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Updates from theismaili.org

Syria visit
Monday, 25 August 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses a media gathering as Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Prime Minister, Muhammad Naji Al-Otri, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Al-Dardari.

Following the meetings, Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of an agreement by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Adib Mayaleh, to mark the launch of the First MicroFinance Institution (FMFI) in Syria. The FMFI is the first entity of its kind in the country. It will operate as a banking institution, while remaining focused on poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development in line with the mandate of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.

Thereafter, President Firoz Rasul of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Dr Maher Al-Husami, Minister of Health and Dr Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards further development of the healthcare sector in Syria. The agreement provides a basis for cooperation between AKU and Syria’s Ministry of Health in nursing education and hospital quality assurance.

Also see the related press release at the AKDN website.

Finally, an agreement was signed between the Governor of Damascus, Bishr Mazen Al-Sabban, and Mahmud Janmohamed, Managing Director of Tourism Promotion Services — an agency of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The agreement, which was ratified by the Minister of Tourism, Sadallah Agha Al-Qala, announces the investment of approximately $20 million towards the building of a five-star hotel through the preservation and restoration of four heritage buildings in Old Damascus.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister then shared a few remarks with the media assembled at the event. Hazar Imam spoke of the powerful opportunities that microcredit presents to the poor. “It is a resource which needs to be developed,” he said, “and I hope we will be able to expand the microcredit activities in Syria, to more and more people across the country, particularly in rural environments.”

Hazar Imam also spoke of the goals shared by AKDN and Syria in building institutional capacity in healthcare and education, noting that “institutions that teach best practices, measured in global terms, are critical for any country in the world.” He highlighted the agreement signed between the Aga Khan University and the Syrian ministries of Health and Higher Education as one that jointly seeks to address this area.

Remarking that “Islamic cultures have immense power and immense opportunity,” Hazar Imam pointed out that “it is up to us Muslims to illustrate those civilisations, those cultures of the past and present.” One way to do so, he noted is through the revitalisation of cultural assets through the development of the leisure industry.

“Cultural assets can and should become contributors to cultural dialogue, to cultural understanding, pride in one’s heritage and make an economic contribution to the country,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam. “Cultural assets speak for our history, speak for our traditions, speak for our values, speak for our ethics.”

Additional photos are available in the photo gallery. Further updates on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Syria will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.



Sunday, 24 August 2008

In the afternoon of the first day of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President, His Excellency Dr Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus. Photo: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Damascus airport for the start of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Dardari, the Minister of Tourism, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN institutions in Syria.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr Bashar Al-Assad.

Also see coverage at the AKDN website including the press release and photos.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

Daily update for this Golden Jubilee Visit on

http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/18213

Activities and Programs of Aga Khan Development Network in Syria

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 01:25 PM

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.

The AKDN has pledged a long-term commitment with Syria in the mentioned areas and focused its activities during the past years on economic development, developing pioneering work, improving quality of the health and education services and supporting development initiatives of civil society as well as protecting cultural heritage including development of the sustainable tourism.

It has completed renovation works in Aleppo, Misyaf and Salahuddin archaeological castles. The network, after the agreement in Aleppo City Council,
launched a project for developing the area surrounding the castle and the Old City of Aleppo and has begun implementation of the project at the end of the year 2006 on five stages to end in 2009.

In the context of its activities in the cultural development, the network has worked, since the year 2000, with the Ministry of Culture on improving infrastructure of buildings, improving the environments of cities, upgrading tourism utilities and training workers in the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums on authentication and rehabilitation.

The network initiated, in the framework of its participation in the ongoing process of economic development in Syria, to establish a program of small loans and business advisory services in six governorates, namely Hama, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus, Damascus and Sweida. It works to expand and cover all governorates as soon as possible .

The AKDN works with the governmental and non-governmental foundations to improve criteria and quality of the health care, develop mechanisms of financing community care and it has conducted consultations with the Ministry of Health focused on the development of policies and programs of joint training with the School of Nursing and Health Sciences College and Department of Community Health affiliated to the Aga Khan University.

It works closely with the government for development of the institutional and legal work as it seeks, due to its international experience in making the cultural tourism, to explore many opportunities for the development of cultural sites in Syria
in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism, Culture and the Damascus and Aleppo governorates.

In the area of social development, the network works to improve available water management and promoting planting of drought resistant crops. Its initiatives deal with programs to increase agricultural productivity, diversify income sources, improve the living standard in rural areas complementing efforts of the other international agencies operating in the area of rural development within Syria.

During the current visit of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan,the Founder and Head of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)and his meeting with senior Syrian officials a number of agreements and understanding memos will be crystallized.

These agreements include signing memorandum of understanding with Ministries of Health and Higher Education, license of the first foundation of microfinance, contracts of tourism projects in Damascus as well as signing memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of Qensrin park in Aleppo and the investment contract related to the Serail.

Ghossoun /
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/26/190127.htm

There are several unique articles now at the following site:
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=Aga+Khan&s=date

It seems to be a site that is very regularly updated, so you may want to bookmark it for future.

Thank you Karim M for pointing us to the Official Links that Imam has designated for the jamat. It is nice to see the regular official updates!

Daily updates with official pictures that have not been posted here:
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

Photo gallery #1 (is being regularly updated):
http://www.theismaili.org/?ID=512

AKDN photo gallery #1:
http://www.akdn.org/photos_syria_aug2008.asp

AKDN photo gallery #2:
http://www.akdn.org/photos_syria_25aug2008.asp

I really like the third picture in the AKDN photo gallery #1. If you zoom into the picture close (Hazar Imam entering the car) you see He is looking directly at the camera!

Mubarakh to all, and thank-you to admin and others for posting all of these links so that the community can find the latest information!

Mubarak for the Salamieh Didar today!

Mowlana Hazar Imam will check out from Hotel Four Season in Damascus on 28th and leave from Aleppo on 29th August.


SANA which is the Syrian Arab News Agency gives daily updates on Hazar Imam's visit from the official Syrian point of vue.

their site is at http://www.sana.sy/index_eng.html



The site also gives other useful info such as currency, temperature etc...

Ottri holds dinner banquet in honor of Karim Aga Khan

Monday, August 25, 2008 - 09:20 PM

DAMASUCS, (SANA)-Premier Mohammad Naji Ottri Monday held a dinner banquet in honor of Karim Aga Khan, chairman of Aga Khan Development Agency and the accompanying delegation.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari , a number of Ministers and governors attended the banquet.

Mazen

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/25/190049.htm

With so much anticipation about the Syria Didar it is surprising that no reports or pictures of the Salamieh Didar have appeared anywhere including theismaili.org.

Isn't it time that the official web site should have on-site reporters who can submit inspiring reports and photos within hours (if not minutes) of the Darbar having taken place?

Of course I would have liked to submit this comment to the editors of the web site, but where can I find the contact page?

Perhaps we have to wait for individual testimonies and adminsitrators of this web site to feed the Jamat what they are eagerly waiting for...

You can contact us at heritage@ismaili.net [contact info is on top of page]

Or you can put your testimonies directly into the Forum.

We have onsite reporter but they are running between Salamieh, al-Khawabi and other places of the visit collecting data so it will take few days before the site is updtaed, but once it is done, it will be complete.

As you may know, our goal is to preserve our Heritage for the long term. Just look at the Gallery we made for the previous Syria visit, it is well documented. http://www.ismaili.net/Syria/index.html

Admin

Admin,

Thank you for your excellent all-round effort over the last several years.

In my above post, I was specifically referring to theismaili.org, when I alluded to "the web site".

It is time for the official community web site to facilitate a bottoms up approach where individuals and Jamati institutions at all levels - right from a rural village and up- can submit reports etc. on their activities and experiences. It is only then that it can make its claim to being a true community web site.

Challenging but doable, as your web site with limited resources has exemplified.

As received:

Ya Ali Madad Everyone!

Yesterday morning we had wonderful didar of Hazar Imam in Salemiya, Syria.

125,000 jamati members had gathered including International jamati members from Canada, USA, Iran, Pakistan, and many other countries. This Golden Jubilee Darbar was held at the Agricultural School established by Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah.

The Jamat started arriving at 3:30 am. The huge feild where the Darbar was held was decorated with a beautiful stage with a backdrop of rich wood carved facade with doors and windows, the Golden Jubilee emblem, an elegant white chair, and Golden Jubilee flags flying from the top of the canopy of the stage. There was a huge screen on either side of the stage. The entire area was open air, and a huge pandol was erected for the occasion. The jamat was seated on special Golden Jubilee mats, and the seniors were accomodated in the back area in special canopy covered sections.

At exactly 9:20 am a helicopter carrying Hazar Imam appeared in the beautiful blue sky. The helicopter landed behind the trees, and a few minutes later Hazar Imam entered the Darbar site wearing the Golden Jubilee jabbo.

He walked on the red carpet for approximately 15 minutes among the massive jamat assembled. We were very fortunate to recieve his Deedar up close as we were seated very close to the red carpet as he was walking towards the stage. He made his way to the stage, followed by Mukhi Kamadia Saheban. After MHI took his seat, the Quranic Ayat was recited, followed by the translation. Thereafter, a Qasida was sung by 6 young women, all dressed the same in gold and white outfits. The President of the Council for Syria delivered the address on behalf of the Syrian Jamat, in which he congratulated MHI on 50 years of his glorious Imamat, reaffirmed the bayaat, and made several pledges. He did this in English, and then read out the translation in Arabic.

MHI then addressed the gathering and made his Irshaad Mubarak, in which he started by addressing his spiritual children, his brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths. He thanked the Syrian government for their wonderful hospitality and coutesies during this visit, and appreciated their wonderful cooperation in various AKDN initiatives launched in Syria since Hazar Imam's last visit in 2001. Hazar Imam then thanked the numerous volunteers, and others who had worked tirelessly for their efforts and other resources to make this Darbar possible. He gave his best blessings to all the jamati members including those who had come from outside Syria, and asked them to take the blessings back to thier jamats and their families. Hazar Imam said he offers heartfelt prayers for his brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths for peace, development and progress. MHI talked about a 1000 million people in the world today who ar e all bound by the same shahadah: La Ilaha Ill Allah, Muhammadur Rasul Illah. He said we all have to work together for the development and benfit of the entire Muslim Ummah. He talked about global warming and how we have to do things to protect the environment. He talked about how happy he was to see so many murids come out to celebrate this momentous Golden Jubilee Darbar.
He talked about the special relationship the Imams have had historically with Syria over several centuries. He gave his best special blessings, and said Khanavadan.

Immediately, after MHI's Irshaad Mubarak, an Arabic translation was read out. Thereafter, a special Golden Jubilee Nazrana was offered to MHI on behalf of the Syrian Jamat. After this, MHI came down the steps of the stage, and once again walked for several minutes on the red carpet before exiting the Darbar pandol.

The Jamat then disperesed, as the feast for the Darbars will be held in all Jamatkhanas in Syria on Friday.

While we were waking out on the street making our way towards our bus, all of a sudden we could hear some sirens, and MHI's motorcade appeared. He waved at the crowd on the street from behind the tinted window of the black Mercedes where he was seated.

After a few more minutes, we could see the helicopter propellers once again kicking up dust in the distance, and it lifted off carrying MHI into the horizon.

This was truly an amazing experience as we were present in the midst of a majority non-Khoja jamat in the historic city of Salemiya experiencing a unique open air Golden Jubilee Darbar. The Syrian volunteers were absolutely wonderful, hospitable and humble, and kept saying Mubarak and Welcome all the time. Many many Mubarakbads to everyone!
Mowlana Ali Madad, as the Syrians say when greeted by the saying Ya Ali Madad!

Prince Aga Khan Visits Sites Allocated for AKDN Investments

Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 03:10 PM

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on Thursday visited the site allocated to the establishment of the Aga Khan Academy in al-Sabboura, Damascus countryside.

Later, the Aga Khan, accompanied by Minister of Tourism Sa'dalla Agha al-Qal'a, visited Old Damascus and the old Damascene houses the network intends to invest them.

In a statement to SANA, the AKDN Resident Representative in Syria Mohammad Mufdi Seifo said the Aga Khan's visit to the site of the Academy comes to view the land allocated to with a total area of 15 hectares.

" The advanced methods of teaching in the world to be studied in the academy from the incubation stage to secondary one according to the international system, in Arabic, English and other languages for students excelled. Scholarships free of charge will be provided to the poor people, " Seifo mentioned.

He continued " The Academy is a non-profit one and the estimated total cost for implementing it is S.P. 3 billion. It comes within 17 academies in the world opened by the AKDN,"

Seifo added: " The Aga Khan tour in old Damascus comes for getting acquainted with the old houses that the network will invest. It is a new project in Syria based on development to preserve these Archeological houses then investing them,"

He underlined that the Aga Khan Foundation would repair these houses with an approximate cost of S.P. 25 million within four years.

Regarding the Prince visit to Aleppo, Seifo underlined importance of the visit during which a Memorandum of establishing garden of Bab Quensrin in al-Saoda hill Sudan in Aleppo will be signed, the estimated cost of this project is between $ 16 - 20 million in addition to signing a Convention on the rehabilitation and investment of Serail.

Ghossoun /
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/28/190461.htm

AS RECEIVED
-----------------

Forwarded as received ..... get your handkerchief out!

Hi Dad,

Had the most amazing Didar this morning in Al-Khawabi. Never did I expect that Didar could take place in a location like that. It was in a mountainous region and the Didar was actually held at the peak of the tallest mountain in the area. Dad, honestly it was like travelling through the Swiss Alps to get up there - not just hills, but mountains. The Didar site was actually at someone's home (in the backyard) and there couldn't have been more than 6000 people, both Ismaili and non. The home belonged to a famous Syrian Ismaili doctor and they had set up her backyard as the venue and it was absolutely amazing - she must have been very wealthy as it was a huge mansion right at the top of a mountain. We were told that the Didar would only be for the locals because the place would be at capacity but we decided to go late and if there was any space we would try to go in. First of all to get there... no cars were allowed at the top of the mountain so we got dropped off and we had to walk about half a km up a steep hill to the site. I'm 22 years old and I found it quite a walk so you can imagine how others found it. We saw people over 90 years old walking up the mountain in the heat for the Didar, one man I saw actually only had one good leg but he was walking up slowly, slowly and I asked him if he was OK and he said he was going to try his best and even if he couldn't make it up he would sit on the side of the road and wait to see if MHI car passes just for a glimpse of him. Luckily at the mid point we convinced a police officer to go down in his car to pick up some of the elderly.

I forgot the mention that hundreds of Ismaili's lived on this mountain and all the streets were decorated in green and red ribbons and signs saying "Welcom Hazar Imam". Literally every house was covered in decorations and were all displaying our flag. Even on the sides of the cliffs they had taken huge stones and displayed the words "Golden Jubilee" or "Welcome"... honestly amazing. We actually visited the site yesterday to see where it was and talked to the people who were setting up. As soon as people found out we were staying in a hotel 2 hours away they were basically refusing and asking us to stay at their homes. Even as we drove up the mountain yesterday, families were standing outside and waiving and asking us to come inside for chai or food. A lot of these people didn't have anything, but wanted to give whatever they could.

We arrived at the Darbar site at about 8:45am and it was full as we were literally the last people to arrive. When we got to the gates they actually told us that it was closed off and they were very sorry but they couldn't let us in. I promise we didn't complain for even a second, we just said OK at least we tried and literally 30 seconds later someone came and said there was lots of space open at the back and we could go in. So we went there and sat at the very back. It was quite hot, probably about 35-38 degrees, and MHI arrived via helicopter about 45 minutes after we arrived. We saw the helicopter coming in from far and everyone stood up and was waiving at him. He landed about 15 minutes from the site and was driven to the home we were at, where he got changed. They had placed runners through the whole site and when he came out he walked around to every corner - but it was short as the site was honestly very, very small. He seemed so happy. The Didar itself followed the same sequence as the one in Salamieh, and MHI address was almost exactly the same. Because there were many non-Ismaili's it was an Irshad Mubarak rather than a Firman. He basically talked about how things were developing in Syria and how AKDN has made significant progress their in the past few years. He then went on to say how all Muslims living in Syria should work together to create ecomonic prosperity and that it was the duty of all Muslims to try and improve the quality of life for everyone around them - not just their own kind. He gave blessings to all of us and for all of our families, he then offered prayers to all of the non-ismaili's as well, calling them "my brother's and sisters". After he gave the address, it was translated into Arabic, and a few people actually begain to leave - it was very disprespectful but we witnessed the same thing in Salamieh, we were told they were non-Ismaili's but it was still really rude. After this they submitted the Nazrana and MHI gave us dua again and then left.

It was quite a trek to get down the mountain in the rush of people and I ended up getting separated from the family. Haha I actually walked all the way down and all the way back up and it was quite a while after Didar had ended. When I came back up, I heard a bunch of police sirens and I turned around and MHI car passed right by me - I could see him clearly and he was smiling and waiving. Then about 15 minutes later I saw his helicopter fly over head and I took a few pictures.

Anyways I have to cut this short as we are heading out. But I was thinking about you a lot and all of our Jamat back home.

Take care Dad, hope everythings going well over there - will try to email/call you tomorrow.

Love Adam

Thank you to the 2 witness accounts of the Didar in Syria.

Regarding the discipline factor, some of the individuals who started leaving might very well have been members of the Jamat and not necessarily (all) non-Ismailis.

Many of us have seen incidents of certain members of the Jamat not having the patience to be seated quietly and with respect in the dignified presence of the Imam.

I will mention one particular incident which stunned me and shocked me when I was a youth.

In 1978, Hazar Imam gave his last Didar at the International Centre in the morning in Toronto. I was seated next to a family whom I knew back from East Africa and beside us was a group of middle aged men and women who were talking in Urdu (about 5 in all). Between them they had brought some fruit. One particular person started juggling the two apples in the air, and continued with this action even as Hazar Imam walked by us. The others in the group were laughing. It was shocking. I could not believe my eyes, and had it not been for my mature friends seated next to me I might have just slapped all of them on their faces.

A few days earlier many Jamati members were engaged in their own lively converasations while Hazar Imam was performing Mehmani, and some might recall Hazar Imam standing up and giving a Farman admonishing us "for being too busy" (i.e talking), adding that he wanted to be able to listen to the concerns of Jamati members who brought up issues to his attention.

Just an hour earlier when this continuous talking had caused me and quite a few others a great deal of irrittation, I grabbed a tie from one of the volunteers and started going around asking people to behave with respect and dignity. To no avail!

I think this is an area that is receiving more and more attention from the institutions, and the proper demeanor in the presence of the Imam has to be continuosuly emphasized.

In this regard, the notion of the Institution of Imamat has to be properly explained to the Jamat. This is an area that has not received the proper attention in the last few years, I am afraid. We have taken a great deal of pride in our secular institutions that "make the world a better place". Nothing wrong, but let's not overlook the essence of our faith.

AS RECEIVED

Report 1


Dear Family,


We are all well in Hama/ Salamia, and have tremendously enjoyed the Deedar this Morning. During the deedar I thought of you all. There was a crowd of between 160,000 to 240,000, (Approx. Exact figures are hard to know). Mowla gave his Irshad in English , which was immediately translated in Arabic.

The whole Darbar was extremely "LOW TECH" where there was not a single Laptop, blackberry, blueberry nor a strawberry in sight. Not even a single Walkie-talkie ???.

They had replaced all these gadgets with pure 22 caret love, devotion, hospitality welcome, respectfulness, cheerful outlook and "Meman Nawazi" It brought tears to my eyes. Imagine Ismaili taxi drives refusing fares, random people inviting you to stay in their homes plus one hundred and one other acts of kindness and hospitality.

Million stories to follow when we meet.


Cheers and Love you all.

Updates from theismaili.org

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Golden Jubilee Darbar at Salamieh in Syria. Photo: Akbar Hakim

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled by helicopter to Salamieh, where the streets had been decorated to receive him.

Upon his arrival, he visited the Mausoleum of his father, Prince Aly Khan, to pay his respects. Thereafter, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at the fields of the Agricultural School of Salamieh, where the first of two Golden Jubilee Darbars in Syria was held.

Members of the Jamat had started arriving at midnight, patiently awaiting the arrival of their beloved Imam. Set in the open air, the Darbar was attended by over one hundred thousand people from Syria and abroad. Thousands of volunteers had worked for weeks on end, to prepare the site.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a dinner in Damascus at which the Prime Minister was the Chief Guest. Prior to the dinner, Hazar Imam hosted a reception for government officials, diplomats and other guests.

Additional photos are available in the photo gallery. Further updates on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Syria will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

Prince Aga Khan Visits Old Serail Building in Aleppo, Concludes Visit to Syria

Friday, August 29, 2008 - 07:30 PM

ALEPPO,(SANA)_ Head of the Aga Khan Development Network AKDN His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan visited Friday building of the old Serail in Aleppo.

He listened to a detailed explanation about project of developing the Serail building in accordance with the memorandum of the investment contract regarding this building, which was signed yesterday between the government and the AKDN. The estimated cost of completing the project is about one billion Syrian pounds on a total area estimated at about 11.000 square meters.

The building, which dates back to 1930, is consisted of three stories and a basement. The building is overlooking on Aleppo Castle.

Later, the Aga Khan left Aleppo wrapping up a 6-day visit to Syria during which several agreements and memoranda of understanding with the government regarding establishment of tourism, cultural and developmental projects in both Damascus and Aleppo were signed.

At Aleppo International Airport, the Aga Khan was seen off by Tourism Minister Sa'dalla Aga al-Qal'a, Governor of Aleppo and a representative of AKDN in Syria.

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/29/190591.htm

Congratulations to all for the wonderful Golden Jubilee celebrations in Syria. How wonderfully happy our beloved Mowla looked. His smiles knew no boundaries, and why not? The Syrian Jamat was so welcoming, friendly and showed clearly what big hearts they have. This is what our Mowla loves to see - simple, happy folks with hearts of gold filled with love for Him, love which was expressed so clearly and joyously as our Mowla entered the darbars, whilst He was seated on the stage, and on His exit from the darbars. I felt very proud and happy to have been part of such a joyous celebration. Salamiyah and the mountains of Al Khawabi, festooned with red and green buntings, radiated with joy and happiness. And the people, my brothers and sisters, how good-looking they are, their beauty enhanced by the twinkles in their eyes brought on by the presence of our beloved Mowla. This was an occassion not to be missed, and once again I heartily congratulate the Syrian Jamat for making my Mowla smile so much, and for teaching us that it is not great wealth, glamour and top class amenities which are neded to be happy and content. Simple goodness, humanity and concern for other people's welfare and above all unconditional love for Hazar Imam are the essential ingredients for a happy life.

Personally, this trip was full of miracles for my family and myself. For example, our driver got completely lost in the Al Khawabi area. Upto 9am we drove around in the mountains without any luck. Just as we decided to head back to Damascus, our hearts sad and heavy for missing the deedar, out of nowhere a red car appeared and the driver actually escorted our car right upto the base of the hill ontop of which the mandap was. We rushed up the hill as fast as we could and just as we reached the top, Mowla's motorcade arrived. We just stood there in shock as Mowla emmerged from His car, looked towards us and acknowledged us with a nod and a smile. Then as He was ushered into His lounge, volunteers rushed us to the other entrance and escorted us to a place right next to the stage on the left side from where we had a perfect deedar.
I thank Mowla from the bottom of my heart for having sent us a guide just as we were about to give up and for giving us His deedar both outside and inside the darbar. There were many other such miracles which happened which I may share with you later.
This was a trip which was truly memorable and miraculous, never ever to be forgotten!

just came back from Syria and reeling from the awesome experience of the Darbars and the kindness,big heartedness and generosity of Ismailis of Syria.Trying to put things in to perspective.Will right with detailed experience and share the miracles after miracles that happened to me and my friends while visiting Syria.

Updares from theismaili.org:

Friday, 29 August 2008

President Nasser Al-Maghout of the Ismaili Council for Syria bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the conclusion of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. Photo: Gary Otte

Following several meetings in the morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed Syria from Aleppo airport in the early afternoon.

At the airport, Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Utri bade the Imam farewell on behalf of the Government. Leaders of the Jamat and the AKDN in Syria were also present as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Syria drew to a close.

Additional photos are available in the photo gallery.



Thursday, 28 August 2008



Mawlana Hazar Imam smiles during his speech at a ceremony marking the completion of cultural revitalisation work carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in partnership with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums. Photo: Gary Otte

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met again with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr Bashar Al-Assad. Later, he visited the site being proposed for an Aga Khan Academy in Damascus, as well as the site of a future hotel that the AKDN’s Tourism Promotion Services plans to develop in Old Damascus.

In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Utri, departed Damascus to travel to Aleppo. Leaders of the Jamat and AKDN gathered at Damascus airport to bid Hazar Imam farewell from the capital city.

In Aleppo, Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister attended a ceremony at the Aleppo Citadel to mark the completion of cultural revitalisation work on the citadels of Aleppo, Salah ad-Din and Masyaf, which was carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in partnership with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums.

Also see the additional coverage and photos of the ceremony at AKDN.

Mawlana Hazar Imam also announced the creation of a $15 million urban park in Aleppo. The Park at Bab Qinnesrine, to be built on waste ground owned by the Aleppo Municipality, will create a vast new public green space for the people of Aleppo. In addition to announcing the park, Mawlana Hazar Imam witnessed the signing of an agreement for AKDN’s Tourism Promotion Services to develop a hotel in Aleppo.



Wednesday, 27 August 2008

At the institutional dinner, Mawlana Hazar Imam expresses his happiness while addressing the Syrian Jamati leadership. Photo: Akbar Hakim

Mawlana Hazar Imam had another early start today, as he travelled to Al-Khawabi for the second Golden Jubilee Darbar.

Situated near Syria’s west coast, Al-Khawabi is a mountainous region with a history of Ismaili presence that goes back centuries. Thousands of the Imam’s murids and others travelled from across the region for this Darbar.

After returning to Damascus by helicopter, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati Institutions of Syria. During the evening, a group of young children from the Jamat presented a dance set to an Arabic poem in praise of Hazar Imam. The leadership also presented a gift to Mawlana Hazar Imam, as a gesture of the Jamat’s gratitude for the visit.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

AS RECEIVED:

HI ALL…I JUST RECEIVED THESE EMAILS BELOW AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD ON …



THIS IS UNBELIEVEABLE…AS SOON AS WE REACHED SALAMIYAH AT 6AM, THE WHOLE DARBAR WAS ALREADY FULL…WE WERE JUST PREPARING TO SIT SOMEWHERE AT THE BACK OF ABOUT 200,000 ISMAILIS WHEN A VOLUNTEER ASKED US IF WE WERE LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL JAMAT….AS SOON AS WE CONFIRMED WE WERE FROM KENYA HE TOOK OUR GROUP RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE AND TOLD US TO TAKE OUR PLACE……TRULY AMAZING………..THEY MADE US,THE INTERNATIONAL JAMAT SIT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE WHILST THEY ALL SAT AT THE BACK……..…..THIS PROBABLY IS AN EYE OPENER FOR US.

TILL ABOUT 9AM IT WAS BEARABLE…..AFTER THAT THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO 44DEGREES……WITH NO COVER OVER US IT WAS QUITE TOUGH, ESPECIALLY AS WE ARE NOT USED TO SUCH HIGH TEMPERATURES.

===========================================================================

THE AL-KHAWABI DEEDAR WAS DESCRIBED BELOW BY ADAM SAMJI, MY NEPHEW.

I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT WHEN WE WERE DRIVING TO AL-KHAWABI , WE KNEW AT ONCE WHEN WE HAD REACH OUR DESTINATION…ALL ISMAILI HOUSES WERE RED AND GREEN FLAGS AND SO WERE THE ROADSIDES DECORATED SIMILARLY AS MENTIONED BY ADAM…..THE FRUITS WERE IN ABUNDANCE…..BUNCHES OF GRAPES, POMOGRANATES, APPLES PEARS, ORANGES AND FIGS COULD PROBABLY BE PLUCKED FROM THE WINDOWS OF OUR BUS…INFACT WE COULD NOT RESIST THE RIPE FIGS HANGING FROM THE TREES AND INSISTED THE BUS DRIVER STOP SO THAT WE COULD PLUCK THE SWEET GREEN FRUIT FROM THE TREE. ( THIS STAGE IS BEFORE THEY DRY AND BECOME BROWN).

IN AL-KHAWABI WE CHATTED FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS WITH OUR ISMAILI BROTHERS AND SISTERS…IT WAS SUCH AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE…PERSONALLY I COULD NOT STOP CRYING ………..THEY ALL CROWDED ROUND US AND WOULD NOT LET US GO BACK TO OUR HOTEL IN LATTAKIA WHICH WAS 2 HOURS AWAY…THEY INSISTED WE STAY WITH THEM IN AL-KHAWABI AT THEIR RESIDENCES.

MOST OF THEM WERE WELL EDUCATED, THEIR PROFFESSIONS RANGING FROM LAWYERS TO DOCTORS AND DENTISTS…AND THEY WERE SO BEAUTIFUL…NOT ONLY PHYSICALLY BUT FROM WITHIN ALSO.

IT WAS TRULY A MEMORABLE TRIP.



FORWARDED MESSAGE



YAM.
This morning at 9:45 am, we were blessed with Holy Deedar of our beloved Hazar Imam. You were in our thoughts as was the Jamat, and Mowla Bapa has sent his blessings for all of you and the entire Jamat Worldwide. We left Homs at 4:00 am, and made the journey to Salamiyah where we arrived at 5:00 am. Our bus took us to the main entrance of the Deedar site, after which we walked the rest of the way (aprox. 25 min). We were accompanied by a member of the Syrian council whom we had met at the airport at our arrival. The site was enormous, and we were told that there were between 150,000 to 200,000 present. The site registration and security were scarce as such, it is impossible to confirm the attendance, however the entire site was occupied by Ismaili and non-Ismailis.
Hazar Imam was with us for just under an hour, it was very hot, however it was bearable. In His Irshad Mubarak, he began as follows: “ My beloved spiritual children, my brothers and sisters in Islam, and others...” He expressed his thanks to the Syrian Government for their hospitality, and reflected on the improvement of the standard of living of the Syrian Jamat, and population in general. He specifically mentioned the support of the Syrian government as being the main reason for the improvements in the lives of Syrians. He talked about the need to build long-standing bridges within Islam amongst different sects, He spoke of the importance on continued commitments to development within Syria, He mentioned the need to address global warming, and the distribution and use of water, as these were issues that will affect the present and future living standards of the people of Syria. He acknowledged the hard work of the volunteers with respect to the Deedar, and gave blessing for Mushkil Asaan.
I am sure I have missed a few points but these are those which are clearest in my mind.
Khaliya was uncomfortable at times, but on the whole she was happy and cheerful, as was the entire family. We were truly blessed as we were seated eight rows from the stage and slightly to Mowla Bapa’s left, amidst the Iranian Jamat.
The overall experience was exceptional and in one which we will cherish for our lives. Inshallah, we will be able to share many more details upon our return.
Warmest regards,
Abdul, Farida, Fayez, Nooren & Khaliya.
Text to 00963 992 481958.



Sending as received



Subject: Darbaar Mubarak in Salamiyah
> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:36:39 +0000
>
>
> YAM. Hope all is well. Went to Salamieh fo Darbaar today. Left at 3am arrived there at 6am. The doors to the venue had opened up yesterday at 7pm and jamat had started sitting in place from that time. The field was huge. Plastic and then on top, makeka was laid. THe stage was awesome. There were 2 huge screens in the front. We were sitted in the 5th row from the front of stage. The sun was very hot. Mowla arrived via helicopter and we saw it when it arrived. First, he went to Imam Ismail's tomb and Prince Aly Khan's tomb and said fateha. After, he came into the venue. THe jamat was really excited. THe power in the salwaat was out of this world. THe jamat was so excited that they were trying to grab Mowla's attention when he passed their way. It was very emotional. He walked in the hot sun on the runner s for about 15 minutes. He came onto the stage. He said Irshad as there was other muslims and other faith individuals present. Where he stood to say the Irshad, the sun was direct on him. The Irshad was about 20 minutes or so. He gave blessings to the people who made contributions to make the darbaar possible in material and time. The people were awesome.
> Tomorrow, inshallah, go to Al-Khawabi. Since Mowla has come to Syria, rains have started. There has not been rain in the country for some time now.
> love you lots, karima

The whole Syrian experience.We landed at 3:30 am ,24th august in Damascus and handful of ourSyrian ismaili brothers were waiting for us with a handmade golden jubilee mubarak sign and greeted us as if we were long lost brothers .We were supposed to have a driver and a  car waiting for us thru the hotel that we had booked so our syrian friend Fayad called the hotel in Hama which is 3-31/2 hrs away and the receptionist could not find our booking or any info o­n the car and driver.Fayad said not to worry they will take us to Salamieh in the bus as soon as the Iranian charter plane arrives and find lodging for me and my friend.One thing lead to another and we were waiting in the airport when Mawla's plane landed.We were o­nly 20 ismailis lined up to greet Mawla o­n the street next to the VIP gate.We were o­n the left side of the car and Mawla was o­n the right side so HE graciously bend, looked at us and waved at us smiling and all of our new friends started hugging and crying so this was the start of our amazing journey into Syria and the bus that we ended up in was the Salamieh leadership entourage who had come to greet Mawla--main mukhi/kamadia,ex president of council and leadership.They took us to regional council office where we had the feast with leadership and we were with them while they were holding meetings and they found  us a family to stay with while in Salamieh--Ismail Al Khateeb and his awesome and generous family.This is part I.stay tuned for part 2 and part 3 of our miracles filled journey into the lives of our Syrian brothers.

As received:

FW: Al Khawabe Golden jubilee Darbar!

Marhaba! Marhaba! Al Khawabe Golden jubilee Darbar!

This is was the site for Alkhwabiya Golden jubilee Darbar of Shah Karim Hazar Imam on august 27th 2008

It is called Al kharas village, Al khwabiya , Syria . The Deedar site was on the peak of a beautiful mountain which is like a plateau and a beautiful villa is built on it.

The Darbar was in the court yard of the villa. The heliport was in the back yard of an adjacent house which belonged to an Ismaili which was made ready for Hazar imam's helicopter to land. The foyer of the villa was made into a beautiful stage.the decoration was all very natural.

The capacity for jamat to be accommodated on this beautiful mountain site was about 6 thousand people. The road leading to the top of the mountain was very curvy and rather steep.but very beautiful.

The mountainous region had about 31 villages and several small jamatkhanas(called masjid in Syria ) .

The road to the mountain was closed to the public vehicles FROM 12 midnight on 26th august

We were privileged to be the guest of a remarkable Syrian Ismaili family
She was the sister of council president of Alkhwabiya. Her name was Roza Al hara. Her daughter Razan Al hara, a 24 year old beautiful and English speaking young lady was our communication medium since no one else spoke English in their family except her.

We were staying at Hotel Shaheen towers in Tartous , a beautiful coastal town which was about 20 minutes from the Alkhwabe village.

The international jamat was supposed to be going to Salamiya for Deedar which was a huge open area site 3 hours away from our hotel.

But since we stayed very close to Alkhwabe and there was no golden jubilee Syria web page up before we began our travel we had made hotel reservation near Alkhwabiya since no hotels were available near Salamiya.

The president of the council was gracious to accommodate my husband and me with Alkhwabe jamat and he sent his niece Razan to help us out with the registration formality.

She was wonderful very hospitable, kind and helpful. She and her father took us to their home which was on the mountain very close to the Deedar site. We spent a day with them on the 26th august.

She insisted we stay the night at their family home since it would be almost impossible to bring a taxi to the top of the mountain on the morning of the Deedar since the road would be closed after midnight for darbar.EVERYONE WAS TO WALK TO THE DARBAR SITE.No vehicles were allowed.

We were honored to stay with the family! There were 4 sisters, 2 brothers and 2 parents a beautiful family of 10 . All of them amazingly loving and kind. They were excited to have Ismailis from U.S as their guests.we had Syrian dinner with them.

Arabic was their language. Only Razan and the youngest son Nizar 10 years old spoke English. Yet we chatted tilll 1am. We some how mingled amazingly well. It was Akram 's (the oldest son) 28th birthday on august 27th the same day as darbar! How lucky!

Everyone celebrated and had fun. Razan was a volunteer so was her brother so they went to the Darbar site at 1am. We rested till 330 am and proceeded to darbar site at 4am. We climbed the mountain for 20 minutes all of us holding hands with each other no vehicles were allowed except for disabled.

Rahaf, the younger daughter 15 years old, held my hands and Roza on the other side. Adnan Al Hara, the head of the family held Shaukat's hands and we were all happily marching to the site. We initially thought it must be a tough way climbing up . But fortunately we reached up quickly .we were joined by many Syrian families all walking to the Deedar site, climbing the mountain. It was an unique experience, climbing mountain to see my Mawla! It was still dark when we reached at the Darbar site apx 430am.

As soon as we reached the volunteers realized we were from international jamat so they took us to be sitted in the first line very close to stage, but we told them we are no leaders nor are we any Mukhi kamadias or in council so we would like to sit with our host family.

So we went to anther block which was for Syrian jamat. ! We sat with Razan's family. But since we were early we got excellent place which was very close to stage and also close to Hazar imam's entrance.

THE WEATHER WAS BEAUTIFUL UP UNTIL 8AM, sunrise was a glorious scene! The sun started shining really bright soon after 8am,. The temperature started rising rapidly. Everyone had hats on their heads
The court yard was not covered. Intezaari program was all in Arabic, consisting of vaez and casidas. I did not understand a word but it was ok I prayed on my own. Another young Syrian couple was sitting next to me so we chatted a bit they spoke some English to get by.

It was fairly hot for about an hour or more. Hazar IMAM'S HELICOPTER WAS SEEN IN THE SKY EXACTLY AT 9.15 AM everyone started waving.
It landed behind the site .we could not see that part. There were no cameras or tvs. Hazar Imam arrived for DEEDAR after about 20 minutes he made the appearance from the left side of the stage. He looked glorious with his golden jubilee attire and golden sunshine falling on his Noorani face adding more glory and NOOR.

WE WERE ALL WEARING SUNGLASSES. I tried removing the dark glasses to have the direct vision but the bright ness was so much I COULD NOT WATCH IT EVEN FOR A MINUTE.

Hazar IMAM appeared with a big smile on his face ,sunshine making him more glowing and stood at the left side of the stage where we were sitting for about 2 minutes smiled and showed his happiness to see the jamat before he came down the red carpeted stairs to walk around the whole courtyard.salvats were being recited all the time.

He looked very very happy and excited to see the jamat he walked every where, the area was not at all big .It took about 7 minutes to go around.
Everyone had great Deedar since he walked on all the red carpets. Showering his blessings!

Then he sat on his golden jubilee chair and Mukhi kamadias and mukhiani kamadiani took place on either side of H Imam. Gold chain was garlanded. Quranic Ayat and translation followed by casidas sung by 5 girls dressed in gold yellow and off white dresses. Loyalty address in English and Arabic was given by the president of the council. Hazar Imam made the IRSHAD Mubarak addressing as my 'spiritual children' and 'my brothers and sisters in Islam'. Irshad consisted of thanks to govt of Syria and blessings to volunteers etc. He said golden jubilee must be celebrated with festivities and he will be with us. He gave ruhani blessings and blessings for everyone including families and jamat of all the murids
He did not do abeshafa. No Mehmani. The gift was a Quran from ummayud dynasty. He appreciated and thanked the Syrian jamat for the gift. He once again gave more blessings for his spiritual children and he said he will pray for 'his brothers and sisters in islam' .

The Arabic translation was done. Mawla was sitting and looking around each and every directions acknowledging and blessing all his murids
The decipline was great. There were nonIsmailis present as well.

This was the closest deedar for 1hour and some minutes on top of the mountain in open air. Sun was getting stronger as if testing our love for the IMAM.perspiration was pouring our faces. BUT everyone was forgetting the heat with the presence of our beloved Hazar imam.
We could sit for many more hours in heat if Mawla was present for longer time! Hazar IMAM left after all the ceremonies.it was about 1and a half hour visit.

The jamat said sukharana tasbihs and was allowed to leave. Everyone so happy and giving mubarakis to each other. We walked down to Razan's house walking with her neighbors and relatives. Had cold drinks and fruits at razan 's house. and we were planning to leave for hotel but RAZAN 'S family insisted we must eat before leaving.

We all had simple Syrian lunch , all prepared by Roza with love very delcious!.we saw hazar imam's helicopter flying over the house.while we were snacking. Everyone shared the happiness and we left after lunch.

We all were sad to depart. We all really bonded. We can never thank Razan AL Hara's family enough, for such a blessed time!.Sukhar Mawla!
It was great.
Amazing Darbar! Amazing Syrian family!
We felt really blessed!
We did not attend Salamiya Darbar so I have nothing to say about the experience there.
Rest of the stay included visiting various Ismaili sites of historical importance.
We went to Damascus spent one day there and then proceeded to Aaman , Jordan .
Petra is a wonderful tourism site in Jordan .
Visit to dead sea and other roman history site was very interesting.
Now we are in Dubai
Went to jk last night.
The brand new Dubai jk is magnificent.
Jamatkhana had a very peaceful atmosphere with extra ordinary ambience
Very very young mukhiani kamadiani , very refreshing.
Great feeling for being an international Ismaili murid.Alhamdallah!
We met few friends.Ate pani puri and falooda in Rangoli restaurant.
Dubai is coming up like no believing.
Great to have Ismaili centre right in the heart of the city which is running up at a remarkable speed.
Our Hazar IMAM 'S BLESSINGS is helping Ismailis to make great progress here.

Shukhar Mawla
Ya Ali madad
Love to all


Dolly Chandani M.D.

More photos being added to:

ismaili.net/heritage/node/18214

THE ECONOMIC TIMES

Aga Khan pours his wealth into Islamic sites in Syria
14 Sep, 2008, 0729 hrs IST, AGENCIES

ALEPPO-SYRIA: The majestic citadel atop Syria's ancient city of Aleppo, the Masyaf fortress of the sinister order of the Assassins and the castle of Arab conqueror Saladdin have all been given a new lease on life as part of a project by the Aga Khan to promote Islamic sites.

"We don't do enough to illustrate to the peoples of our world the greatness of Islamic civilisations," the 71-year-old billionaire spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims said in an interview.

The Aga Khan, who last year celebrated 50 years as head of his community, said at a recent ceremony capping work in Aleppo that his goal is to educate the world on the wealth of Muslim culture.

"Because they don't know our history, they don't know our literature, they don't know our philosophy, they don't know the physical environment in which our countries have lived, they view the ummah (the Muslim nation) in terminology which is completely wrong."

The 13th century citadel is in the heart of Aleppo - one of the world's oldest inhabited cities at the crossroads of ancient trade routes - and is a World Heritage Site along with Saladdin's castle. Battered by a long history of bombardments, pillage and earthquakes, the citadel's surrounding walls and some of its 19 towers were strengthened while two mosques, a hammam or bathhouse and a palace were also restored.

For five years dozens of workers restored the minaret of a mosque, baths and the imposing palace within the castle of Saladdin, originally built by the Crusaders on a windswept mountain ridge. The Masyaf fortress is a mediaeval eagles' nest which served as home to the Assassins, contract killers who were an offshoot of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam who were persecuted as infidels by the dominant Sunni Muslims.

General conservation work was carried at the rugged site, and part of an outer wall was rebuilt. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture carried out the work in close collaboration with Syria's antiquities department, and also revamped the landscape around all three sites to make it more tourist-friendly.

"My interest in working in Syria is to take the various lead countries of the ummah and say, let's start, let's move together, let's revive our cultures so that modernity is not only seen in the terminology of the West, but in the intelligent use of our past," the Aga Khan said.

His visit to Syria was part of a tour of some 35 nations that began in July last year to mark his Golden Jubilee, or 50 years since the Aga Khan became leader of the community in July 1957, succeeding his grandfather.

Fuelled by his enormous wealth the Aga Khan - who ranks 11 on the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest royals with a fortune estimated at one billion dollars - has since 1967 also led an apolitical, secular foundation. The Aga Khan Development Network is involved in projects from promoting health to education, architecture and the rehabilitation of historic cities.

Helping the poor to improve their lives is also high on the Aga Khan's agenda. As a youth he dreamt of becoming an architect before graduating instead from Harvard University with a degree in Islamic history. "In the Judaeo-Christian world, charity is a notion which evokes generosity with nothing in return," the Aga Khan told AFP on the sidelines of his visit to Syria.

"In Islam, the 'best of charities', but not the only one, is to help the poor be self-sufficient," he said. "I was born with Islamic ethics, in a Muslim family. There is nothing wrong with being well off as long as money has a social and ethical value and is not the object of one's own greed.

"That is why I wanted to set up institutions that can manage everyday problems based on Islamic values. "One of the principles of Islam is that on his deathbed every person must try to leave behind a better world," he added. Restoring Islamic sites in Syria was also central to his goal of building bridges between religions and cultures.

"Syria wants to be a secular state where all religions co-exist, even if the majority of the Syrian people are Sunni" Muslim, the Aga Khan said. His Ismaili sect split from mainstream Shia Islam in the 11th century and its followers live today in some 25 countries across Africa, West and Central Asia, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... page-1.cms

Computer generated translation from Arabic...

His Majesty the Maulana in an interview with Al Watan Republic 27, 2008 8:32 am Wednesday, August 27,

He Prince Karim Aga Khan Ismailia Muslim community to the importance of his visit to Syria and what constitutes for him the «great specificity», said in an interview with (home): It is a pleasure to visit Syria several times, and I am very happy to be here at the invitation From the Syrian government, particularly that there are links gathered imamate Ismailia, Ismaili Muslims with Syria since many centuries He spoke of Prince Aga Khan Development Network established by and for its activities in Syria and praised the «diverse cultural heritage in Syria, which makes the draft is particularly exciting and encouraging.
The Prince Karim Aga Khan expressed the hope «in launching several new initiatives in the areas of cultural tourism, health care, education and microfinance with decent support by the government».
The Prince Aga Khan noted that «revive the culture can provide an incentive for socially and economically overall improvement in the region» and «improve cultural heritage goes hand in hand with creating economic opportunities for local people, improving social services», expressing his belief that «investment in culture and activities Value a key aspect of development The following is the full text of the dialog

What is the nature of your visit to Syria? The specific objectives of this visit?

We have had the pleasure to visit Syria several times, and I am very happy to be here at the invitation of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, on the occasion of golden jubilee «fiftieth anniversary» to assume the imam of Shiite Ismaili Muslims, and during this visit, met with President Bashar al-Assad and a number Gentlemen of ministers and leaders to discuss the work undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network in Syria.
We also hope to launch several new initiatives in the areas of cultural tourism, health care, education and microfinance with decent support by the government, a visit to Syria Privacy great for me, as you know there are links gathered imamate Ismailia, Ismaili Muslims with Syria since many centuries.

There is news about a major project for the park in Aleppo, can be talked about this garden and its importance?
We will look with the province of Aleppo on the appropriate framework for the establishment of a park on the outskirts of the President of the Old City of Aleppo «adjacent to the historic gateway to the door Guensrin» The garden project will focus on improving the quality of life for residents in the Old City and finding plants with high specifications for the visitors. They are meant for this project should be an integral part of the renovation project in urban areas near the castle-Sharif, the presence of a park can lead to the revitalization of the region, and this is what we have done previously, through similar programs have led to improved quality of life in some locations in Kabul, Cairo, and there Other projects under similar work in India, Mali and Zanzibar.
This is part of the garden program, started by the Aga Khan Foundation for Culture in 2000 in collaboration with the General Directorate of Museums and Antiquities, which began work on each of the castles of Aleppo and Masyaf and Saladin, we are also here in Syria to announce the completion of work at these sites.

Since when is working Aga Khan Development Network in Syria? What types of work undertaken by?

Started work the Aga Khan Development Network in Syria in 1999 when it requested the General Directorate of Museums and the effects of the Aga Khan Foundation for Culture to provide technical assistance to maintain the number of historic sites and castles in Syria and reuse, has been chosen by the castles of Aleppo and Masyaf and Salahuddin to this work and such Projects and many other activities in areas such as rural development and promotion of economic, health care, education, microfinance, as part of our multi-polar world, and within the framework of the Convention on Cooperation for Development signed between the Syrian government and the Aga Khan Development Network, which was ratified by the Council People in in 2002.

Why is the work of restoration work that you have taken in Aleppo task?
We have found in a number of environments in the Islamic world, to revive the culture can provide an incentive for socially and economically overall improvement in the region. These can be historical sites engine for the potential change in the economic and social areas, as these sites are not just places of historical frozen and paralyzed infected, but are assets that can actually contribute to improving the quality of life of people living in those areas.
We have seen an example of such work in Cairo, where we have built a park there and the restoration of a number of cultural monuments located in one of the poorest areas in the city. As we have seen that when we work to restore the gardens Alhomian Tomb in Delhi. In both locations had improved cultural heritage goes hand in hand with creating economic opportunities for local people, improving social services such as health and education, has led to a revival in the region.
The diverse cultural heritage in Syria makes a head of the project is particularly exciting and encouraging.
Is a city of Aleppo, rich history, an important site to preserve it, not as part of the Syrian identity and culture, but as part of the whole world heritage.
Depositions third sites that are part of world heritage in the Islamic world, many have not been preserved.
I believe it is our duty to restore and preserve this heritage because it is part of our culture.
If this culture had been destroyed or altered in ways not consistent with people's thinking and way of life you will find all kinds of imbalances and ironies that will affect society disorder.
Therefore, investment in culture and value systems and make them effective in the contemporary context, I think is a key aspect of development.
This vision is today a growing embrace by governments and civil society.

Is the name of His Highness the Aga Khan on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network, which were operating effectively in many countries of the world (more than 25 countries), what the philosophy of the network?
And various activities?
Islam, as you know, is a way of life are equally important in terms of religion, the world must not neglect any aspect of Monday.
Since the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), there was still a tradition of leadership, which represents the forward of the year whether or Shiites, who is responsible for explaining the concept of religion, as well as maintaining the security and comfort people.
Proceeding from this tradition in the Muslim leadership that has emerged and continued for more than 1400 years ago, and as the Ismaili Muslims, must be concerned that the quality of life of society (Ismaili), and other communities living on their side.
Over the centuries, these contracts are still the responsibility of imamate had necessitated the establishment of institutions to address issues regarding the quality of life at the time, and today includes imamate number of non-governmental organizations, institutions and economic development agencies.
Live the great majority of members of groups from Afghanistan, East China, Central Asian States fledgling, through Iran and the Middle East, even in sub-Saharan Africa, in addition to attend a recent in Europe and North America.
In these countries identifies a number of different factors is the quality of life, from my perspective, not limited to the World Bank on indicators of longevity, health or economic welfare of the individual or society.
For him extend the term «quality of life» to cover all aspects of ethical and social context in which people live, not only include the material being measured by generation after generation.
As a result of the imam's vision of comprehensive development in the definition of faith as prescribed by Islam, and involving such a dream to invest in people, intellectual pluralism, and in the pursuit and the search for new knowledge useful as far as investment in material resources, which also includes investment in the social conscience inspired by the ethics of Islam , An action that benefits everyone regardless of sex, or affiliation, religion, nationality or background owned.











About His Highness Karim Aga Khan


His Highness Karim became Aga Khan imam (spiritual leader) to forward the Shiite Ismaili Muslims in the July 11 (July) 1957 is twenty years old, the successor to the Jeddah Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan.

It Imam heir Ninth Session of the forward Shia Ismaili Muslims, Scion direct Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him god of peace) through his cousin and smelting Ali, the first Imam, and his wife, Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet.
Born Aga Khan Amir Ali Khan and Crown Princess of State Ali Khan on December 13, 1936 in Geneva and spent most of his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and then he joined me Rosie School in Switzerland for nine years.

Graduated from Harvard University in 1959 and earned a «degree in Islamic history» Honours.
AMR live today in about twenty-five countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, in Africa and the Middle East in addition to North America and Western Europe.
Having seen most of these areas political and economic changes substantially during the past four decades since he assumed the current Aga Khan imamate.
The HH adapting complex system of the Department of Community Affairs Ismailia, created by the Jeddah during the colonial era, to suit a new world of Independent States, which increased in size and complexity after Neil former Soviet Union republics in Central Asia independence.

Aga Khan stressed the conviction spiritual vision of Islam practised thinking, and learn compassion and tolerance, and uphold human dignity, noble creatures God Almighty.

According to Heritage in Shiite Islam, the responsibility for decades to protect the right of individuals in search of self-intellectual, moral and translate the vision of a society inspired by the Islamic message to the practical reality.
As the head of the International Conference on the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him god of peace) held in Karachi in 1976, spoke Aga Khan, addressing the conference, saying: The wisdom of the Final Prophet PBUH in the quest to find new solutions to the problems not be resolved using traditional methods, are Source of inspiration for Muslims to imagine a modern and vital right, without prejudice to the fundamental concepts of Islam.
The AMR throughout history, and the guidance of the imams, significant contributions to the growth of Islamic civilization.
Where, Dar Al-Azhar University in Cairo, science, but the city of Cairo itself, examples of the Ismaili contribution in cultural, religious and intellectual property of Muslims.
Among the philosophers, judges, doctors and scientists in physics and mathematics, astronomers and scientists who is famous in the past and flourished under the auspices of Ismaili Imams there Judge Naman, Akram and Ibn al-Haytham, Nasser Khosro-Din Tusi and helper.
And controlled the achievements of the Fatimid empire, which scored a significant premium on the early history Ismaili period, nearly a century of Islam and even atheist Congress.
Having created the Fatimid dynasty, which has been dubbed the proportion of Fatima daughter of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and handed god), prompted the State, for more than two centuries, the development of arts and sciences, trade in the Near East region from the Mediterranean Sea, its status was established by the Fatimid Cairo as their capital.
In the wake of the Fatimid period, he moved the geographical centre of the Ismaili Muslims from Egypt to Syria and Persia.

The newspaper interview was made actually with AL-IQTISSADIYA Syrian newspaper and is available in Arabic here:

http://www.iqtissadiya.com/archives_det ... gory=local

They have also a detailed overview of Hazar Imam's visit to Syria:

http://www.iqtissadiya.com/archives_det ... gory=local

But wait for the magnificent TV interview which is in English and will be available soon[/u]

kmaherali wrote: ويشكل التراث الثقافي المتنوع في سورية عاملاً رئيساً ;&#

I am sorry for this mess, but I cannot edit the post to remove it. However here is the link to the article.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u ... r&ie=UTF-8

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hUs ... WKbWVSIu_g

Aga Khan pours his wealth into Islamic sites in Syria

15 hours ago

ALEPPO, Syria (AFP) — The majestic citadel atop Syria's ancient city of Aleppo, the Masyaf fortress of the sinister order of the Assassins and the castle of Arab conqueror Saladdin have all been given a new lease on life as part of a project by the Aga Khan to promote Islamic sites.

"We don't do enough to illustrate to the peoples of our world the greatness of Islamic civilisations," the 71-year-old billionaire spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims told AFP in an interview.

The Aga Khan, who last year celebrated 50 years as head of his community, said at a recent ceremony capping work in Aleppo that his goal is to educate the world on the wealth of Muslim culture.

"Because they don't know our history, they don't know our literature, they don't know our philosophy, they don't know the physical environment in which our countries have lived, they view the ummah (the Muslim nation) in terminology which is completely wrong."

The 13th century citadel is in the heart of Aleppo -- one of the world's oldest inhabited cities at the crossroads of ancient trade routes -- and is a World Heritage Site along with Saladdin's castle.

Battered by a long history of bombardments, pillage and earthquakes, the citadel's surrounding walls and some of its 19 towers were strengthened while two mosques, a hammam or bathhouse and a palace were also restored.

For five years dozens of workers restored the minaret of a mosque, baths and the imposing palace within the castle of Saladdin, originally built by the Crusaders on a windswept mountain ridge.

The Masyaf fortress is a mediaeval eagles' nest which served as home to the Assassins, contract killers who were an offshoot of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam who were persecuted as infidels by the dominant Sunni Muslims.

General conservation work was carried at the rugged site, and part of an outer wall was rebuilt.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture carried out the work in close collaboration with Syria's antiquities department, and also revamped the landscape around all three sites to make it more tourist-friendly.

"My interest in working in Syria is to take the various lead countries of the ummah and say, let's start, let's move together, let's revive our cultures so that modernity is not only seen in the terminology of the West, but in the intelligent use of our past," the Aga Khan said.

His visit to Syria was part of a tour of some 35 nations that began in July last year to mark his Golden Jubilee, or 50 years since the Aga Khan became leader of the community in July 1957, succeeding his grandfather.

Fuelled by his enormous wealth the Aga Khan -- who ranks 11 on the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest royals with a fortune estimated at one billion dollars -- has since 1967 also led an apolitical, secular foundation.

The Aga Khan Development Network is involved in projects from promoting health to education, architecture and the rehabilitation of historic cities.

Helping the poor to improve their lives is also high on the Aga Khan's agenda. As a youth he dreamt of becoming an architect before graduating instead from Harvard University with a degree in Islamic history.

"In the Judaeo-Christian world, charity is a notion which evokes generosity with nothing in return," the Aga Khan told AFP on the sidelines of his visit to Syria.

"In Islam, the 'best of charities', but not the only one, is to help the poor be self-sufficient," he said.

"I was born with Islamic ethics, in a Muslim family. There is nothing wrong with being well off as long as money has a social and ethical value and is not the object of one's own greed.

"That is why I wanted to set up institutions that can manage everyday problems based on Islamic values.

"One of the principles of Islam is that on his deathbed every person must try to leave behind a better world," he added.

Restoring Islamic sites in Syria was also central to his goal of building bridges between religions and cultures.

"Syria wants to be a secular state where all religions co-exist, even if the majority of the Syrian people are Sunni" Muslim, the Aga Khan said.

His Ismaili sect split from mainstream Shia Islam in the 11th century and its followers live today in some 25 countries across Africa, West and Central Asia, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.