This episode of Voices of IIS features Dr Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Associate Professor and Interim Head of Constituency Studies at The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS). In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, he discusses his unconventional journey from studying mathematics in Iran to becoming a scholar of Ismaili philosophy.
The episode traces his early encounter with an IIS graduate in his hometown, which sparked a lifelong dream to join IIS. Dr Mohammad Poor recalls his circuitous route through student visas, college courses, translation work, and the encyclopaedia project, before establishing himself at IIS. He also reflects on his family’s generations-deep tradition of community service, and how this legacy shaped his sense of purpose.
He speaks candidly about what IIS means to him as both an intellectual and spiritual home. The conversation explores the Ismaili Imam’s vision of balancing faith and intellect, the influence of Professor Mohammad Arkoun on his thinking, his teaching philosophy, and his ongoing effort to construct a unified, methodologically coherent narrative of Ismaili philosophy. The episode closes with reflections on calligraphy, music, family, and a live Sitar performance.
Topics discussed in this episode
- Journey from studying mathematics in Iran to IIS
- Early inspiration from an IIS graduate in his hometown
- Arriving in the UK and beginning work with IIS
- Translation work and the encyclopaedia project
- Family legacy of community service
- What IIS means to him personally and professionally
- The Ismaili Imam’s vision of balancing faith and intellect
- Current research in Ismaili philosophy
- Influence of Professor Mohammad Arkoun
- Building a unified narrative of Ismaili philosophy
- Critical rationalism as a method
- Upcoming publications and papers
- Calligraphy, music, family, and personal inspiration
- Live Sitar performance
