The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Ismaili Studies Conference: The State of the Field

This conference will take stock of the field of Ismaili studies in terms of a broad range of themes from history, literature, philosophy and the intellectual traditions of Ismailis, to topics on contemporary Ismailism.

Open for Climate Justice: Celebrating International Open Access Week 2022

Hear from our Head of Publications and Operations on why OA is so important, its relationship to climate justice, and the Institute’s own approach to these themes.

Dr Farhad Daftary Set to Step Down from Management Role and IIS Appoints New Director

After having served for 34 years in leadership positions at IIS, including the past 12 years as Co-Director, Dr Farhad Daftary has decided to step down from his management roles in early January 2023. Professor Zayn Kassam has been appointed as the next Director of IIS.

About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 as an academic institution of higher education dedicated to the study of Islam, with a particular focus on its Ismaili and broader Shi‘i traditions.

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Graduate studies

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

Short courses

IIS 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.

Fellowships and Scholarships

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

Learning Centre

The learning centre hosts a variety of additional educational materials such as reading guides for IIS publications, lists of recommended readings, for further exploration of several themes and topics.

Discover our research

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

Explore our publications

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

IIS Students Celebrated in 2022 Graduation Ceremony

This was a milestone graduation as it celebrated the achievements of the first cohort of STEP and GPISH students to graduate with a master’s degree from SOAS.

History Day: Ismaili Special Collections Unit Highlights Muslim Heritage

By taking part in History Day, which aims to raise awareness of collections in the UK and beyond, ISCU hopes to connect new audiences with heritage material at the IIS.