakfast in Calgary, Canada, and comes away with photographs of a marquee event attended and enjoyed by thousands.
Photographs: Twelve Exciting Hours in Alberta’s Scenic and Adventurous Kananaskis Country
Malik Merchant explores the Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada, and provides his readers with astonishing photos of the animals, mountains and lakes that he encountered. It’s a must read and share post for anyone who loves nature!
Beautiful and Scenic Calgary: The Greatest City in Canada, and One of Top Five in the World!
Malik Merchant shares a beautiful collection of photographs that he has taken since relocating to Calgary, Alberta, a city that has just been ranked as the 3rd best in the world to live in!
A Wonderful Day at the Aga Khan Garden, Edmonton, Alberta
Finally, on the last day of spring, June 20, 2022, Malik Merchant drives from Calgary to Edmonton to visit the Aga Khan Garden which was opened in 2018 in the presence of the Aga khan, and offers readers an exclusive selection of breathtaking photographs. Do not miss this post, and please share it as widely as possible.
Photo Essay: Jalebi Takes Centre Stage at Eid ul-Fitr Celebrations at Montreal’s Headquarters Jamatkhana
Iconic Ismaili photographer Muslim Harji shares a beautiful collection of photos of the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr at Montreal Headquarters Jamatkhana, centered around the delicious Jalebi snack. Please view the photos and share them with your friends and family members around the world.
Navroz Mubarak from Calgary, Alberta, a City That is Home to Beautiful Ismaili Jamatkhanas and Lies in the Foothills of the Majestic Canadian Rockies
Malik Merchant’s departure from Ontario for a Alberta will not end his enthusiasm for picture taking. For the auspicious occasion of Navroz he offers a selection of photos of Calgary’s two Ismaili Jamatkhanas that he visited on March 17, 2022. Please read and share!
Photo of the Day: The Tanzanite Bridge – A Beautiful New Bridge in Dar es Salaam
A photo of Dar es Salaam’s new Tanzanite Bridge which begins operations on February 1, 2022
Beautiful Photographs: A Farewell to Ontario, As Bitterly Cold Weather But Warm Ismaili Hearts Welcome Me to My New Home in Alberta
Malik Merchant’s last week in Toronto and arrival in Alberta, with some beautiful photos taken at the waterfront parks in Pickering and Burlington as well as the Aga Khan Museum.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Photo of the Day Inspired by a 1995 Quote of Mawlana Hazar Imam: On Land, in Water and in the Sky from Niagara Falls to Toronto’s 3 Aga Khan Projects
Animals, birds, people, flowers and trees as well as man made objects — they are all represented in this Photo of the Day feature in Simergphotos brought to you from Niagara Falls, Aga Khan Park and areas along the way
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!
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: Gorgeous Sunsets in Vancouver and Cabot Trail in Canada, and Cartagena, in Colombia, South America
MUST SEE PHOTOS: Malik Merchant shares his spectacular sunset photos of his current trip to Vancouver, and his earlier visits to Cartagena in Colombia, South America, and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
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.
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.
“DOORS” – A Photographic Tribute to Late Shiraz Bandali of Edmonton, Canada
Simergphotos is pleased to present an excellent collection of photos of “DOORS” that were captured by Shiraz Bandali of Edmonton, Canada, during his trip with his family to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. A passionate photographer, Shiraz alas passed away too early. This collection is a tribute to him as well as a celebration of his life.
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
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.
On a Perfect Valentine’s Day, the Aga Khan Park, the Ismaili Jamatkhana Dome and the Aga Khan Museum Come Even Closer to My Heart
By MALIK MERCHANTPublisher/Editor Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos I couldn’t have asked for a better and happier February 14, 2021. I woke up very early to complete an exclusive photo piece of Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the… Continue reading
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.
VOA’s 5 Short Videos That Young and Old Alike Will Enjoy: Elephant Hoisted from Well in India; Baby Gorilla Born at Boston Zoo; and More
WATCH AND SHARE: In less than 4 minutes, see 5 videos of animals that the young ones in your family will enjoy, including an elephant being rescued from a well in India and the first baby gorilla born in a Boston Zoo!
Aga Khan Park’s Vibrant 2020 Autumn Colours
Beautiful autumn colours at Toronto’s Aga Khan park. See the red maples at their peak!
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