In the tradition of Muslim spaces of gathering, the Ismaili Centre will be a symbol of the confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam.
Creation of the Ismaili Centres is important because they represent the Ismaili community in the important countries in the world. I hope that the centre will bring a sense of institutional purpose. We call them ambassadorial buildings because they are representatives of the Ismaili community and all its aspirations.
The Ismaili Centre[s] … will be a place for contemplation and search for enlightenment, where people come together to share knowledge and wisdom. It will be a place of peace, of order, of hope and of brotherhood, radiating those thoughts, attitudes and sentiments which unite, and which do not divide, and which uplift the mind and the spirit.
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV,
Dhaka Jamatkhana Foundation Stone Ceremony, Bangladesh May 21, 2008
Ismaili Centre London, United Kingdom: Foundation Stone (1979-09-06) & Inauguration (1985-04-24)
Ismaili Centre London has welcomed Londoners annually to the Open House weekend in addition to hosting the annual Milad-un-Nabi and Yayme-e Ali Lectures. Many other notable events in the recent past include Faith and Politic lecture (2012); Opportunity Africa Conference (2011); Youth Arts Initiative (2011); International Women’s Day Forum (2010); The Music of the Night (2010); Rays of Light Exhibit (2010); Aga Khan Museum’s Spirit and Life Exhibition (2007); and IIS and AKU Convocations. Global leaders such as the HRH Prince of Wales and Canada’s Governor General have been key note speakers on special occasions. Its Islamic styled roof-top garden is considered to be London’s best kept secret.
Ismaili Centre Burnaby, Canada: Foundation Stone (1982-07-26) & Inauguration (1985-08-23)
Ismaili Centre Burnaby, has been hosting the annual Ismaili Centre Lecture Series, Duke of Edinburg Awards, Canadian Citizenship Ceremony with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), Milad-un-Nabi and Yayme-e Ali Lectures. Many other notable events in the recent past include Aga Khan Museum’s Enlightened Encounters (2014); Karen Armstron’s Compassion and Religion lecture (2012); Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Celebration (2012); Songs of the World Children’s Concert (2011); and Olympic Truce Youth Forum (2009). Various leaders such as the Canada’s Governor Generals, Uganda’s Vice President, British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor, President of the University of British Columbia have been key note speakers on special occasions.
Ismaili Centre Lisbon, Portugal: Foundation Stone (1996-12-18) & Inauguration (1998-07-11)
Ismaili Centre Lisbon, has had the distinguished honor of hosting the Council of Europe – North-South Centre’s annual Lisbon Forums. Many other notable events in the recent past include Summer School of the Alliance of Civilizations (2012, 2010); International Women’s Day Forum (2010); Aga Khan Museum’s Path of the Princes Exhibition (2007); Human Rights Forum (2007) in collaboration with North-South Centre, Venice Commission and Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe; and IIS book launch events. European leaders such as Portugal’s Presidents and various Ministers, High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations, Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Chancellor of the Catholic University of Portugal have been key note speakers on special occasions.
Ismaili Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Foundation Stone (2003-12-13) & Inauguration (2008-03-26)
Ismaili Centre Dubai, has hosted notable events in the recent past that include International Preview Exhibition of the Aga Khan Museum (2014); Opportunity through Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Ethics Forum (2014); Aga Khan Museum’s Enlightened Encounters (2014); “Reminiscing Heritage” photographic exhibition of Dubai (2009); and Rays of Light Exhibit (2010). Dubai’s leadership represented by Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been key note speaker on special occasions.
Ismaili Center Dushanbe, Tajikistan: Foundation Stone (2003-08-30) & Inauguration (2009-10-12)
Ismaili Center Dushanbe, has had the distinguished honor of hosting the US Secretary of State Town Hall with Women, Youth and Civil Society. Other notable events in the recent past include lectures on Central Asia Countries Foreign Trade (2012); the Annual Navruz Celebrations and Convocations of the University of Central Asia. Global leaders such as US Secretary of State and World Bank’s Chief Economist in addition to the President of Tajikistan have been key note speakers on special occasions.
Ismaili Center Toronto, Canada: Foundation Stone (2003-08-30) & Inauguration (2014-09-TBD)
Accelerate your Awareness – Explore, Discover and Learn more about the Aga Khan Projects in Toronto
Ismaili Centres Series (Perspectives on matters of the Soul and Spirit)
Aga Khan Museum Series (Perspectives on matters of the Intellect, Knowledge and Wisdom)
Aga Khan Toronto Park (Perspectives on matters of Felicity, Humanity and Nature)
Ismaili Centre London, United Kingdom
Ismaili Centre Burnaby, Canada
Ismaili Centre Lisbon, Portugal
Ismaili Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ismaili Center Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Ismaili Center Toronto, Canada
