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.

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.

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!

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.

A Live Report of the Pop-Up Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park

A live report by Malik Merchant of the pop-up Covid-19 clinic set up on May 15, 2021 at the Aga Khan Museum.

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: The Beautiful Handwriting of Ismaili Teacher and Missionary Jehangir Merchant

Malik Merchant reflects on his late dad Jehangir Merchant through his handwriting! Check this post out for sample pages from waezes written by late Alwaez Jehangir Merchant, and see his beautiful handwriting!

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.

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.

Photo of the Day: From Little Children to Seniors at Aga Khan Park; a Drone Whizzes Past the Jamatkhana Dome; and, YES, Shamshu Alidina is Very Much Alive!

MUST SEE PHOTOS: Malik Merchant meets his friend Shamshu Alidina who was recently pronounced dead in a WhatsApp message. He snaps the buoyant Alidina, when they meet at Aga Khan Park, and takes photos of other objects and people to make this photo post one of the most varied ever! It also includes uplifting voices of the birds.

“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.

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

Aga Khan Park: Make it Your Family Destination as Park Tells Story of Navroz and Spring Through Beautifully Illustrated Panels

The Aga Khan Park has displayed panels about Navroz and spring that are both educational and beautiful. Simergphotos brings you highlights of this wonderful outdoor exhibition. If you are in Toronto, GO TO Aga Khan Park and take your children with you.

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.

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

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

Community Wall at Aga Khan Museum: Messages of Togetherness, Hope and Resilience Set the Stage for Opportunity and Hope for 2021 and Beyond

Messages of hope at Aga Khan Museum penned on its special wall! Beautiful and thoughtful…must share

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!

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

Exclusive Photo Essay: The Mausoleum of Pir Shams in Multan, Pakistan, Through the Lens of Malik Mirza

An informative photo essay by Malik Mirza on the mausoleum of Pir Shams in Multan, Pakistan. A MUST READ 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

My Beautiful Moments with the Crescent Moon at Aga Khan Park and The Ismaili Centre, After an Invigorating Walk at Edwards Gardens

PHOTOS: Malik Merchant of Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos first visits the beautiful Edwards Gardens in Toronto and then sets his camera lens on the Crescent Moon rising above the Aga Khan Park and the Ismaili Centre.

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.

A Beautiful Rendition of Nashid al Imamah by Afraaz Mulji at Aga Khan Museum

Ismaili musician Afraaz Mulji performs at the Aga Khan Museum and on July 11, 2020 plays a rendition of the Nashid al Imamah.

Photos: In and around the Aga Khan Museum, as it reopens after more than a 100 days

Malik Merchant visits the beautiful Aga Khan Museum on its reopening and provides photos and his experience with Covid-19 guidelines in place!

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

Barcelona’s world famous La Boqueria market through the lens of Muslim Harji

A delightful photo essay by Montreal’s Muslim Harji on the world famous La Boqueira market in Barcelona’s Las Ramblas district.

Photo Essay: Story of an East African Ismaili Autograph Book

A photo essay on a unique Ismaili authograph book from East Africa that was first purchased by the autograph collector Zeenat Jamal in 1950. PLEASE CLICK AND SHARE THIS POST.

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 displays amazing and inspiring photography by high school youth focusing on the world of tomorrow

Amazing photography by youth for you to see at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto until September 15, 2019. These are wonderful photos that display the vision of the youth who participated in a photography workshop during the summer. If you are in Toronto, you must visit this exhibition. It will inspire everyone!

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

Iconic Photos: 50th Anniversary of Man’s First Landing on the Moon, and the Aga Khan Museum’s Festival on July 20-21, 2019 to Celebrate the Historic Moment

Every reader will be gripped and inspired by the iconic images and text that have been painstakingly gathered from NASA’s archives of Apollo 11’s voyage and landing of man on the moon on July 20, 1969. A must read and share post!