The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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The Institute of Ismaili Studies: Reflections on the first 25 Years

[This is an adapted and edited version of an article first published in The Ismaili (USA) in March, 2004]
 
From its modest beginnings in the late 1970s, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) has developed into a vibrant centre of learning, addressing not only the needs of the international Ismaili community, but also contributing to and participating in the contemporary debates of the Muslim world at large.

Over the last 25 years, the Institute has had much to celebrate: it has gained respect and credibility as an important voice in the larger field of Islamic Studies and has directly contributed to the formation and development of a generation of scholars, who in turn have made their mark on the intellectual and religious growth of the Ismaili community.


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1975 Paris Conference
  • His Highness the Aga Khan met with Ismaili scholars and leaders of the Ismaili community where a decision was taken to establish an institution for Ismaili Studies
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1977
  • The Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in London, UK
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1979
Library

  • Library established at the IIS as a central repository and resource for Ismaili Studies
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1980
  • Teacher Training programmes in Islamic Studies begin in collaboration with the University of London's Institute of Education (ULIE)
  • Institute opens Paris branch
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1981
IIS Staff
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1982
  • Education Unit set up to address the religious education needs of the Ismail community
  • MA programme in Islamic Studies begins in collaboration with McGill University, Canada
  • IIS awards first set of scholarships
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1983
Graduation in 1983
  • First class of 42 students receive certificates from His Highness the Aga Khan on 7th July 1983 at Logan Hall, ULIE
  • First publication of the IIS: a translation of Henry Corbin's Cyclical Time and Ismaili Gnosis
  • MA Programme in Islamic Studies and Education begins in collaboration with the ULIE and McGill
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1984
  • First collection catalogue is published, highlighting Arabic Manuscripts in the Institute’s library
  • Paris branch of the IIS begins francophone public lecture series
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1985
First Preschool Materials First Preschool Materials
  • First preschool materials in the Ta'lim series, a programme of religious and cultural education, are published
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1988
  • Paris branch of The Institute of Ismaili Studies closes
  • First IIS Awareness Campaign takes place in July in Canada
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1990
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1992
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1994 First GPISH Students
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1995 Teacher Training Programme, Rushan
  • Project Tajikistan established. Annual Seminars in Tajikistan begin
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1996
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1998

Perspectives in Islamic Studies Conference takes place at the IIS

  • Graduate Studies becomes its own department. English language programme begins in Khorog
  • First publication in the Occasional Paper Series: The Poetics of Religious Experience
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    		1999
    • Expressions of the Pamir: Culture and Heritage of the Ismailis of Tajikistan begins an international tour
      Samples of Tajik songs
      Video [MPG-14sec, 2.7MB / AVI-60sec, 22MB]
    • Department of Resource Development and Communications is formed
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    		2000
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    		2001
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    		2002
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    		2003
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    The Institute of Ismaili Studies - The Institute of Ismaili Studies: Reflections on the first 25 Years
    Last updated: 10/3/2012 16:45