By Sultan Jessa
Metro Toronto’s new imposing triple landmarks – the Aga Khan Museum, the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Park – are attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe.
We finally made it to the three sites in one location this past weekend. And we were not at all disappointed.
In fact, we felt more proud to belong to such an enterprising and dynamic community.
Canada is now home to just under 100,000 Ismailis.
The Ismaili Centre, sixth such in the world, is situated in the beautiful park it shares with the world-class museum.
We were most impressed with the centre, the park and the museum and the quality of tour guides who thoroughly explained not only the architecture but also the history of Ismaili Muslims and how they came to settle in Canada.
The impressive centre is covered by a crystalline frosted glass dome which allows the serene circular prayer hall to receive ample natural light inviting quiet contemplation.
Work is still in progress by father and son team of artisans from Tajikistan who have been painstakingly completing the slow process of intricate floral plaster artwork while taking into consideration all the details.
The mission of the museum, which took 14 years to plan and develop, is to foster greater understanding and appreciated of the contribution Muslim civilizations have made to the world heritage.
Through education, research and collaboration, the museum will encourage dialogue and promote tolerance, mutual understanding and help strengthen cultural pluralism.
The $300 million Aga Khan Museum was officially opened last September by His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims worldwide, and Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Almost 100,000 people have already visited the museum which has hundreds of artifacts and artworks spanning over one thousand years of history.
The Aga Khan has expressed the new landmark will offer unique insights and new perspective into Islamic civilizations and the cultural treads that weave through history binding us all together.
Harper also saluted Aga Khan’s efforts to demystify Islam by stressing its “social traditions of peace, tolerance and of pluralism.”
The museum’s collection includes numerous pieces of Persian ceramics dating back to the 10 century and a fine selection of art and paintings from around the globe.
(Photographs by Sultan and Rosila Jessa)
Ismailimail 