Yaa Ali Madad

Welcome To Ismaili One Blog – Unity Amongst Ismaili

Ismailiworld – Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com

Episode 1: Saturday 15th Sept at 1430 GMT; Repeated: Sat 15th at 2130, Sunday 16th at 0430 & 0930 and Monday 17th at 0130 (Not Asia Pacific or South Asia) All times GMT.

Episode 2: Saturday 22nd Sept at 1430 GMT; Repeated: Sat 22nd at 2130, Sunday 23rd at 0430 & 0930 and Monday 24th at 0130 (Not Asia Pacific or South Asia) All times GMT.

Episode 3: Saturday 29th Sept at 1430 GMT; Repeated: Sat 29th at 2130, Sunday 30th at 0430 & 0930 and Monday 1st October at 0130 (Not Asia Pacific or South Asia) All times GMT.

Episode 4: Saturday 6 October at 1430 GMT ; Repeated: Sat 6 October at 2130, Sunday 7 October at 0430 & 0930 and Monday 8th October at 0130 (Not Asia Pacific or South Asia) All times GMT.

Aga Khan Announces Major Development Projects in East Africa

On a three week tour of East Africa, His Highness the Aga Khan launched several major development projects in the region, including Uganda’s largest hydroelectric power project and an Aga Khan Academy in the country; the creation of the East African Community’s first regional university to be based in Arusha, Tanzania; and the establishment of Aga Khan University’s Faculty of Health Sciences for East Africa in Nairobi. His Highness was also awarded several state honours for his 50 years of development efforts in the region. For more information, including speeches, photographs and videos, please see the
East Africa press page.

Aga Khan Music Initiative’s 2007 North
American Tour: October 19 – November 9

Seventeen musicians from Central Asia are going on tour in 11 North American cities beginning October 12, 2007. The tour, “Spiritual Sounds of Central Asia: Nomads, Mystics, and Troubadours,” will provide North American audiences with a rare opportunity to hear music from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Qaraqalpakstan (an autonomous region in Uzbekistan). Artists includes legendary Azerbaijani vocalist Alim Qasimov and his daughter Fargana; uty of the female voice; and the Badakhshan Ensemble, which performs trance-inducing mystical songs from the majestic Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Three new CD-DVD releases produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution are also being released. For more information, please see 2007 North American
tour press release and tour itinerary.

Ismailiworld – Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com

Heritage Discovery Programme

The Heritage Discovery Programme (HDP) is an international Golden Jubilee initiative that facilitates travel and learning, explores heritage and history, and nurtures frontierless brotherhood and ambassadorial skills among young Ismailis.

Participants will be brought together from various parts of the world for a unique intellectual and physical journey, with the aim of enhancing their awareness of the Jamat’s diverse heritage and traditions. It is envisaged that the HDP experience will enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of the Institution of Imamat as well as its historical and contemporary initiatives, including some of the most renowned projects of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Participants will visit diverse Muslim settings wherein the expressive interaction between faith and society, and culture and identity, reinforces the notion of din (faith) and dunya (world) being inseparable. Bridging theoretical learning with field experience, HDP is sure to enhance participants’ personal and intellectual growth.

Cairo, Egypt. Aerial view over Al-Azhar Park showing the restored Ayyubid City Wall and the area development of Darb al-Ahmar on the right.
Photo: AKTC/Gary Otte

Launched during the Golden Jubilee year, HDP is envisaged to become an ongoing programme. The first cycle will accommodate up to 140 members of the Ismaili community (also known as the Jamat) globally.

The word “heritage” tends to evoke images of museums, historic sites, traditional architecture and antiquities. But in addition to these, heritage is also a contemporary idea in that, what we build today becomes heritage tomorrow. Hence, through our contemporary work, we are continuously shaping the heritage of future generations. This process, of linking the past to the present and of building for future generations, characterises many of the initiatives of the Ismaili Imamat.

Delhi, India. The restoration of the Gardens of Humayun’s Tomb was completed by AKTC in 2003 and included the work on the gardens, water channels and fountains.
Photo: AKTC/Gary Otte

Programme Overview

The Programme is designed for young professionals between the ages of 25-35 years and consists of four components:

• Pre-reading – Required readings will provide a foundation for understanding the context, ethical underpinnings and impact of specific institutional projects;
• Facilitated Travel – This will involve visits to historic monuments, heritage sites and AKDN projects, providing participants with perspectives on historic and contemporary initiatives of the Jamat and the Imamat, and their impact on Muslim communities and wider society;
• Jamati Presentation and Final Project – Having internalised the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of Imamat initiatives, and having experienced some of the diversity and pluralism of the Muslim world, participants will be expected to apply their learning and share their experiences with members of the Jamat;
• Alumni Network – HDP will provide an opportunity to network and establish lifelong friendships with Ismailis from different traditions and cultures.

Masyaf, Syria. The Citadel of Masyaf, an Ismaili stronghold, was built upon a natural limestone hill, rising above the town and surrounding plane.
Photo: AKTC/Gary Otte

Application Cycles and Forms

Applications for 2007-2008 are being accepted from 15 September 2007 to 15 October 2007. For detailed application information and access to application forms, please click here.

Online applications require registration codes. These and paper application forms can be obtained at Jamatkhana and through your local Council.

Deadline for applications: 15 October 2007 (on-line or hard copy).

Who can apply?

The Heritage Discovery Programme is open to any individual who:

• Was born between 15 September 1972 and 15 October 1982
• Has a good command of written and spoken English
• Is available for pre-travel and post-travel activities, as may be required
• Is available to travel abroad without restriction from 12- 30 March 2008
• Demonstrates the passion and commitment to learning about Ismaili history and heritage as well as the contemporary initiatives of the Imamat and the willingness to share his/her learning with the Jamat and others

Please note: additional criteria may apply to select the best candidates for this programme

Contact Us

For further information and answers to common questions, click here.

DISCLAIMER: For your convenience, we have provided hypertext links to the Heritage Discovery Programme (HDP) website. The Programme and the HDP website is owned and managed by Celebrations Global Limited (CGL). The Programme and HDP website is not in any way approved, checked, edited or vetted by Islamic Publications Limited (IPL). IPL shall not be liable in any way for the content of the Programme or the HDP website or for any dealings that you may have with these, or the consequences of such dealings, with CGL as a third party site operator. In particular, you agree that any dealings you have with CGL as a third party site operator shall be on the terms and conditions of CGL.

Ismailiworld – Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com

FOCUS News Update July 2007 PAKISTAN Helping affected families of Cyclone Yemyn in Keti Bunder Cyclone Yemyn hit Pakistan’s coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan bringing incessant rain, winds and flooding and resulted in considerable loss of lives. Over half a million people were also affected. FOCUS Pakistan and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS) jointly conducted an immediate needs assessment, providing help in the form of food and non food relief items as well as temporary shelter to approximately 2,400 people. The District Nazim (mayor) of Thatta lauded the efforts of FOCUS and AKPBS and committed his support to relief programmes, including building additional homes and the rapid restoration of water supplies and electricity in the area. Both FOCUS and AKPBS will assist rehabilitation efforts by continuing to provide emergency food packages, building materials and specialised assistance respectively. All three thousand people were saved due the timely actions of FOCUS-trained community volunteers Community volunteers help in Sonoghore Village Sonoghore village in Pakistan’s North Western district of Chitral, was hit by a glacier break resulting in mud-flow which destroyed houses, fields and livestock. All three thousand people were saved due the timely actions of FOCUS-trained community volunteers. Under FOCUS’ hazard preparation programmes, the local team – including FOCUS’ regional Search and Rescue team – along with community members had previously established an evacuation route to ensure communities reached a safe location. In collaboration with local government, FOCUS provided food, kitchen items, tents, and blankets to families and is currently undertaking a detailed area risk assessment to help reduce future risk. TAJIKISTAN Harnessing its own expertise in the Gorno Badakhshan region, FOCUS will assist Oxfam’s disaster risk reduction activities in eastern Khatlon FOCUS and Oxfam Collaborate in Disaster Reduction Activities and Provides Expertise to Mission East and Oxfam FOCUS and Oxfam Great Britain (Oxfam) have signed an agreement to collaborate under the their respective DIPECHO 2007-2008 grants to share geographic information system (GIS) services. Harnessing its own expertise in the Gorno Badakhshan region, FOCUS will assist Oxfam’s disaster risk reduction activities in eastern Khatlon. In addition, FOCUS conducted training on geographic information system (GIS) theory and field application including the use of GPS to Mission East and Oxfam staff to further their respective DIPECHO activities. Okmamad Debris Flow The village of Okmamad, in Badakhshan, is faced with the constant threat of mudslides and rockfall from mudflows brought on by rain or melting snow. FOCUS targeted this vulnerable village for intervention under the second phase of the “Fostering Disaster Resilient Communities in Isolated Mountain Environments” project, funded by the European Union’s DIPECHO programme. FOCUS geologists, social mobilizers and engineers conducted a comprehensive risk assessment and built a channel to retain debris. A test of the community’s resilience came in late June, when community members heard the rumble of a debris flow. They reinforced the sides of the channel so that debris would remain in the channel thereby preventing a potential disaster. Ayombek Pallaev, a member of the community’s disaster response team, noted that FOCUS made the community members feel that “[somebody] is taking care of us, and we are not alone.” Heavy rains triggered a severe mudflow in the village of Shikev in the Darwaz District of Badakhshan in late July Mudflow in Darwaz Heavy rains triggered a severe mudflow in the village of Shikev in the Darwaz District of Badakhshan in late July. As a result, a car bridge on the Khorog-Dushanbe road was shifted by almost a meter off its original position and several homes were destroyed. A joint assessment by the Government and Committee of Emergency Situations (CoES) of Badakhshan and FOCUS resulted in affected households being temporarily relocated with neighbours. FOCUS, in coordination with the Government and CoES, initiated relief efforts by providing food, tents and other emergency supplies to families. The FOCUS team also recommended the reconstruction of the damaged water channel to support the rehabilitation of 200 hectares of impacted arable land. DIPECHO Team Trains Youth to Become Community Assets August 2007 saw the completion of twenty-two disaster awareness training sessions for young individuals conducted throughout Badakhshan. FOCUS’ DIPECHO team held invigorating workshops for youth participants on disaster awareness and preparedness, presenting modules on natural disasters most prevalent in Badakhshan and conducting interactive question-answer sessions to review knowledge. An important objective of the camp was to ensure that youth were able to pass critical learning on to their families and communities. The 2007 DIPECHO training sessions will reach over 1,500 children and many more family and community members. USA Internship Programme 2007 Four interns from across the USA were selected to participate in the annual Internship Programme under the auspices of FOCUS USA and the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for USA. During the eight week programme, interns assisted in FOCUS programming at the Tajikistan field offices. They also took the unique opportunity to enrich their understanding of the cultures and lifestyle of communities in Tajikistan. Heavy monsoon rains pounded the State of Gujarat in India in July, claiming at least 14 lives and displacing over 40,000 people INDIA Gujarat – A Constant Flood Victim Heavy monsoon rains pounded the State of Gujarat in India in July, claiming at least 14 lives and displacing over 40,000 people. Following a flood alert and a call to the army for rescue operations, FOCUS assisted the local community in relocating families to the city of Jamnagar and provided immediate relief supplies. According to local reports, the torrential downpours disrupted road, railway traffic and power supply in over 2,100 villages. The farming communities of Kodiyar nagar, Jivapar and Dodhiya suffered severe economic losses as top soil on their agricultural land had eroded and homes were flooded up to four feet. The village of Chogut near Bhavnagar was totally submerged and villagers had to take refuge on rooftops with more permanent structures due to the collapse of existing mud houses. The residents of Chogut were eventually brought to safety by community volunteers from Bhavnagar who were assisted by local government authorities. Every year, communities all over Gujarat incur economic losses due to damage to property or livelihoods. Aga Khan Development Network agencies such as Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Planning and Building Services and Focus Humanitarian Assistance offered immediate assistance to the affected communities. A collaborative detailed assessment is currently being conducted to provide relief and longer-term resilience measures.

Ismailiworld – Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to East Africa

Thursday, 23 August 2007

In a day filled with anticipation and emotion, murids gathered at the Darkhana Jamatkhana of Kampala, for the Golden Jubilee Darbar. On this occasion, Yusuf Karmali, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Jamat.

After 12 days, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to East Africa drew to a close. Leaders of the Ugandan Jamat gathered at Entebbe airport to bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam, after an inspiring, joyous and historic Golden Jubilee visit to East Africa.

Wednesday, 22 August 2007

Situated in Munyonyo, the awe-inspiring lakeside location of the future Aga Khan Academy, Kampala, provided a picturesque venue for the foundation stone-laying ceremony that Mawlana Hazar Imam attended this morning, together with His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, and other dignitaries. Amongst the guests that Mawlana Hazar Imam met were the donor of the site on which the school will be built, Uganda’s world champion of the 3000-metre steeplechase, as well as other high achievers and athletes from Uganda.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

Arriving by helicopter, Mawlana Hazar Imam began the day in Jinja (some 80 kilometres from the capital, Kampala) at the site of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Project. The Imam was joined by his brother, Prince Amyn, and his son, Prince Rahim, for a colourful ceremony set on the banks of the Nile and officiated by His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda. In his remarks, Mawlana Hazar Imam explained the notion of a “Complementary Agenda”, whereby environmental goals and economic goals are pursued simultaneously. In this respect, Hazar Imam noted the importance of developing reliable, renewable, and cost-effective sources of “clean” energy for sustainable development not only in Uganda, but “everywhere in the world”.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

In the evening, the Jamati Institutions of Uganda hosted a dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Monday, 20 August 2007

During the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew back to Dar es Salaam, where the Imam hosted a dinner in honour of the President of Tanzania. Among the evening’s highlights was a performance by the renowned Tanzanian musician, Sal Davies, who sang a melodious tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee and as an expression of gratitude for the Imam’s work and continued efforts to improve quality of life for Tanzanians of all backgrounds. Following the dinner, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew back to Kampala.

Sunday, 19 August 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam departed for Uganda, continuing his Golden Jubilee tour of East Africa. Upon arriving at Entebbe Airport, Hazar Imam was welcomed by Martin Aliker, Advisor to the President of Uganda; Yusuf Karmali, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda; and Mahmood Ahmed, the AKDN Resident Representative of Uganda. Persistent rainfall did little to dampen the spirits of hundreds of Jamati members who had gathered at the airport to welcome Hazar Imam. Loud cheering filled the air when the Imam’s plane landed. And, as the motorcade left the airport, Mawlana Hazar Imam waved continuously to the overjoyed and cheering crowd.

> Click here to see images of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Uganda
> Click here to see videos of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Uganda

Mawlana Hazar Imam then made a courtesy call to His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda at State House, after which the Imam was hosted by the Government of Uganda at an official luncheon.

Saturday, 18 August 2007

In the morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew to Zanzibar, where he was received by Hon. Dr. Mwinyihaji Makame, Zanibar’s Minister of State Planning and Finance. A ceremonial Guard of Honour and live performance of the Nashid al Imamah by the Police Band, welcomed Mawlana Imam, followed by a spectacle of cultural dances and musical performances.

At a State luncheon hosted in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Excellency President Amani Abeid Karume of Zanzibar presented the Imam with a traditional Zanzibar chest. In expressing his gratitude for the Government’s warm reception, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented that he hoped the future would bring increased collaboration between the Government of Zanzibar and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam returned to Dar es Salaam and met with His Excellency President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania at State House, where an official collection of commemorative postage stamps, marking the Imam’s Golden Jubilee, were formally unveiled. In the evening, President Kikwete hosted a State dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Friday, 17 August 2007

Today, thousands of murids gathered in Dar es Salaam and were graced with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Holy Deedar. On this occasion, Zahir Jivani, President of the Ismaili Council for Tanzania, submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Jamat.

During the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Jamati Institutions of Tanzania. In the Imam’s presence, Ismaili children performed traditional Tanzanian and South Asian dances, representing some of the cultures within the Tanzanian Jamat. On behalf of the Jamati Institutions of Tanzania, President Jivani presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam a token gift consisting of a Masai family carved from a single piece of ebony – symbolizing the Jamat’s unity and brotherhood.

Thursday, 16 August 2007

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dar es Salaam, (Haven of Peace), to commemorate the Golden Jubilee year with his Tanzania Jamat. Mawlana Hazar Imam was welcomed at the Julius K. Nyerere International Airport by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Joseph James Mungai, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN, together with hundreds of members of the Jamat. He received a salute by a ceremonial Guard of Honour, while the Tanzania Army band played the Nashid al Imamah. Traditional Ngoma dances and a performance staged by Ismaili children rounded off this memorable welcome to Tanzania.

> Click here to see images of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Tanzania
> Click here to see videos of Mawlana Hazair Imam in Tanzania

Mawlana Hazar Imam paid a courtesy call on the Vice-President, His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein at the State House. The streets of Dar es Salaam were lined with numerous well wishers welcoming the Imam to Tanzania.

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Today, in a day eagerly anticipated, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the first Darbar of the Golden Jubilee year, in Nairobi, Kenya. In a gathering of thousands of murids, the Jamat of Kenya was joined by others from across the world. On this occasion, President Zul Abdul of the Ismaili Council for Kenya submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Kenya Jamat.

This evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner reception hosted by the Jamati Institutions in Kenya.

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Mombasa for the day and was greeted by hundreds of members of the Jamat at the airport. He attended a ceremony commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Madrasa Early Childhood Education Programme, which was initiated during the Silver Jubilee year. In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam together with Professor Saitoti, Kenyan Minister for Education, laid the foundation of the Residential Campus of the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

This evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a Banquet in honour of His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya. Numerous Government Ministers and senior Diplomats also attended this event.

Monday, 13 August 2007

Continuing his East African visit, this morning Mawlana Hazar Imam met with His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya at the State House.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

During the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam and Professor Saitoti, Kenyan Minister of Education formally launched the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Aga Khan University.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

This evening, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya hosted a State Banquet in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam at the State House. During the event, President Kibaki bestowed Mawlana Hazar Imam with Kenya’s highest medal of honour, The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. He paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s leadership and commended the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. In receiving the award, Mawlana Hazar Imam acknowledged the support of the Government of Kenya in the various projects of the AKDN in Kenya.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

Sunday, 12 August 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived today in Kenya for a tour of East Africa; his first official visit of the Golden Jubilee. He will be visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, at the invitation of the respective governments. He was met at the airport by Honourable Raphael Tuju, Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and leaders of the AKDN and the Jamat in Kenya. Hundreds of members of the Jamat, filled with eagerness and excitement gathered at the airport and lined the streets around the Darkhana Jamatkhana to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam to the country on this happy occasion.

> Click here to see images of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Kenya
> Click here to see videos of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Kenya

Scource: theIsmaili.org

Ismailiworld – Be Unite
ismailiworld@gmail.com

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to East Africa

Thursday, 23 August 2007

In a day filled with anticipation and emotion, murids gathered at the Darkhana Jamatkhana of Kampala, for the Golden Jubilee Darbar. On this occasion, Yusuf Karmali, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda, submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Jamat.

After 12 days, Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to East Africa drew to a close. Leaders of the Ugandan Jamat gathered at Entebbe airport to bid farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam, after an inspiring, joyous and historic Golden Jubilee visit to East Africa.

Wednesday, 22 August 2007

Situated in Munyonyo, the awe-inspiring lakeside location of the future Aga Khan Academy, Kampala, provided a picturesque venue for the foundation stone-laying ceremony that Mawlana Hazar Imam attended this morning, together with His Excellency Professor Gilbert Bukenya, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, and other dignitaries. Amongst the guests that Mawlana Hazar Imam met were the donor of the site on which the school will be built, Uganda’s world champion of the 3000-metre steeplechase, as well as other high achievers and athletes from Uganda.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

Tuesday, 21 August 2007

Arriving by helicopter, Mawlana Hazar Imam began the day in Jinja (some 80 kilometres from the capital, Kampala) at the site of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Project. The Imam was joined by his brother, Prince Amyn, and his son, Prince Rahim, for a colourful ceremony set on the banks of the Nile and officiated by His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda. In his remarks, Mawlana Hazar Imam explained the notion of a “Complementary Agenda”, whereby environmental goals and economic goals are pursued simultaneously. In this respect, Hazar Imam noted the importance of developing reliable, renewable, and cost-effective sources of “clean” energy for sustainable development not only in Uganda, but “everywhere in the world”.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

In the evening, the Jamati Institutions of Uganda hosted a dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Monday, 20 August 2007

During the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew back to Dar es Salaam, where the Imam hosted a dinner in honour of the President of Tanzania. Among the evening’s highlights was a performance by the renowned Tanzanian musician, Sal Davies, who sang a melodious tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee and as an expression of gratitude for the Imam’s work and continued efforts to improve quality of life for Tanzanians of all backgrounds. Following the dinner, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew back to Kampala.

Sunday, 19 August 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam departed for Uganda, continuing his Golden Jubilee tour of East Africa. Upon arriving at Entebbe Airport, Hazar Imam was welcomed by Martin Aliker, Advisor to the President of Uganda; Yusuf Karmali, President of the Ismaili Council for Uganda; and Mahmood Ahmed, the AKDN Resident Representative of Uganda. Persistent rainfall did little to dampen the spirits of hundreds of Jamati members who had gathered at the airport to welcome Hazar Imam. Loud cheering filled the air when the Imam’s plane landed. And, as the motorcade left the airport, Mawlana Hazar Imam waved continuously to the overjoyed and cheering crowd.

> Click here to see images of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Uganda
> Click here to see videos of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Uganda

Mawlana Hazar Imam then made a courtesy call to His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda at State House, after which the Imam was hosted by the Government of Uganda at an official luncheon.

Saturday, 18 August 2007

In the morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam flew to Zanzibar, where he was received by Hon. Dr. Mwinyihaji Makame, Zanibar’s Minister of State Planning and Finance. A ceremonial Guard of Honour and live performance of the Nashid al Imamah by the Police Band, welcomed Mawlana Imam, followed by a spectacle of cultural dances and musical performances.

At a State luncheon hosted in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Excellency President Amani Abeid Karume of Zanzibar presented the Imam with a traditional Zanzibar chest. In expressing his gratitude for the Government’s warm reception, Mawlana Hazar Imam commented that he hoped the future would bring increased collaboration between the Government of Zanzibar and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam returned to Dar es Salaam and met with His Excellency President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania at State House, where an official collection of commemorative postage stamps, marking the Imam’s Golden Jubilee, were formally unveiled. In the evening, President Kikwete hosted a State dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Friday, 17 August 2007

Today, thousands of murids gathered in Dar es Salaam and were graced with Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Holy Deedar. On this occasion, Zahir Jivani, President of the Ismaili Council for Tanzania, submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Jamat.

During the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by the Jamati Institutions of Tanzania. In the Imam’s presence, Ismaili children performed traditional Tanzanian and South Asian dances, representing some of the cultures within the Tanzanian Jamat. On behalf of the Jamati Institutions of Tanzania, President Jivani presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam a token gift consisting of a Masai family carved from a single piece of ebony – symbolizing the Jamat’s unity and brotherhood.

Thursday, 16 August 2007

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dar es Salaam, (Haven of Peace), to commemorate the Golden Jubilee year with his Tanzania Jamat. Mawlana Hazar Imam was welcomed at the Julius K. Nyerere International Airport by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Joseph James Mungai, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN, together with hundreds of members of the Jamat. He received a salute by a ceremonial Guard of Honour, while the Tanzania Army band played the Nashid al Imamah. Traditional Ngoma dances and a performance staged by Ismaili children rounded off this memorable welcome to Tanzania.

> Click here to see images of Mawlana Hazar Imam in Tanzania
> Click here to see videos of Mawlana Hazair Imam in Tanzania

Mawlana Hazar Imam paid a courtesy call on the Vice-President, His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein at the State House. The streets of Dar es Salaam were lined with numerous well wishers welcoming the Imam to Tanzania.

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Today, in a day eagerly anticipated, Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the first Darbar of the Golden Jubilee year, in Nairobi, Kenya. In a gathering of thousands of murids, the Jamat of Kenya was joined by others from across the world. On this occasion, President Zul Abdul of the Ismaili Council for Kenya submitted a loyalty address on behalf of the Kenya Jamat.

This evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner reception hosted by the Jamati Institutions in Kenya.

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to Mombasa for the day and was greeted by hundreds of members of the Jamat at the airport. He attended a ceremony commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Madrasa Early Childhood Education Programme, which was initiated during the Silver Jubilee year. In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam together with Professor Saitoti, Kenyan Minister for Education, laid the foundation of the Residential Campus of the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

This evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a Banquet in honour of His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya. Numerous Government Ministers and senior Diplomats also attended this event.

Monday, 13 August 2007

Continuing his East African visit, this morning Mawlana Hazar Imam met with His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya at the State House.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

During the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam and Professor Saitoti, Kenyan Minister of Education formally launched the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Aga Khan University.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

This evening, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya hosted a State Banquet in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam at the State House. During the event, President Kibaki bestowed Mawlana Hazar Imam with Kenya’s highest medal of honour, The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. He paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s leadership and commended the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. In receiving the award, Mawlana Hazar Imam acknowledged the support of the Government of Kenya in the various projects of the AKDN in Kenya.

> Click here for related material on the AKDN website

Sunday, 12 August 2007

Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived today in Kenya for a tour of East Africa; his first official visit of the Golden Jubilee. He will be visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, at the invitation of the respective governments. He was met at the airport by Honourable Raphael Tuju, Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and leaders of the AKDN and the Jamat in Kenya. Hundreds of members of the Jamat, filled with eagerness and excitement gathered at the airport and lined the streets around the Darkhana Jamatkhana to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam to the country on this happy occasion.

The Golden Jubilee Emblem
O mankind ! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multiple of men and women

ismailiworld@gmail.com

Ismailiworld – Be Unite ismailiworld@gmail.com

Ismailiworld – Be Unite ismailiworld@gmail.com

Ismailiworld – Be Unite ismailiworld@gmail.com