ACTIVITIES AT THE ISMAILI CENTRE LISBON

Any Institutional activities in the world
kmaherali
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A compendium of news and events at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon.

http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... ary-lisbon
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WEBCAST: Aga Khan Ensemble in Portugal

This is a LIVE WEBCAST of a Navroz concert by the Aga Khan Ensemble being held at the Portuguese Parliament on Tuesday, 21 March 2017. It is expected to begin at 5:00 PM Lisbon time (GMT).

If you are having trouble viewing this webcast, please see the troubleshooting note below.

The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform Navroz concerts at the Portuguese Parliament and the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 21 and 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.

The event at the Portuguese Parliament will take place on Tuesday at 5:00 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.

The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.

Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.

http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... e-portugal[/b]
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WEBCAST: Aga Khan Ensemble Navroz performance at Ismaili Centre Lisbon
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The Aga Khan Music Initiative's Aga Khan Ensemble will perform a Navroz concert at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 23 March 2017. The Ensemble brings together leading artists whose performance will celebrate the richness and diversity of cultures that honour Navroz (Nowruz) — the Welcoming of Spring.

The event at the Ismaili Centre will take place on Thursday at 9:15 PM GMT (Lisbon time) and will be webcast at TheIsmaili.org/live.

The Aga Khan Ensemble is a collective of master musicians who create new music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultural heritage of the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin, South Asia, Central Asia, West Africa, and China. Venerated performers and composer-arrangers who appear on the world’s most prestigious stages, these leading artistic collaborators also serve as teachers, mentors and curators who enrich the Aga Khan Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.

Linking countries and continents, and present and past through explorations of diverse forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary concert music, the Ensemble contributes strongly to the Music Initiative’s mission to invigorate cultural and intellectual pluralism in the nations it serves. In forging this contribution, the Aga Khan Ensemble brings to life a new body of artistic work that is at once seamless, surprising, and exuberantly original.

http://www.theismaili.org/ismailicentre ... nce-lisbon
kmaherali
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Portugal’s President tours Ismaili Centre

Source: SULTAN JESSA

Portugal’s President visits Ismaili Centre in Lisbon

The Ismaili Centre in Lisbon is a wonderful place for many activities including weddings. (Sultan Jessa/Photo)

LISBON – Portugal: Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was warmly greeted by followers of the Aga Khan when he visited the imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.

He was officially welcomed by Nazim Ahmed, diplomatic representative of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal, Rahim Firozali, president of the National Council of Portugal and several other community leaders.

Rebelo de Sousa was taken on a conducted tour of the centre where he was many activities in progress.

Portugal’s President poses with children (Nuro Ismael/Photo)

In an interview, a government official told me President Rebelo de Sousa was impressed by the centre and enjoyed meeting and mingling with Ismailis.

The official said he heard conversations about the president’s father inaugurating the Maputo Jamat Khana in Mozambique many years ago.

The president participated in children’s activities and posed for pictures with young and old.
Hazar Imam has already announced Portugal will become the world headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat.

The exquisite Henrique Mendonca Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations to house the Imamat institutions.
Hazar Imam was officially welcomed to Portugal in May 2016 (see photograph).

Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of the Ismaili Muslims believed to number around 10,000.

Photos and more at:
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2017/ ... li-centre/
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Portuguese President visits Jamat at Ismaili Centre, expresses nation’s gratitude

THEISMAILI.ORG
29 May 2017

His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon on 29 April 2017, where he received a warm welcome from hundreds of members of the Portuguese Jamat.

Ismaili Girl and Boy Scouts lined a red carpet at the entrance of the Ismaili Centre, where President Marcelo was greeted upon his arrival by Rahim Firozali, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, and senior officials of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat.

The President toured the Ismaili Centre, meeting and speaking with Ismailis of all ages, and pausing for photographs with them. The tour included visits to the chahar-bagh and fruit gardens, the Jamatkhana prayer hall and the Council Chamber, where he spent a moment signing the Ismaili Centre’s visitor’s book.

Looking in on classrooms where religious education is taught, President Marcelo delighted in the company of some of the youngest members of the Jamat, who were eager to tell him about what they learn each week. Afterwards, he received a standing ovation from hundreds of Jamati members who had gathered in the Centre’s social hall.

The President brought a profound message of solidarity and gratitude for the Jamat.

“We are brothers of the same path,” he said. “I am here to thank you — for this path we travel along, together.”

“Thank you for your strength, your unity, the ability to project into the future, the education, the upbringing of these girls, these boys, these young people, for the same principles, the same love for humanity, for others, the same openness, the same tolerance, the same acceptance of difference,” said the President.

“But also, for the same love for Portugal,” he said. “This touches my heart so deeply, and that is why I consider myself your brother, and feel you as my brothers and my sisters.”

Ismaili Council President Rahim Firozali expressed the Jamat’s deep appreciation for President Marcelo’s presence at the Ismaili Centre, which marked his first visit as the country’s head of state. He also expressed the Ismaili community’s gratitude for the Portuguese President’s long friendship with the community, which stretches back several decades all the way to Mozambique.

The Ismaili Council President recalled that in the late 1960s, a 19-year-old President Marcelo had visited the Maputo Jamatkhana, where his father, Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, then Governor-General of Mozambique, had participated in an event and was received by the Jamati leaders of the day.

The mood at the Ismaili Centre was decisively festive, and the President was flocked by many who wished to greet him, take a selfie with him, and to share a word. But it was the President’s own words of generous gratitude that resonated most strongly.

“With you, Portugal has become richer, more open, more tolerant, more understanding, more plural, more universal,” President Marcelo told the Ismaili gathering. “Thank you. Thank you, in the name of Portugal.”

http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/p ... -gratitude
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The Ismaili Centre Lisbon celebrates 20 years during Diamond Jubilee Celebration

During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens.


Two decades ago, on 11 July 1998, Mawlana Hazar Imam and then-President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio officially opened the Ismaili Centre Lisbon. The Centre’s 20th anniversary coincided with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Lisbon earlier this month, during which thousands of visitors attended the building and its gardens for guided tours.

As part of a network of Ismaili Centres across the globe, the establishment of the Centro Ismaili in Lisbon in 1998 heralded a new chapter in the history of the Jamat in Portugal. Its opening marked the growing presence of the Ismaili Community in Portugal, many of whom had fled violence in Mozambique and other parts of the world.

At the Opening Ceremony of the building and its grounds, Mawlana Hazar Imam said, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community.”

During the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon, tours were arranged for members of the Jamat to visit the Ismaili Centre and its gardens. Alongside the International Arts Festival, Jubilee Concerts, Exhibitions, and other activities, over 24,000 people from all over the world visited and toured the Ismaili Centre while in Lisbon in July 2018.

Tour guides lead Sara Sadrudin spoke of the honour of hosting thousands of visitors for this unique moment in our history, saying “Globally, Ismaili Centres express the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and all over the world. As volunteer tour guides and ambassadors of these landmark buildings, it was an immense privilege to have the opportunity to welcome our brothers and sisters from different parts of the world to the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.”

Nadim Pabani from the UK, who served with the tours team in Lisbon, brought his many years of experience gained as a STEP teacher and tour guide at the Ismaili Centre London. Speaking about the groups of visitors who came to see the Centre in Lisbon, he said “To be able to see so many members of the Jamat and beyond, from so many different traditions in the Jamat coming together in one place, with such happiness and such unity, has been really really inspirational.” Remarking on the architecture of the Centre itself, Nadim continued “There’s so much symbolism and power in the design of the building, and to know that we can share that with people in the Jamat and outside the Jamat is something I will take away with me when I go back to London.”

As visitors will have noticed, the various spaces of the Ismaili Centre are unique in that each allows for a variety of different uses. Volunteer Shumaila Galibdin explained that, “The Ismaili Centre (Lisbon) is a place where I can find the most peace, especially in its gardens. It is also a place that incorporates many different dimensions of our lives — not only as a place to pray, but also a place to celebrate together, to learn, and to work together for a bigger purpose. It’s a place where we can put into action the ethics of Islam.”

Scouts Leader Safik Cassamo sees the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as an important milestone in his experience with the Scouts.

“I was present in the construction of the Ismaili Centre as a Scout. I followed the whole process, and it ended up being an important mark for me as a Scout,” Cassamo said. “With the change, we had to learn to grow with rules … we started to have the responsibility of taking care of something that belonged to us, which helped us to grow, both in terms of our way of thinking, and as Scouts.”

The Centre’s design undergirds a distinct purpose. As an ambassadorial building and marker of the Ismaili community’s permanent presence in Portugal, it reflects the core values of the Ismaili community. It is a building that in its layout expresses the values of pluralism and harmony being simultaneously rooted in Muslim heritage, while modern in its expression.

The design of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon takes its inspiration from a diversity of architectural traditions from across the Muslim world, reflecting the Muslim heritages of Andalusia, Persia, Mughal India, and Turkey. The Centre’s architecture is also firmly rooted in its local context: its use of lioz and granite stone for example, echoes that of the Monastery Jeronimos in Lisbon. Characterised by its use of geometry and the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces the Centre draws heavily from elements of Islamic design. The Centre’s many outdoor spaces; its cloisters, and interior and exterior gardens are reminiscent of those at Alhambra in Granada, Spain, echoing the Moorish influence across the Iberian Peninsula.

As a place of communal gathering, spiritual contemplation, and quiet reflection, the Centro Ismaili also serves as a space in which partnerships are cultivated and bridges of friendship extended to surrounding communities. Sara Jamal, Building Manager at the Ismaili Centre, explained that over time, the Centre “started being an open space to the surrounding community, in which we wanted to invite people to know who we are, how we practice our faith, and how we view life.”

Now, 20 years after its opening, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon enters a new period in its history. The establishment of the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon has reaffirmed Portugal’s status as a country of opportunity, peace, and pluralism. In his address to the Parliament of Portugal on 10 July 2018, Mawlana Hazar Imam remarked, “We know that we face a demanding future. But as we engage with those demands, the Ismaili Imamat will draw strength from our continuing sense of partnership with the people and the Government of Portugal. So let us, then, go forward together, bound by our shared past, committed to our shared values, and inspired by our shared hopes for a constructive, purposeful future.”

https://the.ismaili/news/lisbon-celebra ... elebration
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Lisbon Forum

An annual event since it was established in 1994 by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the Lisbon Forum has been a distinctive platform bringing together high-level participants from Europe, neighbouring regions and other continents to share experience, good practice and expertise.

Themes of the Forum have been closely related to the core mission of the Council of Europe: to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Following developments in the region and a refocusing of the Centre’s mission to contribute to the Council of Europe’s policy towards its neighbouring regions, recent editions of the Forum have sought to address key challenges faced by countries of the Southern Mediterranean and explore possibilities for renewed cooperation with Europe.

These recent editions have been supported by the joint EU/ CoE Programme “Strengthening democratic reform in the Southern Neighbourhood” (South Programme). SPII, a second phase of the South Programme started in 2015, calls for sustained action in the field of democratic governance in the southern Mediterranean based on acknowledged Council of Europe expertise in supporting the building of pluralist democracies across Europe and beyond. SPII will continue to support the organisation of the Lisbon Forum by the North-South Centre insofar as it contributes “Towards strengthened democratic governance in the Southern Mediterranean.”

Lisbon Forum 2018

"Youth, Peace and Security in the Euro-Mediterranean region"
A contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015)


15-16 November - Ismaili Centre, Lisbon

https://www.coe.int/en/web/north-south- ... sbon-forum
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Portugal Jamat hosts World Leadership Alliance at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon

The Ismaili Centre Lisbon hosted an evening reception for the World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid last month. The event included a special viewing of Prince Hussain’s photographic exhibition The Living Sea.

Former heads of state and government, and key personalities from around the world gathered at the Ismaili Centre for a reception organised by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Council for Portugal, to coincide with the Education for Shared Societies conference which took place at the Gulbenkian Foundation on 16-17 October 2018 in Lisbon.

The 110 attendees were joined by notable Portuguese personalities such as the former President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio, who inaugurated the Ismaili Centre in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam in 1998, the former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, and the current Secretary of State for Education João Costa.

During his welcome remarks, Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, thanked the respected statesmen and stateswomen present saying, “We acknowledge and are deeply appreciative of your efforts to strive for a better world, where all have a place, irrespective of origin, race, or creed, and where all may have equal access to education, health care, and social advancement.”

The President of the Club of Madrid and former Latvian president, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, thanked the Ismaili community and said, “We hope that this event will remind us that being responsible for governance and for foreign affairs is easier if you are dealing with people who have (an) inner spiritual conviction.”

The World Leadership Alliance - Club of Madrid is composed of 95 former presidents and prime ministers from 65 countries, and is the largest forum of former heads of state and government. As a non-profit organisation, its aim is to strengthen democratic leadership and governance, and address crisis and post-crisis situations.

Its Education for Shared Societies conference brought together leaders of civil society and academia to identify transformative practices for schools to employ in introducing a curriculum on pluralism, diversity, mutual understanding, and respect for others.

Prior to the event, an exhibition entitled The Living Sea, comprising of photographic work by Prince Hussain was inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre. The exhibit, which focuses on the underwater environment and shines a positive light on aquatic life, was highly commended by guests.

Photos at:
https://the.ismaili/news/portugal-jamat ... nce-lisbon
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Webcast: 20th anniversary of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon

His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will attend the Ismaili Centre Lisbon on Tuesday 18 December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.

This celebratory occasion will include the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism,” as well as the planting of a tree in the surrounding Garden of Olives. The event is expected to begin at approximately 5 PM GMT, and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.

https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-20 ... rce=Direct
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2018, December 18 - Portugal President, his Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon in the presence of the ex-president of Portugal, the Speaker of the Parliament, the Mayor of Lisbon and many dignitaries. In his speech, he commended the Ismaili community and the work of the AKDN and thanked H.H. The Aga Khan. President de Sousa planted an olive tree for the occasion. Incidently, the Jamatkhana extension of the Lourenco Marques (now Maputo) Jamatkhana in Mozambique was inaugurated in 1968 by Governor General Dr. Baltazar Rebello de Sousa, father of the present President of Portugal. Small world! :-)

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/u9NHTI7DIj0


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kmaherali
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President of Portugal visits Ismaili Centre Lisbon to celebrate its 20th anniversary

His Excellency the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, attended a celebratory event at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon in December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening.

The President was warmly welcomed to the Ismaili Centre by the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic Nazim Ahmad, the President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal Rahim Firozali, and by the Aga Khan Scouts of Lisbon.

Other guests at the event included President of the Assembly of the Republic Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues; Former President of Portugal Dr Jorge Sampaio, who opened the Ismaili Centre in 1998; Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina; as well as leaders of Jamati and AKDN institutions.

The celebration began with the planting of a tree in the garden of the Ismaili Centre by His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Historically, the olive tree has been a symbol of peace and friendship both in the Abrahamic religious traditions, and in ancient Greek mythology. The tree was given pride of place alongside the one planted by Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Sampaio at the opening ceremony 20 years ago.

This was followed by the inauguration of an exhibition entitled “The Ismaili Centre: 20 Years Celebrating Pluralism.” The exhibition highlights a number of events held in the building over the last 20 years, where visitors have engaged with a diversity of cultures, and a sharing of knowledge and experiences.

The inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon 20 years ago represents a long-term relationship between the Ismaili community and Portugal. During this time, projects have been developed and opportunities have been created in a place where values are rooted in a harmonious connection between the past, present, and future.

As Mawlana Hazar Imam said during the Opening Ceremony of the Centre on 11 July 1998, “The inauguration of the Centro Ismaili today symbolises both the welcome accorded by the Government of Portugal, the response of the Ismaili community to this land of harmony and opportunity, and its permanent commitment to Portugal. These new buildings and the spaces within and around them, are in rich symbolism; drawing on the plurality of cultures which characterise Ismailis here, and around the world. The array of facilities included is a reflection of the core values of the Ismaili community, its organisation, its discipline, its social conscience, the importance of its community organisations, and its attitude toward the society in which it exists.”

Nazim Ahmad delivered a speech to gathered guests where he mentioned the significance of the Centre to the establishment and integration of the community in Portugal. Furthermore, he took the opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the construction of the building — especially to former Mayors of Lisbon Dr Nuno Abecasis and Dr João Soares, who secured the land, and awarded the license for construction of the Centre respectively — and to the President of the Republic at the time, Dr Jorge Sampaio.

In his remarks, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the Ismaili Centre represents the hard work and dedication of many people, and that it is a meeting point of cultures, religions, and views of the world. He spoke about the presence of the Ismaili community in Portugal and how, when settling in the country decades ago, “the community brought with it a life full of values, full of commitment, energy, and a will to help to build Portugal.” He went on to state that the Ismaili Centre Lisbon is a symbol of this enriching presence.

The programme included performances by the Ismaili and the Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Choirs.

At the end of the ceremony, His Excellency the President was presented with a replica of tiles from the Ismaili Centre Lisbon as a token of recognition of his support for Portugal’s Ismaili community.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/news/president-port ... nniversary
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Ismaili Centre Lisbon hosts Africa Day

Earlier this month, the Ismaili Centre Lisbon participated in the annual commemoration of Africa Day, hosting a gathering of guests to enjoy diverse sounds, colours, and tastes, and to reflect on Africa’s future. Africa Day is commemorated on 25 May every year to mark the foundation of the African Union, which works to achieve greater unity, cooperation, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.

The event was organised by the Group of Ambassadors of African countries in Portugal with the support of the Aga Khan Development Network. The chief guest on this occasion was the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Teresa Ribeiro, who joined other participants, including the Head of State Protocol, the Diplomatic Adviser of the Presidency of the Republic, Senior Officers of the Foreign Office, the Diplomatic Community, and members of African communities and civil society organisations based in Portugal, and leaders of Imamat and Jamati institutions.

As in previous years, the programme featured a craft fair, a fashion parade, a luncheon, and musical performances, and was an opportunity to reflect on the development of the countries on the African continent, as highlighted in the remarks made during the official proceedings.

Luzia Moniz, President of the Platform for the Development of African Women (PADEMA) noted the recent devastation in Mozambique caused by hurricane Idai, highlighting the importance of working to address climate change, and preserving the planet for future generations.

Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, highlighted the connections between the Ismaili community and Africa, as well as the important presence of AKDN agencies in many countries of Africa. He noted that the “confidence in the African continent as well as the commitment to improve the quality of life for the people in Africa remains unwavering.”

AKDN institutions work in 11 countries in Eastern, Western, and North Africa, across social development, economic development, and culture. In Portuguese-speaking Mozambique in particular, AKDN has been active in health, education, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance since 1998.

In her keynote address, Secretary of State Teresa Ribeiro highlighted Portugal’s role in aiding the socio-economic development of African countries, and reiterated the commitment to cooperate with other countries in order to assist communities to address their challenges.

The Ismaili Centre Lisbon played host to Portugal’s celebration of Africa Day for the third consecutive year, emphasising its multipurpose nature and the welcoming atmosphere of its building and gardens. The Centre stands as a symbol of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community, and aims to serve civil society in Portugal, through the creation of bridges between people and cultures, along with the promotion of knowledge and pluralism — all in a spirit of dialogue and respect.

https://the.ismaili/portugal/lisbon-hosts-africa-day
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Webcast: An evening with Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat

Join us from the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, on Friday 28 June to learn about the work of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), and its efforts to improve the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia. Mr Onno Ruhl’s presentation will focus on the strategy and approach of AKAH with real life case studies, providing a glimpse into the agency’s work in action. The event is expected to begin at 8:45 PM UTC+1 and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.

The Board of FOCUS Europe, and the National Council of Portugal, invites you to participate, via webcast, in the event in which Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), will speak about the Ismaili Imamat’s vision for AKAH and present the work of the agency, which is focused on improving the habitat and resilience of communities in South and Central Asia.

Launched in 2016, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat brings together several existing AKDN agencies engaged in improving habitats and resources. The Focus Humanitarian Assistance field units in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, involved in providing humanitarian relief, were also brought under the AKAH.

AKAH is deeply involved in projects related to water sanitation and safety, environmental stewardship, home reconstruction, disaster prevention, among many more, helping thousands of people to improve their quality of life.

FOCUS Europe continues to work closely with AKAH by providing financial resources to decrease the vulnerability and increase resilience of the Jamat living under the constant threat of natural disasters.

https://the.ismaili/portugal/webcast-ev ... cy-habitat
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Ismaili Centre Lisbon participates in Open Gardens Festival

On a sunny weekend earlier this summer, the gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, along with other flourishing green spaces in the surrounding area, participated in the third edition of the Open Gardens Festival, welcoming visitors, and sharing its diverse flora with the public.

During the weekend, visitors had the opportunity to explore the large open spaces that make up part of the Ismaili Centre complex and discover the great variety of species of plants, mostly Mediterranean, spread over the four main gardens that surround the building - the Pine Garden, the Garden of Fruits, the Jacarandas Garden and the Olive Garden – as well as the six patios inside the building, two of them being the Char Bagh and the Spring Courtyard on the ground level.

The stunning outdoor spaces were conceived by the Centre’s architect, Raj Rewal, who worked in collaboration with the landscape architects Anne Chatelut and Françoise Cremmel, and were later developed by the Portuguese company PROAP under the coordination of the architect João Ferreira Nunes.

The gardens at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon contribute to the preservation of green areas in the city, and promote a sense of sustainability and respect for nature, all within a serene urban context. Landscape architect Vera Ramos noted that, “The gardens are an essential and inseparable part of this complex. In its courtyards and paths that were carefully designed to walk freely and to encourage introspection, visitors will find over 100 botanical species that come from all over the world.”

After several weeks of odd weather in Lisbon, the first day of the festival started with a sunny morning, lighting up the Ismaili Centre’s gardens and warmly welcoming hundreds of visitors, including 185 of whom participated in guided tours of the Centre.

The tours were conducted by the official tour guides of the Ismaili Centre, who accepted the challenge to offer tours exclusively of the gardens for the first time. Tour guide Rahim Sacoor said, “It was a unique opportunity to be able to learn more about our Gardens at the Ismaili Centre, about the complexity and symbolism surrounding the selection process for every single plant, and to be able to convey this information to people who were genuinely interested to hear more about what we had to share.”

On the second day of the festival, the sunny weather remained, which allowed hundreds more visitors to appreciate the flowering and blossoming of the different species, as well as the rich colours and scents. Vera Ramos continued, “As a living entity, the garden transforms itself over time; each visit is unique and unrepeatable. During the visits in May, the species in prominence were the fire tree of Illawarra (Brachychiton acerifolius) and the jacarandas, with their exuberant blooms.”

“The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a little paradise in the middle of the city. It was very interesting to discover through our guided tour, that the gardens comprise a very wide range of plants and species. It was incredible - we loved it.” said Rute Montenegro, one of the Centre’s visitors during the Festival.

The Ismaili Centre’s gardens are a relatively recent addition to the northern area of the city, which previously made it an unknown place to many. However, participation in events such as Open Gardens, Open House, and the cultural festival Sons pela cidade has had a significant impact to the building in terms of recognition as a complex not only for the Ismaili community but one that welcomes others, and promotes dialogue and knowledge sharing.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/centres/lisbon-part ... s-festival
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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese

A treasure for future generations

The articles on the gardens of the Ismaili Center have made reference mainly to plant species present in it, but a landscape architecture project involves many other issues, which are clearly evident in the gardens of the Center.

Let us begin by adapting to the site (relief, soil type, solar orientation, view system), the relationship with architecture, mastery of volumes, shapes and proportions. All of this can be done with a variety of materials, not just plants - light as well as stone, iron, wood and water. Plants - flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns - are selected by size, shape, texture, and are organized into vertical and horizontal planes that are more or less subtle to the visitor in multiple and dynamic relationships.

The traffic and access scheme is another key element that must be integrated in a harmonious and coherent way.

In the end, all of these elements should be a unit that is easy to read and comfortable to use. Have you ever wondered what Ismaili Center would look like without the garden surrounding it?

https://the.ismaili/portugal/um-tesouro ... -futuras-1
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Webcast: Ismaili Centre International Lecture with Dr Athar Sultan-Khan - October 11th 2019

Join us from the Ismail Centre, Lisbon, for an International Lecture to be delivered by Professor Athar Sultan-Khan, Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy. The theme of the lecture will focus on Multilateral Diplomacy in a Complex World. The event is due to begin at 5:00 PM UTC and will be webcast at the.ismaili/live.

During his 38 years of service with the United Nations, Professor Athar Sultan-Khan served as Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, Chief de Cabinet of UNHCR for the last 15 years, and held several senior diplomatic postings in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Currently, in addition to his role as Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy, Dr Sultan-Khan still advises the UNHCR on diplomatic matters.
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Google translation of the article originally in Portuguese

A treasure for future generations

This week we feature a new garden inhabitant: New Zealand Blueberry or Eugenia myrtifolia.

It is an exotic shrub, originating in Oceania, namely the central coast of New South Wales. It belongs to the blueberry family and its fruits are similar to blueberries (hence their common name), although it belongs to another family. There are many other Eugenias from other parts of the world, namely Brazil.

It was introduced here for a very specific purpose: to form a closed hedge in a short time, a function that this species easily fulfills: it has persistent and dense foliage, grows at a very fast pace when compared to the native ones, and is resistant to urban conditions.

In addition to the bright foliage and elegant bearing, it has a beautiful flowering, formed by sets of delicate white flowers. In the fall, it fills with red berries that are now beginning to ripen and serve as a meal for small birds. See if you can distinguish it from the rest of the bushes that completely surround the garden!

https://the.ismaili/portugal/um-tesouro ... -futuras-2
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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/celebra%C3 ... rce=Direct

Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Anniversary Celebration at Ismaili Center

Last Sunday, October 6th, an event organized by various Indo-Portuguese institutions in collaboration with the Ismaili community took place at Centro Ismaili, which marked the culmination of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.

In a spirit of unity, there was the presence of the Hindu community, and institutions such as the Embassy of India, House of India, House of Goa, among others. Also present were the High Commissioner for Migration, Dr. Pedro Calado, and the President of the Portuguese Yoga Confederation, Jorge Veiga and Castro - HH Jagat Guru Amrta Súryánanda Mahá Rája.

The event featured an introductory note from the President of the Ismaili Community National Council, Rahim Firozali, who in his speech highlighted the values ​​shared by Gandhi and Mawlana Hazar Imam, such as “peace, integration and global citizenship, (...) fraternity, respect and tolerance for cultural, social, religious diversity and mother nature ”.

Part of Jamat shares roots with Gandhi, who comes from the town of Porbandar in the Gujarat region. The links between Gandhi and the community extend so far that in 1969, during a visit to India, Mawlana Hazar Imam donated the palace built by his grandfather, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, to the Indian government. The same palace hosted the memorial and exhibited an exhibition dedicated to Gandhi, and, on the 150th anniversary, was completely illuminated in memory of the peace mediator.

The stage was lit by various performances, from devotional and traditional dances, to musical pieces performed by the various Ismaili community choirs, to yoga demonstrations. Followed by a coffee break, the event also included a guided tour by the President of the House of India to the photographic exhibition provided by this institution depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

The celebrations were very well received by both the community and the guests. Pedro Calado, High Commissioner for Migration, left us the following testimony:
"At the close of the celebrations of the week marking the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth in the magnificent Ismaili Center, we were able to celebrate an afternoon of communion around values. Hope, Peace and Interculturality Beyond geographical, social, cultural or religious origins, this communion deserves to be highlighted, especially by the inspiring example that reminds us that it is possible to live together in diversity. permanently remind us and demonstrate that

This celebration was not only a way of celebrating the achievements of a celebrated man, but also of uniting various communities under one set of values, with peace at their center.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/celebra%C3 ... rce=Direct
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Google Translation of original article in Portuguese at:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/de-18-25-d ... tro-lisboa

October 18-25, 2019, at the Ismaili Center, Lisbon

The opening of the Smartstore will take place on October 18th, at 5:15 pm, at the Ismaili Center Noble Room, Lisbon, and will be open every day from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm and from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

The collection of fashion clothes and accessories that took place in September was a success thanks to the participation of all Jamat!

The Social Welfare team thanks all those who contributed to this campaign and made it possible to open the Smartstore.

Through the Smartstore, Jamat members can choose the items they most need, reusing fashion apparel and accessories and giving them a new life. This will help those who need it most, while contributing to a safer and more sustainable environment.

All Jamat are invited to participate in this initiative.
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Conferência Inteligência Artificial Centro Ismaili

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFatzC ... rce=Direct

Highlights of an AKEPB Portugal event, held at Centro Ismaili on 30 April 2019 on Artificial Intelligence.
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Google translation of the Portuguese article:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/um-tesouro ... rce=Direct

A treasure for future generations

Even for those who regularly visit the gardens of Ismaili Center, there are always surprises and news. This time we highlight the flower of Osmanthus fragrans, a very discreet ornamental shrub, famous for its aroma (as the name implies) but which had never flowered here.

It belongs to the same family as jasmine and olive tree (oleáceas) and is known in English as fragrant olive or tea olive. However, it is more similar to holly and aderno, species very common in Portugal.

Originally from the Himalayas and southern China, this shrub or small tree is characterized by persistent and leathery foliage, with a jagged cut, forming small “thorns”. The flowers are small, white, sometimes clustered, and with a peach-like aroma.

It has slow growth, but in compensation is very resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it an excellent choice in any garden. Next time you visit Ismaili Center, look for Osmanthus near the flagsticks and get to know this species better.
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Students in Portugal inspired by the fragile beauty of the sea

Prince Hussain visited the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon yesterday to inaugurate an exhibition of artwork designed by students from the Portugal Jamat’s Talim (religious education) classes, inspired by The Living Sea photo exhibition currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon.

The visit followed a series of events in which Prince Hussain offered guided tours to Ismaili youth and children visiting his photographic exhibit at the museum. The exhibition features over 100 photos depicting the beauty, fragility, and diversity of marine life, reflecting Prince Hussain’s ecological and environmental concerns.

Last month, Prince Hussain accompanied three groups of youngsters of different ages, made up of over 130 young members of the Jamat, to raise awareness of ocean ecosystems and the imminent threats they face through excessive plastic waste, pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Each group had the opportunity to ask questions, and hear the story behind each picture, each species, and each region represented. In the process, they learned more about Prince Hussain’s passion for sea life and photography, and later depicted this in their own art.

Inspired by the exhibition, the students’ artwork displayed at the Ismaili Centre brings attention to the necessity and urgency to protect, conserve, and manage our oceanic heritage and resources.

The faith of Islam teaches followers to care for Allah’s creation, encouraging us to look after the natural resources which have been gifted to us, and not to waste or disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Since we only inhabit the earth for a relatively short time, each of us has a responsibility to leave behind a better environment for the next generation.

Mawlana Hazar Imam has often spoken of the importance of caring for the environment. In Ottawa in 2013, he said, “Our faith constantly reminds us to observe and be thankful for the beauty of the world and the universe around us, and our responsibility and obligation, as good stewards of God’s creation, to leave the world in a better condition than we found it.”

From a young age, Prince Hussain has been interested in marine life, and began scuba diving at the age of 14, which further developed his keen interest in nature conservation. His photographs have been featured in multiple exhibitions in the USA, France, Switzerland, and Kenya.

During the first tour, Prince Hussain said: “I’ve loved animals since I was really small, and I am really worried some of them are going extinct, at some point, possibly in our lifetimes.”

The exhibition features underwater photos of dolphins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, and other sea creatures, and aligns with many of the themes that students explore in the Talim and Secondary curriculum at religious education classes, including Allah’s creation, a sustainable environment, stewardship, social conscience, humility, and generosity.

One of the young participants, Noor Francisco said, “We learned about important subjects, like the mass extinction of living creatures, in this specific case, sea creatures. Prince Hussain told us that, in some circumstances, animals that had been photographed on previous dives, are almost impossible to find today, like the coral reefs.”

Another participant, Alyanna Bhanji spoke of her newly-found interest in wildlife conservation, saying, “I never had much interest in this topic, but after this tour I want to know more about sea life and I want to know more about everything. This was an amazing and unique opportunity and I am very thankful for having been a part of it.”

Prince Hussain’s photographs have been published in two books, Animal Voyage in 2004 (a new edition was printed in 2007) and Diving into Wildlife in 2015. Prince Hussain's recent photographs have also featured in several National Geographic blogs. For more information on The Living Sea exhibition, visit Focused On Nature.

In a speech delivered in Stockholm earlier this year, Prince Hussain asked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have a chance to see dolphins, turtles, sharks, and whales in the wild for years to come? To breathe clean air. To be able to keep growing our crops and feed ourselves. To drink clean water and not waste it. To be measured and thoughtful. To reduce our impact. And to roam plastic-free beaches and witness clean deserts and plains.”

As the young students learned, respecting the gifts of creation and finding new ways to adapt to and care for our shared planet, can allow us to thrive and grow alongside the natural world, enabling us to hand over a sustainable environment to those who will inherit the world after us.

Photos at:

https://the.ismaili/news/students-portu ... auty-sea-0

*****
Article in Portuguese

https://the.ismaili/portugal/alunos-do- ... eza-do-mar
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Celebrating culture, diversity, and pluralism at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon

On 18 December 2019, the Aga Khan Master Musicians with special guest Jasser Haj-Youssef delighted an audience at the Ismaili Centre, Lisbon. They highlighted the unity between different countries and continents, and between the present and the past by exploring various forms of classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary music.

Rooted in various different parts of the world, the Aga Khan Master Musicians are a collective group of leading artists who compose, arrange, and perform new music inspired by the cultural heritage of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, South and Central Asia, and China. They appear on the world’s most prestigious stages while also serving as teachers, mentors, and curators who enrich the Music Initiative’s interregional network of education programmes.

Formed in 2016, the Aga Khan Master Musicians contribute greatly to the work of the Aga Khan Music Programme and its mission to reinvigorate cultural pluralism and tolerance.

While introducing the artists, Fairouz Nishanova, the Director of the Aga Khan Music Programme, affirmed that, “The Aga Khan Master Musicians group bring together artists who represent the highest level of artistry in their respective traditions - different and distinctive, but interconnected through cultural exchange that existed during the time of the great Silk Route.”

The Aga Khan Programme consists of an interregional initiative for music and arts education, comprising worldwide performances, mentoring and artistic productions. The programme promotes the revitalisation of cultural heritage both as a source of livelihood for musicians, and as a way to reinforce pluralism in countries where social, political, and economic constraints prevail.

The concert was also an opportunity for distinguished guests, including Mrs Edite Estrela, Vice President of the Portuguese Republic Assembly; the Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal, Mr Dom Ivo Scapolo; members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as members of the Portugal Jamat and civil society, to gather and commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Foundation Stone Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon.

As Mawlana Hazar Imam said during the Ceremony on 18 December 1996, “Dedicated to the preservation of spiritual values, the promotion of social development and the enhancement of intellectual discovery, the Ismaili Centre, will seek to contribute to the enjoyment by citizens of Lisbon, and visitors alike, of spaces and buildings whose inspiration will aim to empathise, as well as expand our cultural horizons.”

The celebratory concert was the second event for which the Ismaili Centre opened its doors under the Christmas in Lisbon programme, after hosting two concerts from the UDJAT group and three guided tours of the building the previous weekend, emphasising the ideals of gathering, dialogue, and pluralism.

The UDJAT are an ensemble inspired by Mediterranean musical heritage, with a repertoire of influences by Iberian and Eastern roots, and also Jewish heritage. Their music, where voice cohabitates with the Portuguese guitar and percussion, evokes old sounds with a modern approach.

Nazim Ahmad, the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic, said during his remarks, “And I emphasise the dynamism and the spirit of inclusion of the Lisbon City Council, represented through EGEAC, to whom I also express our gratitude for associating and including us in the Christmas in Lisbon initiative, together with other institutions.”

Organized by EGEAC, the entity formed by the Lisbon City Council more than 20 years ago to promote, preserve, and reinvigorate cultural activities in the city, the Christmas in Lisbon programme comprises of a series of concerts and cultural events that take place in several multicultural spaces in Lisbon, and aim to celebrate the holiday season.

Photos:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/celebratin ... -173435533
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Google translation of the article in Portuguese

https://the.ismaili/portugal/e-se-pudes ... o-do-mundo

What if you could finish high school in another corner of the world?

Would you like to finish high school abroad, live in another country, communicate with others and learn about a new culture while studying and participating in various extracurricular activities, volunteering and sports?

United World Colleges (UWC) is a network of 17 international secondary schools for 16- to 19-year-olds that offer you the opportunity to join this unique experience in your life.

These schools, present in the four corners of the world, bring together students from all cultures and socio-economic backgrounds from over 100 countries in two-year courses, supporting students with scholarships of up to 100%.

As a formal curriculum, these colleges are taught and awarded the Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB), or International Baccalaureate, a curriculum of excellence emphasized on several occasions by Mawlana Hazar Imam: “The IB curriculum provides international standards of assessment, which allows students to enter higher education in renowned institutions of their choice, with the capabilities for creative and independent thinking and research, ”he says. “It has become a curriculum of choice adopted by international schools around the world.”

At the heart of the UWC spirit is the conviction that education can be the connecting link between young people of all backgrounds and ethnicities, who on the basis of their shared humanity can commit themselves to bringing about social change through bold and concrete actions. , personal example and selfless leadership, working for peace and a sustainable future.

Based on values ​​such as “the celebration of difference”, “compassion and service” and “personal action and example”, you will be able to live an enriching and unique experience in your life that combines high quality teaching with new socio-cultural experiences.

If you are interested, you would like to apply or hear testimonials and experiences of alumni attend the session to be held at the Ismaili Center on 10 January 2020 at 8.30 pm.

The session is intended for all interested students (ismailis and non-ismailis) as well as their carers. The session will be preceded by a coffee break.

Don't miss this unique opportunity in your life so we encourage you to join the session via the link: https://forms.gle/NBvFD3es3kKc7chx9

For more information regarding the United World Colleges and application process for Portuguese citizens see the websites https://www.pt.uwc.org/ and https://www.uwc.org/ .
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President of Portugal visits Ismaili Centre Lisbon - Highlights

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lwQE6D ... rce=Direct

The President of Portugal visited the Ismaili Centre Lisbon to celebrate 20 years since its inauguration
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Google translation of article in Portuguese

Living architecture

We all enjoy the beautiful architecture or the charms of nature, but if we can put them both together… it's perfect!

At Ismaili Center, the relationship between living structure and inert structure is very strong and permanent, being a fundamental concept throughout the project conception.

In the various courtyards there is always the presence of vegetation, whether in pots or small gardens, but this situation has to be managed so as not to cause inconvenience to the building. In the case of Patio Primavera, the stone walls are dressed in green and flowers for part of the year. But let us not forget that the plants have a structure that can be significantly heavy ... So it is essential to manage the excess material and try to combine the aesthetic level with the technician.

In this image, we can see the climbing fig tree or cat's claw (Ficus pumila, also called F. repens), a permanent foliage plant that covers the central part of the east-facing facade of Pátio Primavera. It is originally from East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan and N Vietnam), but has adapted well in our country and is widely used for ornamental purposes.

This species has the particularity of developing in two distinct phases: it grows slowly and discreetly during the first years of life, with small ovate or triangular leaves that adhere to inert surfaces, creating a very interesting plastic structure; after 9-10 years, the leaves become much larger (twice or triple in size), the stem becomes robust and woody with many branches and can bear fruit with small green figs (this plant belongs to the group but not edible, even toxic).

At this point it will be necessary to prune it so that its structure does not damage the patio covering and its fixing structure. But until then, we can continue to appreciate the way she hugs the stone and surrounds the windowpanes, creating suggestive living paintings.

https://the.ismaili/portugal/arquitetur ... rce=Direct
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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese

https://the.ismaili/portugal/cores-e-ma ... no-inverno

Colors and more colors in winter

For those who imagine the gardens in winter sad and monotonous, it is best to visit the Ismaili Center these days. From rosemary to hibiscus, to camellias and azaleas, there is a diversity of colors and flowers to enjoy. Not to mention some winter fruits, which also enliven the landscape!

This week we give special emphasis to the dwarf rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'prostratus'), a particular form of rosemary, a very common species in Mediterranean landscapes, associated with sunny and bright environments. Perhaps because of this, it was surprising to find this small shrub in full bloom, enjoying the milder days of this winter in Lisbon…

Rosemary is known mainly for its aromatic and food properties, and is also explored as an ornamental, medicinal and cosmetic industry. In addition to these properties, the dwarf rosemary is also very appreciated for its rusticity and creeping size, forming true green “cushions”, even in difficult terrains (steep, rocky and poor in organic matter). It is also perfectly adapted to high pH soils (calcic plant).

On the other hand, and like many Mediterranean species, the dwarf rosemary supports hot and dry summers, being an important ally when we want to reduce the consumption of water for irrigation in a garden. This characteristic results from some morphological and chemical adaptations, such as the shape and size of the leaves, their coating and the production of essential oils. The dense tuff configuration itself reduces evapotranspiration, one of the fundamental functions in any plant species, relative to water balance.

Finally, it is worth watching carefully the small lipped flowers (so named because they always have a very visible “lip”) - they are authentic miniature works of art!
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Google translation of the article originally in Portuguese:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/uma-flor-dos-matagais

Among other notable aspects, the gardens of the Ismaili Center are characterized by an enormous botanical diversity - more than 100 different species for an area of ​​approximately 12500m2.

There we can find sophisticated species, as a result of long improvement and production processes, such as the 'Claire Austen' rose (already presented here), as simple representatives of the Mediterranean flora, abundant in the thickets and uncultured fields of our country, of which the example is small rosemary.

Cistus crispus is a small shrub of erect size and persistent, dense foliage, which generally does not exceed 80cm in height. It is traditionally known as small rosemary, and in English it has the curious designation of "rockrose".

Its distribution area includes the entire western Mediterranean, from Portugal and Morocco to Sicily and Tunisia. In our country, it usually appears in low bush and abandoned fields, but it is also produced in nurseries for ornamental purposes. It resists drought well, and is tolerant to the pH level of the soil, but sensitive to cold winds (it develops best if it is protected).

It is very easy to recognize by the showy flowers that appear between April and June. Its leaves are green, elliptical, sessile (without petiole) and curly (with markedly wavy margins). The flowers are solitary (or rarely in small groups), with 5 sepals and 5 petals, pink in color. Like other cysteines (large rosemary, rock rose), it is a honey-bearing plant - bees produce honey from their pollen. For all these characteristics, we can say that it is a species of high ecological value, contributing to the protection of the soil against erosion and to biodiversity.

According to the florestar.net portal, the small rosemary can be easily grown in our country in all regions south of the Mondego River. At the Ismaili Center, look for it on the embankment next to the olive trees!

Photo at:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/uma-flor-dos-matagais
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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese: https://the.ismaili/portugal/o-nosso-centro-ismaili

Our Ismaili Center!

On December 18, 2020, we celebrated the 24th anniversary of the Launch of the First Stone of the Ismaili Center, Lisbon. This emblematic building represents the aspirations of the Ismaili Community in Portugal. Discover here some facts about the Ismaili Center, Lisbon.

The Ismaili Center, which reflects the identity and cultural heritage of the Ismaili Community in Portugal, is nowadays a place visited by hundreds of people.

It is characterized not only for being a place of prayer for the community, but also for being a meeting point for people from different social and cultural contexts, thus promoting the creation of bridges between various communities. A place for sharing knowledge and intellectual development, celebrating values ​​such as pluralism.

As Mawlana Hazar Imam referred in his speech on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Lisbon on December 18, 1996:

“I sincerely hope that this will be a center of goodwill, learning and experience that will be shared openly, an edifying place for the beauty of its design, a place for Portuguese Ismailis, of course, to meet and practice their faith, and we hope that is a lasting testimony to our commitment to a long and fruitful relationship with Portugal. ”.

Do you know that...

Launching of the First Stone: The laying of the 1st stone of the Ismaili Center took place 24 years ago, on December 18, 1996.

Inauguration of the Ismaili Center, Lisbon: The Center was opened on July 11, 1998 and was attended by Mawlana Hazar Imam and the then President of the Republic, Dr. Jorge Sampaio.

Architects Raj Rewal and Frederico Valsassina: The architects of the Center were chosen through an international competition in which several internationally renowned architects participated.

Total area: 18,500 m2: The Center extends over a total area of ​​18000 m2 and the built area represents only one third of the total area - 5,500 m2. This area concentrates three areas: social (Floor 0), religious (Floor 1) and institutional (Floor 2).

Gardens Area: 12,500 m2: The remaining area, 12,500 m2, is dedicated to gardens and interior and exterior patios. This area has 4 main gardens: the Jardim dos Frutos (this being the largest), the Jardim das Oliveiras, the Jardim dos Jacarandás and the Jardim dos Pinheiros. The Patios include the Char Bagh and the Patio Primavera, both located in the social area of ​​the Center. These Gardens include more than 100 different species, and 300 trees, from the most diverse parts of the world, from Spain to North America.

Main influences: The building materials (limestone and granite) and the domes were inspired by the Jerónimos Monastery, the latter being inspired, specifically, in the Church of Santa Maria de Belém located in the Jerónimos Monastery; the gardens, outdoor and indoor patios, cloisters and, in particular, the Char Bagh were inspired by the Alhambra Complex in Granada; and, the geometric tracery was inspired by the Indian city, Fatehpur Sikri.

Tiles: The tiles in the Ismaili Center were inspired by the Arab Room of the National Palace of Sintra and hand painted by the Viúva Lamego Factory. These Mozarabic tiles are one of the main decorative elements of the Center.

Art: The Ismaili Center contains several pieces of art, such as the Manuel Cargaleiro triptych and several traditional Central Asian tapestries.


Over the years, the Ismaili Center has been the scene of many events and activities, from concerts, exhibitions, cultural events such as Africa Day, among others, with the presence of distinguished guests, such as the current President of the Republic, Professor Doutor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Cardinal Patriarch D. José Policarpo and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.

The Ismaili Center seeks through various initiatives such as lectures, conferences and exhibitions, not only to express the aspirations and values ​​of the Ismaili Community but also to serve as an active agent in the development of the society in which the Center operates.
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Google translation of the original article in Portuguese:

https://the.ismaili/portugal/portas-abe ... ns-abertos

Open Doors to Open Gardens

Image

The Ismaili Center will open its doors to the 7th edition of the Jardins Abertos festival, on the weekends of 22/23 and 29/30 May.

This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Lisbon City Council and with the support of the President of the Republic, aims to promote “sustainability and environmental awareness, stimulating a positive relationship with nature in an urban context”. Since 2017, the festival has been growing exponentially, counting with more and more participations of Lisbon gardens - public and private - that are exhibited free of charge in celebration of Spring and Autumn.

The public will not only be able to enjoy the magic present in the corners of the city presented here, but will also be able to enjoy “various gardening, sustainability and environmental awareness activities” over both weekends.

The program has the participation of more than 25 gardens, in which there will be face-to-face and virtual guided tours, exhibitions and a variety of family activities!

Find more information at: https://www.jardinsabertos.com/
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