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Ismaili Civic Calgary 2023, Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society

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!

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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!

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Upper Grassis LakeCanmore Malik Merchant simergphotos

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.

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Johnson Lake Malik Merchant Simerg Photos

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.

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Rocky Mountaineer on the Bow Valley Parkway, Simerg Photos

Beautiful Photographs from Banff National Park: Scenes from the Bow Valley Parkway, Moraine Lake and Sunshine Village

Amazing photographs from Banff National Park!

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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!

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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.

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2023 Ismaili Stampede Breakfast Calgary Simergphotos

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.

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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.

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Elk Island National Park Bisons grazing near Mud Lake Viewpoint parking area, simerg photos malik merchant

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.

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Ataba Market, where you will find everything you may need. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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!

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The Living Sea -- Fragile Beauty: Photographs by Prince Hussain Aga Khan displayed in the patio of the Ismaili Centre Toronto

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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Street Foods of Cairo, Muslim Harji, Simergphotos.

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.

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Easter Procession Route Jerusalem Simergphotos Mulsim Harji

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 →

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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.

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Calgary sunrise, Malik Merchant. transformation of the Prairies, Simerg Photos

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!

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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.

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Waterton Lakes National Park

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.

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Calgary Farmers' Market Valentines Celebration

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!

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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.

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747-400 Landing On Desert Runway

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.

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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.

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Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Sushi

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!

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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!

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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.

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A beautiful starry night last week over Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park. The glow from Jasper townsite fails to diminish the glory of the Milky Way running from Cygnus at the top of the image to Sagittarius down at the horizon.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Kananaskis Day Trip Malik Merchant Simerg Photos

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!

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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.

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Hwy 742, Smith-Dorrien or Spray Trail. Simerg Photos, Malik Merchant

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.

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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.

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Kananaskis Day Trip Malik Merchant Simerg Photos

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!

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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!

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Aga Khan Garden U of A Botanical Garden Malik Merchant Simerg Photos

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.

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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.

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The Jalebi - Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in Montreal photos by Muslim Harji for Simerg

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.

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East African Safari 1964 From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Simergphotos Videos and Photos from 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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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Vase, Bellerive Room, Aga Khan Museum Toronto, 2021; Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan Collection. Photo: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.

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.

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Photos of the Year - Hawk at Aga Khan Park, Toronto, August 7, 2021. Photo: Malik Merchant, Simerg photos.

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!

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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!

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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.

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The sea, Lake Ontario, the sun, the moon, the woodpecker, the Ismaili Flag, The Qibla Simerg photos Malik Merchant

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.