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Institute of Ismaili Studies
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a research institute in London, United Kingdom. It aims to promote the study of Muslim cultures and societies, both historical and contemporary, in order to foster a greater understanding of their relationships with other societies and faiths. It also functions as a gathering point for the Ismaili community as it endeavors to understand its own history and thought, including the often neglected fields of esoteric Islam and Shi'ism.
The institute draws upon the worldwide knowledge and experience of various institutions and scholars to create awareness through initiatives, publications, and partnerships in the field of Islamic Studies. Its library, which houses the largest-known accessible collection of Ismaili codices in the world, is a major resource in the field. In addition to its research, the IIS offers two graduate programmes: the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
Established in 1977 by the Aga Khan, it functions under his guidance and works closely with the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations at the Aga Khan University.
Modern Ismaili studies first began in the 1930s in South Asia, where collections of Ismaili manuscripts had been preserved within Ismaili communities and brought to the fore through the pioneering efforts of Wladimir Ivanow, Asaf Fyzee, Husayn al-Hamdani, and Zahid Ali. Much of this early work helped to dispel the writings of the nineteenth century orientalists, which were often defamatory albeit unintentionally, having drawn only on the sources of the Ismailis' adversaries, while over-sensationalizing occidental accounts. Ivanow, in particular, played an important role in the creation of the Ismaili Society of Bombay, which was, in a sense, a precursor to the institute.
The former Ismaili Society of Bombay was established under the patronage of Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in February 1946. The Ismaili Society stood for "the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with Ismailism" and frequently published monographs, critical editions of original texts and collections of short papers. Like the institute, the society's work was involved in studying the field of particular intellectual movements in Islam, with a specific interest in Shi'ism and Sufism. With these underlying premises, the Aga Khan chaired the Ismailia Association Conference in April 1975: a four-day meeting in Paris during which groundwork was laid for what was eventually to become the Institute of Ismaili Studies. In November 1977, the Aga Khan made a public announcement that formally proclaimed the inauguration of the institute. In his remarks the Aga Khan expressed his wish that the institute become a major institution for his community, while reflecting upon the Fatimid centres of learning established by his ancestors a millennium before.
The late Aga Khan III was instrumental in the transformation of Aligarh University, for which he campaigned starting as early as 1896. He also articulated the Muslims' need for a "Central University" – a place where religion and learning are never divorced and individuality is safeguarded from imitating other cultures – so that early in their lives, students would gain a sense "for truthfulness, and for independence of character". In subsequent years, Aga Khan III founded many schools in East Africa and South Asia. Most of these schools continue to exist today. He and his forefathers trace their ancestry back to the Fatimid Caliph-Imams who were among the first Muslims to establish institutes of higher learning in the history of Islamic civilization. Therefore, despite its recent foundation, the institute draws upon a long historical tradition that is firmly rooted in education and learning and equally cognizant thereof.
The institute operates under a Board of Governors of which the Aga Khan is chairman. Board members as of September 2022 include: Professor Ali Asani, Dr. Nadia Eboo Jamal, Karina Govindji, Dr. Arif Jamal, Professor Farid F Panjwani, Alykhan Kassam, Amyn Kassim-Lakha, Dr. Sharofat, Naguib Kheraj, Professor Nacim Pak-Shiraz, Habib Motani, Professor Tashmin Khamis, Dr. Shogufa Mir Malekyar, and Rahim Kara.
Dr. Farhad Daftary stepped down as co-director in September 2022, and took on the title of director emeritus. Dr. Zayn Kassam began her term as Director on 9 January 2023.
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Institute of Ismaili Studies
The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) is a research institute in London, United Kingdom. It aims to promote the study of Muslim cultures and societies, both historical and contemporary, in order to foster a greater understanding of their relationships with other societies and faiths. It also functions as a gathering point for the Ismaili community as it endeavors to understand its own history and thought, including the often neglected fields of esoteric Islam and Shi'ism.
The institute draws upon the worldwide knowledge and experience of various institutions and scholars to create awareness through initiatives, publications, and partnerships in the field of Islamic Studies. Its library, which houses the largest-known accessible collection of Ismaili codices in the world, is a major resource in the field. In addition to its research, the IIS offers two graduate programmes: the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) and the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
Established in 1977 by the Aga Khan, it functions under his guidance and works closely with the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations at the Aga Khan University.
Modern Ismaili studies first began in the 1930s in South Asia, where collections of Ismaili manuscripts had been preserved within Ismaili communities and brought to the fore through the pioneering efforts of Wladimir Ivanow, Asaf Fyzee, Husayn al-Hamdani, and Zahid Ali. Much of this early work helped to dispel the writings of the nineteenth century orientalists, which were often defamatory albeit unintentionally, having drawn only on the sources of the Ismailis' adversaries, while over-sensationalizing occidental accounts. Ivanow, in particular, played an important role in the creation of the Ismaili Society of Bombay, which was, in a sense, a precursor to the institute.
The former Ismaili Society of Bombay was established under the patronage of Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in February 1946. The Ismaili Society stood for "the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with Ismailism" and frequently published monographs, critical editions of original texts and collections of short papers. Like the institute, the society's work was involved in studying the field of particular intellectual movements in Islam, with a specific interest in Shi'ism and Sufism. With these underlying premises, the Aga Khan chaired the Ismailia Association Conference in April 1975: a four-day meeting in Paris during which groundwork was laid for what was eventually to become the Institute of Ismaili Studies. In November 1977, the Aga Khan made a public announcement that formally proclaimed the inauguration of the institute. In his remarks the Aga Khan expressed his wish that the institute become a major institution for his community, while reflecting upon the Fatimid centres of learning established by his ancestors a millennium before.
The late Aga Khan III was instrumental in the transformation of Aligarh University, for which he campaigned starting as early as 1896. He also articulated the Muslims' need for a "Central University" – a place where religion and learning are never divorced and individuality is safeguarded from imitating other cultures – so that early in their lives, students would gain a sense "for truthfulness, and for independence of character". In subsequent years, Aga Khan III founded many schools in East Africa and South Asia. Most of these schools continue to exist today. He and his forefathers trace their ancestry back to the Fatimid Caliph-Imams who were among the first Muslims to establish institutes of higher learning in the history of Islamic civilization. Therefore, despite its recent foundation, the institute draws upon a long historical tradition that is firmly rooted in education and learning and equally cognizant thereof.
The institute operates under a Board of Governors of which the Aga Khan is chairman. Board members as of September 2022 include: Professor Ali Asani, Dr. Nadia Eboo Jamal, Karina Govindji, Dr. Arif Jamal, Professor Farid F Panjwani, Alykhan Kassam, Amyn Kassim-Lakha, Dr. Sharofat, Naguib Kheraj, Professor Nacim Pak-Shiraz, Habib Motani, Professor Tashmin Khamis, Dr. Shogufa Mir Malekyar, and Rahim Kara.
Dr. Farhad Daftary stepped down as co-director in September 2022, and took on the title of director emeritus. Dr. Zayn Kassam began her term as Director on 9 January 2023.