Table of Contents

 WWW.SIMERGPHOTOS.COM

Abdulmalik Merchant
By MALIK MERCHANT, CANADA
(Publisher-Editor, Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos)

INTRODUCTION: Following the success of the literary website, www.simerg.com, it was felt that there was a need to produce photos under an appropriate photo theme layout. Simergphotos is the outcome; it was launched in the last quarter of 2012 beginning with the republication of selected photo essays that first appeared on Simerg. Since then, new pieces have constantly appeared here, with a few stories being simultaneously published at Simerg. In 2017, we also launched a new website http://www.barakah.com dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. Note: Photos published in Simergphotos may be on any theme or subject — they need not be religious. If you have travel stories or places that you have visited, please send your article and photos for publication in Simergphotos.

Do you have hidden gems in your family albums? Have you seen your family albums lately? We urge you to do so, and send us historical photos for publication on this blog or barakah (if they pertain to Mawlana Hazar Imam). Please write to Malik Merchant at simerg@aol.com.

The content of this photo blog appears below in chronological sequence (latest piece first).

2021

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Parks, Forests, Gardens and Trails of Toronto Through the Lens of Malik Merchant: The Superb East Don Trail
  4. A Live Report of the Pop-Up Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park
  5. Photo Essay: A Unique Day at the Ismaili Centre Toronto with the Birth of Six Beautiful Canadian Geese Goslings
  6. Photo of the Day: Weeping Cherries at Aga Khan Park
  7. Aga Khan Park’s Story on the Tulip, and Ottawa’s Fantastic 2021 Tulip Festival Through the Lens of Nurin Merchant
  8. Photo of the Day: The Beautiful Handwriting of Ismaili Teacher and Missionary Jehangir Merchant
  9. Photo of the Day: Gorgeous Sunsets in Vancouver and Cabot Trail in Canada, and Cartagena, in Colombia, South America
  10. 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
  11. Photo of the Day: Tree #049 at Aga Khan Park is Quite Special for a Special Reason!
  12. Terry Fox: Celebrating a Canadian Hero During a 4500 Km Drive from Vancouver to Ottawa in the Midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic
  13. 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!
  14. Photo of the Day: Easter Traditions and Sacred Christian Monuments and Objects
  15. “DOORS” – A Photographic Tribute to Late Shiraz Bandali of Edmonton, Canada
  16. Video: The Lovely Sounds of Chirping Birds at Aga Khan Park, With a Quick 360° Tour of the Aga Khan Museum and Jamatkhana
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Aga Khan Park: Make it Your Family Destination as Park Tells Story of Navroz and Spring Through Beautifully Illustrated Panels
  20. Photos of the Day: Magical Spring Energy on the Ground and in the Sky at Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum
  21. Beautiful Daytime Moon Photos at Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 3 Unique Projects — the Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum
  22. 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
  23. 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?
  24. 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

2020

  1. Community Wall at Aga Khan Museum: Messages of Togetherness, Hope and Resilience Set the Stage for Opportunity and Hope for 2021 and Beyond
  2. 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
  3. Photos from our 2020 stories: Mawlana Hazar Imam and his family, Covid-19 impact, Aga Khan projects, the four seasons, and other events | Simergphotos – Images and Videos from Around the World
  4. Toronto’s White Xmas: Photos of Aga Khan Park, Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum on December 25, 2020
  5. 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
  6. Last Days of 2020 Fall Colours at the Aga Khan Park
  7. The Largesse of the Aga Khan, Fall Colours and Waxing Moon at Aga Khan Toronto Projects
  8. Exclusive Photo Essay: The Mausoleum of Pir Shams in Multan, Pakistan, Through the Lens of Malik Mirza
  9. Spectacular Photos: The Lit-Up Dome Of The Toronto Headquarters Jamatkhana, And The Aga Khan Museum’s Unique Garden Party
  10. My Beautiful Moments with the Crescent Moon at Aga Khan Park and the Ismaili Centre, After an Invigorating Walk at Edwards Gardens
  11. Alone at Aga Khan Park on a Beautiful Full Moon Night
  12. A Beautiful Rendition of Nashid Al Imamah by Afraaz Mulji at the Aga Khan Museum
  13. Photos: In and around the Aga Khan Museum, as it reopens after more than a 100 days
  14. Countdown to the Aga Khan Museum’s Reopening
  15. An inspiring walk through the Aga Khan Park in Toronto, in the midst  Covid-19 physical distancing
  16. Barcelona’s world famous La Boqueria market through the lens of Muslim Harji

2019

  1. Photo essay: Story of an East African Ismaili Autograph Book
  2. 2019 Fall Rhapsody: A Superabundance of Autumn Colours in Canada’s National Capital Region that no city in the World Can (Ever) Match
  3. A Day Trip to Fabulous Algonquin Park, Canada
  4. Aga Khan Museum displays amazing and inspiring photography by high school youth focusing on the world of tomorrow
  5. The Hajj: An Amazing Collection of 19th/20th Century Photos from the US Library of Congress
  6. 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
  7. Glimpses from the Toronto Raptors NBA Championship Parade
  8. Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre Draw Thousands during Doors Open Event Held in Toronto on May 25-26, 2019

2018

  1. Photos and video: The Aga Khan Museum’s superb 2018 year-end winter outdoor show, Light Up the Dark
  2. 4 Rare photos of His Highness the Aga Khan at Dar es Salaam’s Aga Khan Boys Secondary School
  3. In photos: “Life of Jehangir” – Ismaili missionary, teacher and writer who rendered long and dedicated services to the Jamat and the Imam-of-the-Time

2017

  1. Montreal’s Beautiful and Diverse Ismaili Faces Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
  2. Photos from our 2017 posts: From the site of the 48th Ismaili Imam’s Bagamoyo landing to the Diamond Jubilee visits of the 49th Imam His Highness the Aga Khan
    (includes material published on affiliated websites http://www.barakah.com and http://www.simerg.com)
  3. An Eyewitness Account of the Total Solar Eclipse on August 21, 2017
  4. Bagamoyo Beach Landing, where Aga Khan III was the first Ismaili Imam ever to set foot on East African soil in 1899
  5. Ismaili Jamat in Moscow celebrates Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th birthday with a wonderful cultural show
  6. After an Amazing Silk Road Journey to Xinjiang and Hunza, Seasoned and Intrepid Globetrotter Ali Karim Offers Great Traveling Tips to Our Readers
  7. Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (6) In Hunza’s Capital, Karimabad – Named after Prince Karim Aga Khan

2016

  1. “Horses” by Gulgee: An Exceptional Gift to His Highness the Aga Khan for His Landmark 80th Birthday
  2. Montreal’s Beautiful Celebration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 80th Birthday Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
  3. Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (5) Ismailis of Remote Northern Hunza Rise High Above the Tallest Peaks, and Set a Lasting Example for Us to Follow
  4. PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly 10 Minute Segment on His Highness the Aga Khan and Extended Interview Worth Revisits
  5. Silk Road Travelogue By Ali Karim: (4) Scenes from Tashkurgan and an Encounter with an Ismaili Family, and the Drive to Northern Hunza on the Iconic Khunjerab Pass
  6. Photo Essay: Sacred Spaces Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
  7. Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (3) More Kashgar and Spectacular Drive to Tashkurgan
  8. Special Coverage – with an Exclusive Transcript – of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to the UAE for the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Ceremony
  9. Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (2) More of Turpan and Historic Kashgar
  10. Silk Road Travelogue by Ali Karim: (1) Shanghai, Urumqi and Turpan
  11. Photo Essay: The Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and its Surrounding Neighbourhood Through the Lens of Muslim Harji 
  12. Renaye Tejani, a 12 Year Old Ismaili Girl in Mumbai Spreads Joy Through Baking for Charity 
  13. Riyaan Maherali: My Ismaili Jubilee Games Hero – Adnan Dahlvani of Team USA Blue 
  14. Letters and Photographs of His Highness the Aga Khan from the Family Archives of the Late Mr. Frank Pattrick 
  15. A “Must See” Video of Pure Joy: Ismaili Jubilee Games Lantern Travels Across Pakistan Amid Scenes of Jubilation and Heightened Interest in Games to be Held in Dubai 
  16. The Ismaili Jubilee Games’ Lantern is Welcomed to the Ismaili Centre and the Children’s Soccer Camp in Burnaby 
  17. A Civil Society Endeavour: Ismaili Educators Helping Educate Marginalised Children in Nairobi
  18. A Phenomenal One-of-a-Kind Experience in Yellowstone, the World’s Very First National Park, Through the Lens of Nurin Merchant 
  19. In Vancouver’s World Partnership Walk, Participants Take Millions of Steps to Fight Global Poverty and Give Hope to Countless Lives 
  20. Photographs of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan at Parliament Hill by Jean-Marc Carisse
  21. Ismaili History in the Making: 49th Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Visits Portugal and Introduces the First Five Senior Officials of the Imamat to Country’s President
  22. A Former Standard 3 Ismaili Student of Aga Khan Primary School, Nairobi, Shares Memorable Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 1966 Visit to School 
  23. Exclusive: Photos of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan’s Visit to Dar-es-Salaam and other East African Photos by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”) 
  24. Egyptian President Sisi’s Memorial Photo with African Heads of State and His Highness the Aga Khan 
  25. Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Pakistan by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”) 
  26. Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Visits to East Africa by Azhar Chaudhry February 17, 2016
  27. Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Uganda by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”) 
  28. Exclusive: Photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 1960 Visit to Hunza by the Late Abdul M. Ismaily (“Papa Jaan”) 
  29. Photos of Visits by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Prince Aly Khan to Mozambique in the late 1950’s 
  30. Photo Essay: Tajikistan Landscapes Through the Lens of Muslim Harji

2015 AND EARLIER

  1. A Historic Handshake Between Two Faith Leaders, His Highness the Aga Khan and Pope Benedict XVI
  2. Ottawa Diary: “Deja Vu” – Ottawa’s Familiar Winter Day, Not Worthy of a Photo, Really? 
  3. His Highness the Aga Khan’s 2015 Speeches in the UK and USA Tell Marvellous Stories About the Al-Azhar Park and Convey a Profound Message of Our Common Humanity 
  4. Photo Diary: A (Very) Green Christmas Day in Ottawa 
  5. Photo Diary: One of the World’s Coldest Capitals, Ottawa, on Christmas Eve 2015 
  6. A Memorable Photo Essay: The Travels and Accomplishments of His Highness the Aga Khan in 2015: (II) Canada, India and Greece
  7. The 2015 Travels and Accomplishments of a Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader, His Highness the Aga Khan
  8. His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismailis – a slightly revised version of a previously published post.
  9. A Rare 1954 Video of the Hajj, With Footage of Mata Salamat, the Begum Aga Khan; and a Masterpiece Work of Art by the Begum of His Highness the Aga Khan
  10. “Victorious Trudeau,” His Highness the Aga Khan and Yasmin Ratansi – Exclusive Photos By Jean-Marc Carisse
  11. Photo Essay: The Beauty and Glory of Autumn Foliage in Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada’s Capital Region
  12. Dushanbe’s Ismaili Centre Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
  13. Prayer Houses of Badakhshan, Tajikistan, Through the Lens of Muslim Harji
  14. A Unique Video of the Signing Ceremony Establishing “Seat of the Ismaili Imamat” in Portugal
  15. An Anthology of the Silk Road Through the Lens of Muslim Harji and Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival
  16. An Ismaili Wedding in the Pamirs Through My Lens by Muslim Harji
  17. The Ismailis of Badakhshan Through My Lens by Muslim Harji
  18. For 2015 Ottawa Doors Open, Simerg Visits 2 Muslim Centres, the Algerian Embassy and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
  19. Photo Essay: Fabulous Photos of the Aga Khan Park and the Inauguration Ceremony
  20. Photoessay and Interview: Aga Khan Foundation’s Unique Global Development Exhibition on 18 Wheels,
  21. Photo Essay: Working Behind the Scenes – The Exceptional Work of Ismaili Volunteers During a Jamati Feast (‘Jaman’)
  22. Exclusive Photo Essay: 2015 Navroz Celebrations in Montreal
  23. Islam and the Muslim World: An Interesting Collection of Prints, Photographs and Images at the US Library of Congress
  24. Image of the Year: “The Ismaili Imamat is Unique”, Mawlana Hazar Imam Our Guide, Hope and Inspiration
  25. New Delhi’s Spectacular Islamic Heritage Through a Canadian Lens
  26. Simergphotos: Celebrating Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 78th Salgirah (Birthday) With a Rich Collection of Photos and Quotes
  27. A Collection of 48 (Plus 1) Memorable Images from the Life of the 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, His Highness the Aga Khan III
  28. Photo Essay: Two Great Canadian Prime Ministers, Mackenzie King and Lester B. Pearson, Feature in Simerg’s Peep into Gatineau Park’s Autumn Foliage
  29. Photo Essay: The Ismaili Centre – “Peace Through Prayer” and “A Splendid Reality”
  30. Photos and Videos: Simerg Captures the Spirit of the Jamat on the Opening Day of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, Canada
  31. September 18, 2014: Opening Day of the Majestic new Aga Khan Museum
  32. September 12, 2014: The Official Opening of the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum, a Reporter’s Glimpse
  33. Photo Essay: Stunning Photos of North America’s First Ismaili Centre and Jamatkhana as the Second Ismaili Centre in Toronto is Set for an Official Opening Ceremony on September 12, 2014 
  34. My 2014 World Cup Adventure in Brazil – A Dream Come True! 
  35. Two Unique 1957 Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan by Photographer Sarfraz Sadaruddin 
  36. (Irresistible) Street Foods of South East Asia Through My Lens by Muslim Harji
  37. My Late Mother, Jean Kirk, and Her Special Collection of Rare Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Visits to the Aga Khan Primary School in Nairobi
  38. Photo Essay: The Ismaili Jamatkhana in Myanmar, With Notes on the Community’s Patriotic Spirit
  39. A Very Beautiful Photo Book by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at a Very Special Price: The Hardback Edition of “Animal Voyage”
  40. “Ba Shokouh” – The Ismaili Centre in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
  41. His Highness the Aga Khan’s Historic Visit to the Parliament of Canada: A Collection of Photos and Speech Excerpts
  42. Historical Images: H. H. The Aga Khan Primary School Nairobi – A Rare Image of a 1963 Prize Giving Programme
  43. Historical Images: The 48th Ismaili Imam’s “Never-to-be-Forgotten” Message to Ismaili Youth
  44. Photo Essay: Ismailis in China
  45. The Magnificent Aga Khan University, its Symbolic Logo and the Elegant Jamiapoash Worn by His Highness the Aga Khan for the University’s Convocation (also published at www.simerg.com)
  46. Glimpses from the 2013 Aga Khan University Convocation, with a Summary of Seven Key Themes in His Highness the Aga Khan’s Address
  47. Photos from Karim Master’s Original Copy of “Fidai” Magazine Published in 1936 to Commemorate the Golden Jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan
  48. Stunning  360° Panoramas Featuring the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building by Martin Bloomfield
  49. Photo Essay: Celebrating Sussex Drive, His Highness the Aga Khan and, Five Years on, the Crystalline Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building
  50. Photo Essay: Remembering President John F. Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)
  51. Photo Essay: Chitral Through the Lens of an Eye Surgeon
  52. Exclusive: Architect’s Statement and Photos of the Fabulous New Ottawa Jamatkhana
  53. Historical Images: The Cave of Hira, the Place of the First Revelation of the Holy Qur’an
  54. Photo Essay: Ismaili Muslims Open a Beautiful New Jamatkhana in Canada’s Capital
  55. For 56th Imamat Anniversary, Magnificent and Unique Historical Portraits of His Highness the Aga Khan
  56. Photo Essay: A Glimpse of the 56th Imamat Day Celebrations at the Toronto International Centre
  57. Happy Canada Day 2013: The Celebration of Literacy at Rideau Hall; and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Fondness for Canada
  58. Photo Essay: A 9 Year Old Ismaili Boy’s First Steps of Becoming an Astronaut
  59. Historical Photo Essay: The Ismaili Connection with the Town of Amir Pir in Sindh, Pakistan
  60. Photo Essay: The Aga Khan Foundation World Partnership Walk in Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada, on June 9 2013
  61. For Canada’s 2013 Victoria Day, A Small Dedication to Queen Victoria, with Reflections on Her Majesty by Ismaili Imams
  62. “Mubarak…Khushamadeed”: A Poem for Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Ms. Kendra Spears
  63. Photo Essay: Street Foods of India by Muslim Harji
  64. Photo Essay: A Baby is Born – Customs in a Rural Muslim Community in Indonesia
  65. Navroz (New Year) Greetings to all of Humanity, with Views of the Earth from the Sun on March 21, 2013
  66. Historical Images: A 1946 Genealogical Chart of Ismaili Imams and a Magnificent Portrait of the Young Prince Karim Aga Khan
  67. Chinese Female Imams – A Short 8-Minute Film
  68. Google and Nasir al-Din Tusi
  69. The Tradition of Amulets and Talisman in the Muslim World
  70. Important Areas of Tanzania and Other African Countries from Space
  71. Salamiyya and Syria: “Peace Will Be Again”
  72. Peaceful Times and Fond Memories of Salamiyya, Syria….Then Terror Strikes Violating the Qur’anic Injunctions on the Sanctity of Life
  73. Photo Flashback: His Highness the Aga Khan at NATO Headquarters in January 2007
  74. Exclusive Photos and Story: The Investiture Ceremony of Prince Amyn Mohamed as Chief of Ismaili Scouts
  75. Historical Images: The Naad-e-Ali, “Call Upon Ali….oh Ali, oh Ali, oh Ali,” in Ottoman Calligraphy, and Other Shia Inscriptions in the British Museum’s Islamic Collection
  76. Historical Images: The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Very Spiritual Piece”
  77. 2012 Simerg Photo Collection: His Highness the Aga Khan, Alamut, Bagamoyo, Jefferson’s Qur’an, Tanganyika, the White House…and more
  78. Historical Images: Ibn Sina and His Canon of Medicine
  79. Historical Images: President Thomas Jefferson’s Copy of the Qur’an
  80. Historical Images: The American Declaration of Independence Illustrated
  81. A Tribute to President Barack Obama on His Re-election: Endearing Photos from the White House
  82. His Highness the Aga Khan with Ismaili Leaders and Volunteers at the London Ismaili Centre’s Rooftop Garden
  83. Beautiful People and Places of Zanzibar and Tanganyika: Photos from 1936
  84. Photo Essay: The Historical Jubilees of His Highness the Aga Khan (1877-1957), the Imam of the Socio-Economic Revolution
  85. Photo Essay: Historic Signing of Agreement in Alberta Between His Highness the Aga Khan and Premier Alison Redford
  86. From John F. Kennedy to Pierre E. Trudeau to Stephen E. Harper – A Selection of Photos and Videos of His Highness the Aga Khan with USA Presidents and Canadian Prime Ministers
  87. Magnificent Photos of Chateau de Chantilly and His Highness the Aga Khan’s Visit to the Jewel of French Culture
  88. The Nairobi Aga Khan Hospital’s Kitengela Sculptures
  89. “Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet” – A Film Created and Produced by Alex Kronemer and Michael Wolfe
  90. Rare Photos of His Highness the Aga Khan’s Visits to Kenya and Pemba
  91. 5 Colossal Faces in the Black Hills of South Dakota
  92. His Highness the Aga Khan’s Work at a Glance
  93. A Journey to the Bagamoyo Jamatkhana
  94. An Ismaili Jamatkhana in China
  95. The Mausoleums of Ismaili Pir Sadardin and His Son Pir Hasan Kabirdin
  96. The Ismaili Journal “Rahe Rast” – A Legacy of the Iconic Karim Master
  97. Iran and Alamut Like You Have Not Seen Before
  98. His Highness the Aga Khan and the Ismailis (updated November 2015)
  99. Discovery of Fatimid Glass in a Byzantine Shipwreck
  100. My Journey to Alamut Where Every Stone Tells a Story

Date page updated: May 28, 2021 (new post added, click HERE or scroll to top of page for most recent posts).

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Please also visit this photoblog’s companion literary website, www.simerg.com  as well as http://www.barakah.com which is dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan.