Voices Connected: Stories Across Generations is part of ongoing efforts at The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in intangible heritage stewardship through the Oral History Project (OHP), an initiative dedicated to documenting the contemporary history of Ismaili communities worldwide. Through documentary-style video podcasts, it brings together different generations of community members to explore sociocultural themes including sports, music, arts, and crafts. By preserving community memories and lived experiences, the series strengthens shared understanding of Ismaili heritage across generations and geographies.
Summits of Courage | Voices Connected - Episode 1
Summits of Courage
Voices Connected
Episode One: Summits of Courage
Released on International Mountain Day, 11 December, Summits of Courage celebrates the mountain cultures and communities of the Pamirs region. The episode features voices from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan, Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, and Tajik Badakhshan — mountaineers, trekkers, and outdoor leaders who reflect on the strength and solidarity that mountain environments inspire.
From Pakistan, celebrated mountaineers Ashraf Aman (first Pakistani to summit K2 in 1977), Nazir Sabir (first Pakistani to reach Mount Everest in 2000), Samina Baig (first Pakistani woman to summit Everest and complete the Seven Summits), and Sirbaz Khan (who has climbed more than twelve 8,000-metre peaks) share pioneering achievements that continue to inspire. From Afghan Badakhshan, Malang Darya brings the rich heritage of Pamiri mountaineering, having climbed major peaks including Noshaq and Koh-e-Lala. Safina Shohaydarova and and Furough Shakarmamadova two young mountain guides from Tajik Badakhshan, champion growing participation of women in mountain sports. Air Commodore (Retired) Naunehal Shah from Gilgit-Baltistan reflects on his leadership in the Ski Federation of Pakistan.
Together, their stories reveal shared values and mountain traditions that connect communities across remarkable landscapes.
