The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Nizari Ismailis in the countries and regions in which they are established, characterised by the Aga Khan IV as 'ambassadorial buildings'. Each building is architecturally unique and functions as a jamatkhana (place of worship), but also incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation. They facilitate mutual exchange and seek to foster understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. Collectively and individually, the Centres represent the Nizari Ismaili community’s intellectual and spiritual understanding of Islam, as well as the community’s social conscience, outlook and attitude towards the societies in which it lives.
Locations
Ismaili Centres have been established in London (1985), Vancouver (1985), Lisbon (1998), Dubai (2008), Dushanbe (2009), and Toronto (2014). One more is planned for Houston.
Ismaili centres-
Ismaili Centre, London.
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Ismaili Centre, Vancouver.
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Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.
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Ismaili Centre, Dubai
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Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
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Ismaili Centre, Toronto
References
- Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Authority without Territory: The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamate (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), p. 137.
- ^ "About the Ismaili Centres". The Ismaili. Archived from the original on 17 August 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Authority without Territory: The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamate (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), pp. 183-84.
- "Ismaili Centre Toronto" (PDF). The Ismaili. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 April 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- "About the Ismaili Centre, London". Archived from the original on 2013-12-30. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
- The ismaili centre, Dushanbe — Fact Sheet, The Ismaili.
External links
- Official site of the Ismaili Centres
- The Ismaili Centre, Dubai - Press release, photos and video relating to the opening
- The Ismaili Centre, Toronto - an article about the project, including renderings