The academic regalia of the AKU worn during convocation and other formal ceremonies is called Jamiapoash. Jamia is from the Arabic meaning ‘institution of higher learning’ and poash is from Persian meaning ‘apparel.’ The Jamiapoash comprises a Khila’at (Arabic: robe of honour) and a Sirpoash (Persian: headwear) with a tassel on the right.
The Khila’ats for students and Faculty of AKU are green with elaborate embroideries in gold. The Khila’at for the Chancellor, Mawlana Hazar Imam, is a white robe with intricate embroidery in gold and rust. White and gold were the colours of the coat of arms of the Fatimids of Egypt, who founded al-Azhar University in Cairo, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning. The foundation ceremony of the AKU was performed one thousand years after the founding of the al-Azhar University in 970 by Mawlana Hazar Imam’s ancestor, Caliph-Imam Mawlana al-Muizz, during Fatimid rule.
Ismailimail 