A Beautiful Fall Day in Calgary’s Edworthy Park
By MALIK MERCHANT I had been invited for a 2 PM lunch at the Tiffin Curry and Roti House by Shameela Karmali, whom I first met in Burlington, Ontario, in 1998. We were… Continue reading
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A Riot of Autumn Splendor in Calgary: My Annual Fall Pilgrimage in Ottawa is Renewed in Calgary’s Urban Parks
By MALIK MERCHANT Year after year for more than three decades, Gatineau Park — located in the Outaouais region of Quebec and only a 20 minute drive from Ottawa — and the grounds… Continue reading
The Siksika First Nations People: An Epic Day of Celebration and Learning at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park on the Commemoration Day of Treaty 7 – A Must Visit National Heritage Site
Malik Merchant participates in the commemoration of the anniversary of Treaty 7 at the Blackfoot Crossing Historcal Park and comes away educated about the Siksika First Nations People. Enjoy his report and photographs of a MUST VISIT National Heritage Site.
For Ismaili Civic Day 2023 in Calgary, Canada, Volunteers Use All Their Strength to Uproot 115 Invasive Plants from Weaselhead Park
The theme for the 2023 Global Ismaili CIVIC weekend was Environmental Stewardship. From clean energy to conservation, Ismaili Muslims engaged on the ground in efforts to help save and protect our precious planet. In Calgary, a group of Ismaili Civic Day volunteers helped to remove 115 invasive plants from Weaselhead Park. Simergphotos presents story and photographs of a successful day!
Photo Essay: The Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons, and the Orkney Viewpoint in Drumheller, Alberta, are Stunning
After months of pondering, Malik Merchant makes his way to Drumheller and is thrilled with his outddor experience at the Badlands Amphitheatre and driving through the Dinosaur Trail!
An Inspiring Hike to the Magnificent Grassi Lakes Near Canmore, and Almost Anyone Can Do It!
Arriving at the first of the two Grassi Lakes, Malik Merchant was not totally impressed, having seen other lakes and ponds with even more vibrant annd striking colours. But the second of the two Grassi Lakes, made him bite his hastily formed first impressions. Read and share Merchant’s beautiful photo piece.
Stunning Photographs: Driving Through the Lake Minnewanka Loop in Banff National Park
Malik Merchant drives through the Lake Minnewanka Loop in Banff National Park and presents a collection of stunning photos of mountains, lakes and wildlife. Share this post with your friends and family members around the world.
Beautiful Photographs from Banff National Park: Scenes from the Bow Valley Parkway, Moraine Lake and Sunshine Village
Amazing photographs from Banff National Park!
My Wonderful Photographic Experience as Red-Necked Grebes Nesting in a Calgary Pond Bring a Baby to the World
Malik Merchant shares his extraordinary photographs and videos as he captures the first day of the life of a new born chick to a pair of beautiful Red-necked Grebes in a Calgary Pond. MUST SEE AND SHARE!
Photographs of Wildlife in an Urban Pond in Calgary, as a Red-Necked Grebe Anxiously Awaits the Hatching of Her Chicks
Having taken a nearby pond for granted last summer, Malik Merchant returns to it and finds that it is teeming with wildlife! He discovers a nest where a Red-Necked Grebe is patiently and anxiously waiting for her eggs to hatch. Read and share this post with beautiful photographs.
July 8, 2023: The Ismaili Muslim Community’s Stampede Breakfast in Calgary Honours Ismailis, the Aga Khan and Diversity in Canada – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Lt. Governor Salma Lakhani and Thousands Grace the Iconic Event
Malik Merchant attends Calgary’s 26th Ismaili Stampede Breakfast and is totally surprised with the presence of so many political heavyweights. Read his story and photographs.
Surfing and kayaking in the Kananaskis River, in the midst of a beautiful family trail in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country
No doubt. Kananaskis Country in Alberta has become Malik Merchant’s second home and during his latest trip he discovers a new trail that leads him to the centre of watersports in the Kananaskis River! He also sees a grizzly for the first time in 2023. Do not miss the photographs and videos from Malik’s wonderful day trip.
Elk Island National Park: Exciting wildlife, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, inspiring bird singing, easy trails, stories of early Ukrainian settlers and delicious pizzas
Bisons in Canada? Malik Merchant who recently drove to Elk Island National Park near Edmonton saw hundreds! Read his story about the beauty of the park — its sunrises and sunsets, easy trails, wildlife consisting of bisons, beavers, hundreds of species of birds performing melodious sounds and more! And a must visit place near the park is the Ukrainian Heritage Centre.
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!
Photographs taken at dawn: Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s outdoor exhibit at the Ismaili Centre Toronto
Through beautiful pictures taken at dawn in the outdoor area of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, Shafin Valla relives the photography of Prince Hussain Aga Khan captured during his encounters with sea creatures in oceans around the world.
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
A lone coyote, a parade of elks and other beautiful photographs from Banff National Park
Malik Merchant’s photographs of nature and wildlife at Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, are as stunning as they are inspiring. See them and share them and if you visit Canada take a few days to visit this incredible National Park.
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.
170 Years of Valentine’s Day Cards From The Collections of The Henry Ford, and a Heartfelt Warmth at the Calgary Farmers’ Market South
Simerg Photos presents a superb collection of historical Valentine’s Day Cards going back to the 1850’s. Please share the post!
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!
Photos: Lunar Eclipse, November 8, 2022, in Calgary, Canada, and Other Parts of North America
Malik Merchant ventures out on a very very cold night in Calgary on November 8 2022, to view and capture photographs of the lunar eclipse.
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.
May 13, 2022: A Joyous Evening of Blessings in the Ismaili Jamatkhana
Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Blessings as conveyed to the Ismailis by the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum, and a total moon eclipse.
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.
1964 East African Safari Rally Photographs From the Collections of The Henry Ford
East Africans and die-hard auto rally fans around the world. Remember the gruelling world famous East African Safari? Simergphotos brings you a selection of photos from the Ford Foundation’s archives of the rally that also includes very interesting facts about Ford cars that participated in the rally. Enjoy the memories and share!
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!
Video: NASA Astronaut Aboard International Space Station Enlightens Young Students in Interview Organized by the Aga Khan Education Board in Texas
A must watch video! While aboard the International Space Station, NASA Flight Engineer Megan McArthur discussed life and work on the orbital outpost during an in-flight educational event with students involved with the Aga Khan Education Board in Sugar Land, Texas.
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.
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.
2021 in Photos: Beautiful Portraits of the Hawk from Toronto’s Aga Khan Park
Simerg’s editor Malik Merchant presents his year end photos with this portrait of the HAWK that visited Aga Khan Park one early morning in August 2021! See these beautiful photos and share the post with your friends and relatives!