From 20–28 July 2025, The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) participated in the Global Encounters Festival, joining several other institutions of the Ismaili Imamat in the AKDNThe Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the ethics and social conscience of Islam through institutional action. More Pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As a global gathering rooted in the values of learning, pluralism and community, the Festival provided a meaningful platform for IIS to engage with visiting members of the Ismaili community from all around the world.
The presence of IIS at the AKDN Pavilion included an interactive booth designed to highlight themes central to The Institute’s work: the role of knowledge in shaping identity, the importance of history and heritage, and the value of inquiry across disciplines. One of the centrepieces was an exhibition entitled The Aga Khans and Sports, which explored how His Highness Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga KhanA title granted by the Shah of Persia to the then Ismaili Imam in 1818 and inherited by each of his successors to the Imamate. III (the 48th Ismaili Imam) and His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV (the 49th Ismaili Imam) both enjoyed, promoted, and encouraged active participation in sports as a means of fostering physical well-being, discipline, and joy in communal life. Archival images and video footage, historical anecdotes, and thematic insights helped visitors reflect on how these values continue to resonate today.
The booth also featured engaging digital content from two IIS themes: Muslim Contributions to Science and Ismaili Heritage Sites, showcasing the work of the Ismaili Special Collections Unit and Ismaili Heritage. Visitors of all ages explored these areas through videos, animations, and interactive activities, along with screenings of short films, such as Summits of Courage, inspiring curiosity and reflection.
Over the course of the week, thousands of visitors passed through the booth, offering an opportunity for IIS personnel to connect with the global Ismaili community and share the work of The Institute in dynamic and meaningful ways.
As part of the Festival programme, Dr Farhad Daftary, Director Emeritus and Governor of IIS, joined IIS Governor and alumna Professor Nacim Pak-Shiraz for a conversation hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Widely regarded as a leading authority on Ismaili history and thought, Dr Daftary reflected on the intellectual and political challenges of studying and writing about Ismaili history, particularly in the modern period. He spoke of the importance of critical engagement with sources, the shifting perception of Ismaili communities over time, and the evolving role of scholars in advancing understanding both within and beyond the JamatAssembly or religious congregation; also a term used by the Nizari Ismailis for their individual communities.. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session. Present in the audience was His Excellency Dr Khaled Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Office of Civilisation and Promotion of Human Values, Presidential Court, who was himself once a student of Dr Daftary.
Another highlight of the week was a panel discussion entitled Contours of Continuity and Change, featuring IIS Research Associate and Ismaili Heritage Coordinator Dr Fayaz Alibhai, alongside Dr Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, and Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The panel explored AKDN cultural heritage projects in Mali, India, and Syria as poignant case studies of how identity is both rooted and dynamic. Speakers discussed the importance of community, purpose and identity, and how continuity requires change and adaptation. They reminded the audience that heritage is not simply about preserving the past but about engaging with the present and imagining the future.
IIS also hosted a special event entitled Tradition Meets Tomorrow, which brought together supporters, institutional leaders, and graduates of The Institute’s postgraduate programmes. The event opened with a welcome address from Shakeel Ahmed Shah, President of the Asian Chapter Group of IIS Alumni and featured opening remarks by Naguib Kheraj, Coordinator of the IIS Board of Governors, and a keynote address by Professor Zayn Kassam, Director of IIS. Following these remarks, a conversation was held with Shehzad Roy, renowned singer, producer, and education reform advocate. Moderated by Jazzmin Jiwa, the conversation explored how the arts can advance social justice and catalyse meaningful change. The gathering reflected The Institute’s commitment to sustaining lasting relationships with alumni and supporters around the world.
IIS presence at the Global Encounters Festival underscored The Institute’s ongoing commitment to making knowledge inclusive, engaging, and relevant, supporting learners of all ages to connect with the past, nurture the present, and shape the future.
