Dr Maria De Cillis delivers Shi‘i Islam Lecture Series at L’Orientale

Dr Maria De Cillis undertakes a visiting professorship at L’Orientale in Naples, presenting a six-part lecture series on Shi‘i Islam and contributing to scholarly events that advance research in Shi‘i and Ismaili studies.
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Ismaili Heritage and Preservation with Dr Wafi Momin and Dr Fayaz Alibhai

Discover how the Institute works with scholars and communities to document, protect, and interpret Ismaili heritage. Dr Wafi and Dr Fayaz share insights on oral traditions, manuscripts, sites, and the value of preservation.
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Dr Wafi Momin and Dr Fayaz Alibhai seated in a discussion setting during a recorded conversation on Ismaili heritage preservation.

Highlights from Global Encounters Festival 2025

Explore selected highlights that showcase the Institute’s contributions to conversations on culture, education and community at the Global Encounters Festival.
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Professor Zayn Kassam delivering the keynote address at the Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai

About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), established in 1977, is a higher education, research and teaching institution dedicated to high-quality scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili and broader Shiʿi studies, encompassing their historical and geographical contexts.

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Study with us

Graduate studies

IIS currently offers two graduate programmes which attract students from Ismaili communities world-wide.

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Short Courses

Our Short Courses are designed to introduce participants to a social, cultural, and civilisational approach to the study of Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili contexts.

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Fellowships and Scholarships

The Institute offers various scholarship and fellowship programmes to suitable candidates with a focus on Islamic studies or other areas of interest to IIS.

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Discover our research

Research at IIS seeks to contribute to the field of Islamic studies in general, with a particular focus on Shiʿi and Ismaili studies.

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Explore our publications

The Institute of Ismaili Studies publishes works by its own scholars as well as from the academic community outside the Institute.

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Interview

Ethical Living Through Stories: An Interview with Wen-chin Ouyang

Join Professor Ouyang and host Dr Al-Khoee as they explore how stories – ancient and modern – continue to shape our understanding of truth, responsibility, and what it means to live well.

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Interview with author on ethical living - Ethical living through stories
Interview

The Early Nizari Ismailis and the Alamut State

Professor Miklós Sárközy joins Dr Daryoush Mohammad Poor to discuss his new book on the early Nizari Ismailis and the rise of the Alamut State — exploring the political, theological and cultural legacy of this pivotal period in Ismaili history.

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Upcoming events

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Latest News

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19 Nov 2025

Dr Maria De Cillis begins visiting professorship at L’Orientale Naples

12 Nov 2025

Professor Amir-Moezzi elected to the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

05 Nov 2025

Ismaili Special Collections showcased at History Day 2025

05 Nov 2025

Dr Najam Abbas joins Editorial Board of International Journal of Policy Studies

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