Alumni News & Events
European Chapter Group Alumni Meet in Istanbul
February 2013
Alumni from across Europe met in Istanbul for their annual meeting on 7-10 December 2012. The meeting brought together 19 alumni to explore “Ethics in the Modern World”. More
February 2013
Alumni from across Europe met in Istanbul for their annual meeting on 7-10 December 2012. The meeting brought together 19 alumni to explore “Ethics in the Modern World”. More
A Journey into Education
September 2012
September 2012
GPISH Alumni, Dr. Marodsilton Muborakshoeva, currently a STEP Lecturer, and Practicum Teaching and Learning Coordinator at The Institute of Ismaili Studies tells us about the journey that led her to GPISH and how she has continued to build on the foundation that GPISH gave her.
MoreIIS Alumni Explore the Significance of Qur’anic Teachings in Contemporary Times
August 2012
Over sixty alumni from Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Singapore, Syria, Tajikistan and Tanzania convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the annual meeting of the Asian Chapter Group of the Alumni Association. More
August 2012
Over sixty alumni from Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Singapore, Syria, Tajikistan and Tanzania convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the annual meeting of the Asian Chapter Group of the Alumni Association. More
IIS Alumnus Contributing to Improve Quality of Life in Northern Pakistan
March 2012
Alisher Khan (GPISH Class of 2003), Founding member and President of SHAHADA, A Child Empowerment Society set up in 2008 in the mountainous region of Chitral, North Pakistan, has initiated an innovative pilot project entitled ‘The Bees and the Children’. Alisher describes the project as ‘a friendship that pays in quality education and health for children’. It is a self- initiative of Chitrali villagers who are currently led by young educated people under the umbrella of SHAHADA. The project has three components, Early Childhood Development Centres, Education Financing Project, and Maternal and Child Health Centre. More
March 2012
Alisher Khan (GPISH Class of 2003), Founding member and President of SHAHADA, A Child Empowerment Society set up in 2008 in the mountainous region of Chitral, North Pakistan, has initiated an innovative pilot project entitled ‘The Bees and the Children’. Alisher describes the project as ‘a friendship that pays in quality education and health for children’. It is a self- initiative of Chitrali villagers who are currently led by young educated people under the umbrella of SHAHADA. The project has three components, Early Childhood Development Centres, Education Financing Project, and Maternal and Child Health Centre. More
Encounters between Cultures in an Alumnae's Journey through Life
March 2012
Sometimes it is the simple encounters and moments in life that define its twists and turns. As Dr Nacim Pak-Shiraz (Class of 2002) describes, the direction of her postgraduate studies and research began with some ordinary and informal chats. In 2000, as part of the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) at the IIS, Nacim travelled to Sanaa, Yemen, to attend an Arabic immersion programme. More
March 2012
Sometimes it is the simple encounters and moments in life that define its twists and turns. As Dr Nacim Pak-Shiraz (Class of 2002) describes, the direction of her postgraduate studies and research began with some ordinary and informal chats. In 2000, as part of the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) at the IIS, Nacim travelled to Sanaa, Yemen, to attend an Arabic immersion programme. More
IIS Alumni Explore the Theme of Shari‘a in Contemporary Times
March 2012
Thirty IIS alumni from across Asia, Europe and North America came together in Istanbul, Turkey, in November 2011 to discuss the theme Contested Landscape: Shari‘a Today. More
March 2012
Thirty IIS alumni from across Asia, Europe and North America came together in Istanbul, Turkey, in November 2011 to discuss the theme Contested Landscape: Shari‘a Today. More
IIS Alumni Meet & Greet
February 2012
On 22nd January 2012, the European Chapter Group hosted its annual Meet & Greet event for alumni and current students of both IIS and AKU-ISMC at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event was attended by 24 alumni and 50 students and the aim was for alumni and students to get to know one another and to share their experiences. More
February 2012
On 22nd January 2012, the European Chapter Group hosted its annual Meet & Greet event for alumni and current students of both IIS and AKU-ISMC at the Ismaili Centre, London. The event was attended by 24 alumni and 50 students and the aim was for alumni and students to get to know one another and to share their experiences. More
Asian Alumni Explore Ismaili Traditions in Central Asia
November 2011
The Asian Chapter Group of the IIS Alumni Association held its three-day Annual Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 18 - 21 September 2011. More
November 2011
The Asian Chapter Group of the IIS Alumni Association held its three-day Annual Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 18 - 21 September 2011. More
IIS Announces PhD Scholarship Awards for 2011
October 2011
The Institute of Ismaili Studies has awarded its doctoral scholarships for the fifteenth year. The two recipients of the 2011 cycle of the scholarship programme are Zarangez Karimova from Tajikistan and Ula Zeir from Syria. More
October 2011
The Institute of Ismaili Studies has awarded its doctoral scholarships for the fifteenth year. The two recipients of the 2011 cycle of the scholarship programme are Zarangez Karimova from Tajikistan and Ula Zeir from Syria. More
Alumni Chapter Group Elections 2011
September 2011
We are pleased to inform you that the elections for the leadership of the Chapter Groups for Asia, Europe and North America are now complete. A run-off election was held for Europe (President) as no one from the original slate of candidates received a majority of the votes. We would like to express our gratitude to the retiring leadership for all the work they have undertaken during their term and we hope that they will offer their support to the newly appointed leadership. We would also like to congratulate the new leaders and we look forward to working with them to strengthen the foundations already established. The following candidates have been elected to lead the Chapter Groups for a one year term ending 31st August 2012. More
September 2011
We are pleased to inform you that the elections for the leadership of the Chapter Groups for Asia, Europe and North America are now complete. A run-off election was held for Europe (President) as no one from the original slate of candidates received a majority of the votes. We would like to express our gratitude to the retiring leadership for all the work they have undertaken during their term and we hope that they will offer their support to the newly appointed leadership. We would also like to congratulate the new leaders and we look forward to working with them to strengthen the foundations already established. The following candidates have been elected to lead the Chapter Groups for a one year term ending 31st August 2012. More
North American Alumni Explore Interfaith Dialogue
September 2011
Alumni from across North America gathered in Montreal, Canada, for their annual Chapter Group Meeting at the end of June 2011. The meeting focussed on the theme of Interfaith Dialogue: Challenges, Skills and Strategies, and featured sessions on the concepts and models of interfaith dialogue as well as the ethical considerations involved. More
September 2011
Alumni from across North America gathered in Montreal, Canada, for their annual Chapter Group Meeting at the end of June 2011. The meeting focussed on the theme of Interfaith Dialogue: Challenges, Skills and Strategies, and featured sessions on the concepts and models of interfaith dialogue as well as the ethical considerations involved. More
European Alumni Chapter Group Meets in France
July 2011
The European Chapter Group (ECG) of the IIS Alumni Association met for its annual meeting in Paris, France, in May. The theme selected by the Chapter Group for its meeting was Literature and Art: Expressions and Impact, which explored how art and literature can serve as an important channel to a deeper understanding of societies. More
July 2011
The European Chapter Group (ECG) of the IIS Alumni Association met for its annual meeting in Paris, France, in May. The theme selected by the Chapter Group for its meeting was Literature and Art: Expressions and Impact, which explored how art and literature can serve as an important channel to a deeper understanding of societies. More
IIS Scholar Presents Paper at Cambridge University
May 2011
Dr. Yahia Baiza of IIS’ Central Asian Studies Unit presented a paper entitled, Madrasa Education in Afghanistan: A Choice between Reform and Obliteration at a conference on Reform in Islamic Education at Cambridge University. More
May 2011
Dr. Yahia Baiza of IIS’ Central Asian Studies Unit presented a paper entitled, Madrasa Education in Afghanistan: A Choice between Reform and Obliteration at a conference on Reform in Islamic Education at Cambridge University. More
IIS Alumni Academic Seminar focuses on Education and Faith Communities
March 2011
The 2010 IIS Alumni Academic Seminar was held at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, UAE from 4-6 December, 2010. Thirty-five alumni from Asia, Europe and North America, gathered to debate and discuss the theme of Education and Faith Communities: Issues and Responses. More
March 2011
The 2010 IIS Alumni Academic Seminar was held at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, UAE from 4-6 December, 2010. Thirty-five alumni from Asia, Europe and North America, gathered to debate and discuss the theme of Education and Faith Communities: Issues and Responses. More
IIS Scholar Presents Paper at MESA 2010
March 2011
Dr Nuha al-Shaar, Research Associate in the Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit and an IIS Alumna,presented a paper as part of a panel entitled “Reason and Revelation” at MESA 2010 in San Diego. The panel also included a paper by Dr. Alnoor Dhanani, specialist in Islamic Intellectual History and former head of the Department of Graduate Studies at the Institute. More
March 2011
Dr Nuha al-Shaar, Research Associate in the Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit and an IIS Alumna,presented a paper as part of a panel entitled “Reason and Revelation” at MESA 2010 in San Diego. The panel also included a paper by Dr. Alnoor Dhanani, specialist in Islamic Intellectual History and former head of the Department of Graduate Studies at the Institute. More
IIS Co-Director Speaks at Manchester Metropolitan University
February 2011
Professor Karim H. Karim, Co-Director of the Institute, gave a talk titled ‘The Ismailis: An Islamic Engagement with Modernity’ at Manchester Metropolitan University on 15 November 2010. The talk was organised by the University as part of their Multicultural Studies programme. Professor Karim’s lecture explored the Ismaili Muslim community’s engagement with modernity under the guidance of its present Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. More
February 2011
Professor Karim H. Karim, Co-Director of the Institute, gave a talk titled ‘The Ismailis: An Islamic Engagement with Modernity’ at Manchester Metropolitan University on 15 November 2010. The talk was organised by the University as part of their Multicultural Studies programme. Professor Karim’s lecture explored the Ismaili Muslim community’s engagement with modernity under the guidance of its present Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. More
IIS Alumni Association Activities
November 2010
The annual meetings of the three Chapter Groups of the IIS Alumni Association were held during the past few months. Altogether, one hundred and forty alumni attended the meetings, travelling from nine countries. These meetings are an annual feature of Chapter Group activities, providing opportunities for intellectual development and social cohesion amongst alumni from different countries. More
November 2010
The annual meetings of the three Chapter Groups of the IIS Alumni Association were held during the past few months. Altogether, one hundred and forty alumni attended the meetings, travelling from nine countries. These meetings are an annual feature of Chapter Group activities, providing opportunities for intellectual development and social cohesion amongst alumni from different countries. More
IIS Scholar Presents Paper on Constructing Ethics in Qur’anic Commentaries
November 2010
Dr Nuha al-Shaar, a Research Associate in the Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit, presented a paper at the 25th Congress of the Union Européenne des Arabisants et Islamisants (UEAI), held at the Università di Napoli “l’Orientale” in Naples from 8-12 September, 2010. Her study focused on the development of ethical discourse, especially the concept of birr (virtue), in selected second to seventh century (AH) Qur’anic commentaries. More
November 2010
Dr Nuha al-Shaar, a Research Associate in the Institute’s Qur’anic Studies Unit, presented a paper at the 25th Congress of the Union Européenne des Arabisants et Islamisants (UEAI), held at the Università di Napoli “l’Orientale” in Naples from 8-12 September, 2010. Her study focused on the development of ethical discourse, especially the concept of birr (virtue), in selected second to seventh century (AH) Qur’anic commentaries. More
IIS Scholar Presents at the Union Européenne des Arabisants et Islamisants
November 2010
Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga, the Academic Coordinator of IIS’ Qur’anic Studies Unit, presented a paper on biblical quotations in Ismaili sources at the 25th Congress of the Union Européenne des Arabisants et Islamisants (UEAI), held at the Università di Napoli “l’Orientale” in Naples from 8-12 September, 2010. More
November 2010
Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga, the Academic Coordinator of IIS’ Qur’anic Studies Unit, presented a paper on biblical quotations in Ismaili sources at the 25th Congress of the Union Européenne des Arabisants et Islamisants (UEAI), held at the Università di Napoli “l’Orientale” in Naples from 8-12 September, 2010. More
PhD Scholarship Awards for 2010
October 2010
Since 1997, The Institute of Ismaili Studies has been awarding doctoral scholarships to suitable candidates whose work contributes to the academic mandate of the IIS. The two recipients of the 2010 cycle of the scholarship are Laila Kadiwal and Sorbon Mavlonazarov. More
October 2010
Since 1997, The Institute of Ismaili Studies has been awarding doctoral scholarships to suitable candidates whose work contributes to the academic mandate of the IIS. The two recipients of the 2010 cycle of the scholarship are Laila Kadiwal and Sorbon Mavlonazarov. More
In Memory of Professor Mohammed Arkoun
September 2010
Professor Mohammed Arkoun, one of the most prominent and influential figures in Islamic Studies, passed away in Paris on 14 September 2010 at the age of 82 years. Professor Arkoun was Senior Research Fellow in the IIS’ Department of Academic Research and Publications and Member of the Board of Governors. More
September 2010
Professor Mohammed Arkoun, one of the most prominent and influential figures in Islamic Studies, passed away in Paris on 14 September 2010 at the age of 82 years. Professor Arkoun was Senior Research Fellow in the IIS’ Department of Academic Research and Publications and Member of the Board of Governors. More
IIS Alumnus Presents on History of Leadership and Authority in Tajikistan
August 2010
Dr Otambek Mastibekov gave a presentation at The Institute of Ismaili Studies on History of Leadership and Authority in Tajikistan in March 2010 as part of the Occasional Lectures organised by the Central Asian Studies (CAS) project. The paper was based on his doctoral thesis entitled Leadership and Authority in Badakhshan of Tajikistan submitted to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). More
August 2010
Dr Otambek Mastibekov gave a presentation at The Institute of Ismaili Studies on History of Leadership and Authority in Tajikistan in March 2010 as part of the Occasional Lectures organised by the Central Asian Studies (CAS) project. The paper was based on his doctoral thesis entitled Leadership and Authority in Badakhshan of Tajikistan submitted to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). More
IIS Head Librarian speaks on Patronage in Islamic Art
May 2010
Alnoor Merchant, Head Librarian and Keeper of Special Collections at The Institute of Ismaili Studies recently visited Arlington, Waco, Austin and Chicago in the USA to talk about artistic, intellectual and architectural patronage in the Islamic world. He also spoke about the important role that patrons played in the history of Islamic art. More
May 2010
Alnoor Merchant, Head Librarian and Keeper of Special Collections at The Institute of Ismaili Studies recently visited Arlington, Waco, Austin and Chicago in the USA to talk about artistic, intellectual and architectural patronage in the Islamic world. He also spoke about the important role that patrons played in the history of Islamic art. More
STEP Cohort 1 Graduation Ceremony
April 2010
The 16th of March 2010 marked the graduation of the first cohort of students from the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP), a joint initiative of University of London’s Institute of Education (IoE) and The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The ceremony, which was held at Logan Hall, was attended by the IIS governors, Co-directors, senior managers as well as faculty and staff associated with STEP. More
April 2010
The 16th of March 2010 marked the graduation of the first cohort of students from the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP), a joint initiative of University of London’s Institute of Education (IoE) and The Institute of Ismaili Studies. The ceremony, which was held at Logan Hall, was attended by the IIS governors, Co-directors, senior managers as well as faculty and staff associated with STEP. More
Narrating Islam co-edited by IIS Research Associate
March 2010
Dr Shiraz Thobani, a Research Associate with the Department of Curriculum Studies at the Institute, has co-edited a new publication with Dr Gerdien Jonker, entitled Narrating Islam: Interpretations of the Muslim World in European Texts. Dr Jonker is affiliated with the Georg-Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research in Braunschweig, Germany. More
March 2010
Dr Shiraz Thobani, a Research Associate with the Department of Curriculum Studies at the Institute, has co-edited a new publication with Dr Gerdien Jonker, entitled Narrating Islam: Interpretations of the Muslim World in European Texts. Dr Jonker is affiliated with the Georg-Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research in Braunschweig, Germany. More
IIS Academic Seminar for Alumni focuses on Poverty
February 2010
A seminar on “Understanding and Addressing Poverty” was organised by The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 16 to 18 October, 2009. The seminar was attended by alumni of IIS’ graduate programmes as well as development professionals and academics. More
February 2010
A seminar on “Understanding and Addressing Poverty” was organised by The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 16 to 18 October, 2009. The seminar was attended by alumni of IIS’ graduate programmes as well as development professionals and academics. More