Research at IIS

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

Our research and publication activities are predominately housed in the Institute’s Department of Academic Research and Publications (DARP), currently headed by Professor Zayn Kassam.

Our approach

Our approach to research is interdisciplinary and civilisational, with a keen awareness of the range and diversity of societies and cultures in which Islam is practised today. In particular, IIS promotes research in marginalised areas of the study of Islam and its various interpretations, while also highlighting the plural heritages of Muslim communities. As part of our research mandate we offer doctoral scholarships in these areas, including the intellectual and literary expressions of Shi ‘i Islam, and its Ismaili traditions in particular.

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Central Asian Studies

Central Asian Studies Unit is engaged in research and documentation of the history and intellectual traditions of the Ismailis of Central Asia within the broader Islamic heritage of Central Asia.
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Constituency Studies

The Constituency Studies Unit is primarily a research unit focusing on the religious, social and moral needs and issues of the Ismaili community, or Jamat.
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Ismaili Heritage

The Ismaili Heritage Project focuses on the built heritage of the Ismaili community.
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Ismaili Special Collections

IIS holds a significant repository of special collections related to the heritage of Ismaili communities and that of other Muslim traditions.
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Ismaili Studies

IIS serves as the central point of reference for Ismaili studies while making its own contributions through various programmes of research and publications.
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Qur’anic Studies

The Qur’anic Studies Unit promotes our knowledge of the intellectual history of the Qur’an through research and publication.
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A mustard coloured carpet from 17th century with Nad e Ali calligraphy written in black in the shape of a lion

Shiʿi Studies

One of the most important aims of the Shiʿi Studies Unit is to enhance our understanding of the plurality of traditions within Shiʿi Islam in both its historical and contemporary contexts.
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South Asian Studies

The South Asian Studies Unit at IIS is an interdisciplinary unit promoting scholarship on the history, culture and traditions of Muslims in South Asia with particular reference to Shi’i Islam and its Ismaili traditions.
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Fellowships and Scholarships

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

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Islamic History and Thought Lecture Series

Designed to invite scholars of various international academic institutions, specialising in intellectual, social and political aspects of medieval and early modern Islamic societies, to present and discuss their research.

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Arabic and Islamic History Lecture Series

This series provides a platform for scholars from the Arab and Islamic world to present their research in Arabic in order to make knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

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Al Azhar mosque