The Fatimids 2: The Rule from Egypt

Shainool Jiwa charts the Fatimid expansion, the reasons behind its ultimate fall by the hand of Saladin, and the legacy that continues with the living Ismaili communities today.

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Aga Khan Library hosts UK work on Index Islamicus

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Index Islamicus volumes on a library shelf

New Exhibition Exploring Climate Change Opens at Aga Khan Centre Gallery

Aga Khan Centre Gallery’s Seeds, Trees & Mountains exhibition exploring issues around climate change was visited recently by Professor Kassam, Director of The Institute of Ismaili Studies.  

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Rituals of Muslim Women in South Asia: an Interview with Dr Sana Iqbal

Dr Sana Iqbal, a Research Associate at IIS working at the interface of South Asian studies, gender, and Islam, was recently awarded the second prize by the prestigious Rubina Saigol Research Award in Pakistan.

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Premiere of Islamic Heritage Past and Present video: Ismailis in History and Myth

A short film from the Ismaili Special Collections Unit and Department of Communications and Development premiered at the Aga Khan Centre.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Explore our publications

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

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Annemarie Schimmel Fellowship and Dissertation Writing Scholarship Open for Applications

The IIS is pleased to announce that applications for the Annemarie Schimmel Fellowship and the Dissertation Writing Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply for both is 31 May 2023. 

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In Memoriam: Professor Wilferd Madelung (1930-2023)

It is with great sadness that we note the death of our friend and colleague, noted scholar Professor Wilferd Madelung.

During his academic career, spanning more than 65 years, Professor Madelung made major contributions to many aspects of early and medieval Muslim history and thought.

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Wilferd Madelung

IIS Board Member Tashmin Khamis receives Award of Distinction from Aga Khan University

IIS Board Member Professor Tashmin Khamis recently received the Award of Distinction for Outstanding Service to Aga Khan University.

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Latest News

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22 May 2023

The Emergence of Shi‘i Sufism. Interview with author Alessandro Cancian

12 May 2023

Aga Khan Library hosts UK work on Index Islamicus

11 May 2023

In Memoriam: Professor Wilferd Madelung (1930-2023)

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