Voices of IIS

Dr Farhad Daftary, Director Emeritus and Governor of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, reflects on the personal and intellectual journey that led him from economics to becoming one of the most influential scholars in Shiʿi and Ismaili studies. He speaks about his family connection to the Aga Khan lineage, his early encounters with modern Ismaili scholarship, the turning points that shaped his career, and the growth of the field over the past six decades. He also shares advice for younger scholars, reflects on the legacy of his work, and offers a glimpse into his current research.Chapter Breakdown:[0:00] Introduction & Guest Background[1:41] Family Roots & Early Interest in Ismaili History[4:10] Discovering Ismaili Studies at Berkeley[7:17] From Economics to Scholarship[9:00] The Iranian Revolution & A New Direction[12:02] Early Writing, Research & Academic Validation[13:41] Discovering IIS & First Encounters in London[17:01] Joining The Institute of Ismaili Studies[19:30] Publishing Foundational Works in the Field[20:32] How Ismaili Studies Has Evolved[25:52] Advice for Students & Early Career Scholars[28:04] Reflections on Legacy & Scholarly Contribution[29:53] A Personal Passion for Piano[31:48] Current Research on Hasan Sabbah[34:42] Closing Reflections

Dr Amier Saidula reflects on his journey from a State Prosecutor in China to a Senior Research Associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. He speaks about his multicultural upbringing in Kashgar, his career in law, and the unexpected path that brought him to IIS. After more than two decades researching Muslims in China, particularly the Ismaili community, he found renewed purpose and a platform for his voice. Chapter Breakdown: [0:00] Introduction & Guest Background [1:07] Early Life in Kashgar & Family Heritage [2:58] Mother's Influence & Early Writing [5:29] University Success & Legal Career Launch [7:48] Life as a State Prosecutor [9:36] Career Advancement & Glass Ceiling [13:52] Discovery of IIS & Seven-Year Journey [16:39] Serendipitous Connections to IIS [20:02] Arrival in London & the Graduate Programme [21:31] Becoming a Research Associate [22:36] Most Meaningful Achievement: Finding His Voice [24:08] Languages & What He Loves About His Work [26:32] Upcoming Projects: Monographs & Documentary [27:24] Closing Remarks

In this episode of Voices of IIS, Dr. Toby Mayer reflects on his two-decade journey at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. With a half-Indian, half-English heritage, he pursued his undergraduate degree in Indian Studies at Cambridge before transitioning to medieval Arabic thought at Oxford. He discusses his forthcoming work on al-Shahrastani's esoteric Quranic commentary, which seeks to bridge Eastern and Western intellectual traditions while exploring the rational and mystical dimensions of Islamic thought.00:00 Introduction 00:51 Indian Studies and what drew him to the field01:05 Gap year experience working in India02:10 Transition from Indian Studies to Arabic and Islamic studies03:52 Personal encounters with Sufism and Islamic thought04:49 Languages and working with medieval texts05:54 Joining IIS and two decades of work06:15 Memorable conferences and collaborations07:57 The 2019 Esoteric Cultures of Scripture conference08:21 Working with the late Professor Madelung09:42 Teaching in the Graduate Programme10:12 IIS's unique approach to Quranic studies11:31 Forthcoming esoteric texts series12:15 Current work on Shahristan's Quran commentary13:25 Bridge-building between East and West, modernity and tradition15:18 Personal interests in music, art, and human expression16:19 Closing thoughts and gratitude

In this episode of Voices of IIS, Dr Najam Abbas reflects on his two-decade journey at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Born in New Delhi, he pursued his studies across Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, along a multilingual and transregional academic path. He discusses his pivotal work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, which seeks to enhance access to knowledge of Persian and Central Asian Islamic traditions for English-language audiences."00:00 Introduction to Najam Abbas02:15 Early life in Delhi and family background05:40 Academic journey and studying economics09:10 Moving to Pakistan and further studies13:30 Joining the Institute of Ismaili Studies17:05 Research interests and key projects21:20 Reflections on teaching and mentorship25:45 The role of family and community29:10 Challenges and lessons learned33:00 Vision for the future of IIS36:20 Advice for young scholars39:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Russell Harris is celebrating twelve years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Kassam-Ramji as they discuss how music shaped his outlook on life and languages, as well as how he curates his work in and beyond the Institute.00:00 Meet Russell Harris03:05 Discovering ‘world’ music04:56 Opera in New York08:26 Returning to London11:54 The Aga Khan Centre13:55 Visiting ‘Fatimid’ Cairo16:00 Speaking and singing Arabic19:09 Curious curating23:06 Highlights at IIS25:05 Upcoming projects

Dr Fayaz Alibhai is celebrating 21 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss the importance of continued heritage and exploration through the Ismaili Heritage Project. 00:00 Meet Dr Fayaz Alibhai 00:50 Studying at the IIS 03:17 The Ismaili Heritage Project 10:48 Visiting sites 12:52 Alamut 14:39 The Bibi Fatima hot spring 17:14 The Palace of Nations 18:39 Sites and Stories (and Studies)

Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Dr Shah-Kazemi's understanding of Divine Unity and how he applies that to his work as an editor and researcher, his work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, and his connection to nature. 00:00 Meet Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi 00:46 Joining the IIS 08:17 Speaking multiple languages 09:29 The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia 15:57 Spiritual life

Joy Johnson is celebrating 34 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Joy’s passion for people, travel, and storytelling. 00:00 Meet Joy Johnson 01:24 Joining the IIS 03:45 Choose how you live 05:04 Highlights at the IIS 06:47 Aga Khan Centre tours 08:34 The joy of reading 09:54 Lessons in travel

Alnoor Nathani is celebrating 30 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Alnoor’s passion for art and design and how he brings that to the IIS’ ta’lim (curriculum). 00:00 Meet Alnoor Nathani 00:50 Joining the IIS 05:47 The IIS Digital Curriculum 08:25 Career highlights 11:29 Raising the bar (and keeping it there) 12:59 IIS’s 40th Anniversary 14:20 Islamic Art

Dr Shainool Jiwa is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they remember how Dr Jiwa got started in the Institute, what inspired her to study the Fatimid Empire (909-1171 CE) and how she brings Islamic studies to a wider audience today.

Shah Hussain, currently a librarian with the Aga Khan Library, has been with The Institute of Ismaili Studies for 20 years. Join host Selina Ramji as they recount his life in Chitral, Pakistan, joining IIS as a graduate student, and the importance of libraries, today.

Dr Shiraz Kabani is celebrating 25 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they share how Dr Kabani got started with institutional work and what inspires him to continue reaching the Ismaili community. 

The Oral History Project, by the Ismaili Special Collections Unit of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, seeks to preserve the memories, experiences and stories of the members of the Ismaili communities across the world in their own voices. ⁠Learn more⁠.In this episode of Voices of History, we meet with two remarkable women, Bibi Afroze and Siramdam Begum, from Hunza in North Pakistan. They share their recollections of the hardships of growing up in an isolated mountain community in the mid-20th century, but with an appreciation for its unique traditions, festivities and a profound sense of unity and hope. They also share their memories of the first-ever visit of an Ismaili Imam to the region in 1960, which has transformed the trajectory of the region. As Bibi Afroze and Siramdam Begum were interviewed for the IIS Oral History Project in Burushaski, a language isolate spoken in Hunza, Nagar and Yasin valleys of North Pakistan. Click here to listen to the episode in Burushaski.

The Oral History Project, by the Ismaili Special Collections Unit of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, seeks to preserve the memories, experiences and stories of the members of the Ismaili communities across the world in their own voices. Learn more.In this episode of Voices of History, we meet with two remarkable women, Bibi Afroze and Siramdam Begum, from Hunza in North Pakistan. They share their recollections of the hardships of growing up in an isolated mountain community in the mid-20th century, but with an appreciation for its unique traditions, festivities and a profound sense of unity and hope. They also share their memories of the first-ever visit of an Ismaili Imam to the region in 1960, which has transformed the trajectory of the region. As Bibi Afroze and Siramdam Begum were interviewed for the IIS Oral History Project in Burushaski, a language isolate spoken in Hunza, Nagar and Yasin valleys of North Pakistan. Click here to listen to the episode in English.

The Oral History Project, by the Ismaili Special Collections Unit of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, seeks to preserve the memories, experiences and stories of the members of the Ismaili communities across the world in their own voices. Learn moreIn this episode, we’ll meet Dr Mohamed Keshavjee, a former governor of the Institute of Ismaili Studies and award-winning specialist in cross-cultural mediation. Dr Keshavjee shares his experience growing up in South Africa in the midst of the 'winds of change'. He also reflects on his experiences with His Highness Aga Khan IV and how that has influenced his life and work.Do you have a story to share with the IIS Oral History Project? If you want to share your memories, story of your family or story of an elder you know, please reach out to Oral History Project Coordinator Rizwan Karim at [email protected].

The Oral History Project, by the Ismaili Special Collections Unit of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, seeks to preserve the memories, experiences and stories of the members of the Ismaili communities across the world in their own voices.Learn more: https://www.iis.ac.uk/research-publications/research/ismaili-special-collections/oral-history-project/In this episode, we’ll meet Dr Farouk Topan, one of the founding faculty members of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London and a renowned scholar of Swahili literature. Dr Topan shares his experience growing up in Zanzibar, an eye-witness account of a significant event in the contemporary Ismaili history, travel to England for education and the formative days of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London. Do you have a story to share with the IIS Oral History Project? If you want to share your memories, story of your family or story of an elder you know, please reach out to Oral History Project Coordinator Rizwan Karim at [email protected].

Welcome to the IIS Alumni Voices Podcast. In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Professor Karim H. Karim, the inaugural IIS Alumni Recognition Award winner. Professor Karim shares insights into his early days at the IIS, his remarkable career journey, and much more. About the Alumni Recognition Programme Established in 2024, the Alumni Recognition Programme seeks to acknowledge IIS alumni who have demonstrated a career of exceptional service, professional leadership, and outstanding accomplishments. About Prof Karim H Karim Professor Karim has an extensive record of over three decades of scholarship, service, and leadership. His designation as Chancellor’s Professor is the highest honour given by Carleton University for scholarship of outstanding merit with substantial international impact, research leadership and continued active participation in the development of research excellence. Professor Karim has a worldwide reputation as a leading scholar of media representations of Muslims and diasporic communications. He has had visiting appointments at Harvard, Aga Khan, and Simon Fraser Universities. Professor Karim has delivered keynote addresses in several countries, and his critically acclaimed publications have been cited widely. He was the inaugural winner of the Robinson Book Prize and has received media coverage in six continents.