The Ismaili Centre, Vancouver

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The Ismaili Centre, Vancouver
Ismaili Centre, Burnaby, front elevation and courtyard 1.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Nizari Ismaili Muslim
Leadership His Highness the Aga Khan
Location
Location4010 Canada Way, Burnaby, Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Geographic coordinates 49°15′15″N123°00′49″W / 49.25415°N 123.01373°W / 49.25415; -123.01373 Coordinates: 49°15′15″N123°00′49″W / 49.25415°N 123.01373°W / 49.25415; -123.01373
Architecture
Architect(s) Bruno Freschi
Type Jamatkhana
Groundbreaking26 July 1982
Completed1985
Website
https://the.ismaili/ismaili-centre-vancouver

The Ismaili Centre, Vancouver is one of six such centres worldwide. It was the first purpose-built Ismaili jamatkhana and the first Ismaili centre in North America. [1] [2] It has accordingly been the subject of sustained, dedicated academic analysis, being noted as a case-study of modern Islamic architecture in the West. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Foundation and Establishment

Established by His Highness Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver was the first of such centers in North America and the second in a series of six Ismaili Centres currently situated in London, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe, and Toronto.

The foundation ceremony for the new building was held on 26 July 1982, [7] and construction was completed in 1985. During the silver jubilee of His Highness the Aga Khan, [8] the new building was opened by the former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. [9]

Architecture and Design

Designed by the Vancouver architect Bruno Freschi, [10] [11] the building was conceived as an 'ambassadorial building' aiming to give visual architectural expression to the expanding Ismaili community in Canada, and designed 'not just for the use of the members of the Ismaili community, but [...] to become part of the fabric of the civil life of the area'. [12] The centre has been described as 'monumental', [13] 'spectacular' [9] and 'sitting harmoniously' within its environment, reflecting 'traditional Islamic architectural vocabulary in modern context, materials, and craftsmanship'. [14] Its footprint is 3,870 square metres (41,600 square feet), with a basement containing offices and classroom space, and two upper floors, a double-height prayer-hall (reserved for Ismaili worship) and a multi-purpose hall, around a courtyard with a fountain. [15] The prayer-hall is roofed with a series of shallow Turkish-style domes. [16] The design 'attracted international plaudits'. [17]

The faith of Islam is one in which the spiritual and the secular are inextricably linked. [18] As a result, the centre would have to thus reflect both the historical and traditional as well as the contemporary and forward-looking aspirations of the Ismaili community.

Related Research Articles

Ismailism Branch of Shia Islam

Isma'ilism is a branch or sub-sect of Shia Islam. The Isma'ili get their name from their acceptance of Imam Isma'il ibn Jafar as the appointed spiritual successor (imām) to Ja'far al-Sadiq, wherein they differ from the Twelver Shia, who accept Musa al-Kadhim, the younger brother of Isma'il, as the true Imām.

Aga Khan Imām of the Nizari Ismāʿīli Shias

Aga Khan is a title held by the Imām of the Nizari Ismāʿīli Shias. Since 1957, the holder of the title has been the 49th Imām, Prince Shah Karim al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV. All Aga Khans claim descent from Muhammad, last prophet of Islam.

Aga Khan IV 49th Imam of The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims (born 1936)

Shāh Karim al-Husayni, known by the religious title Mawlānā Hazar Imam by his Ismaili followers and elsewhere as Aga Khan IV, is the 49th and current Imam of Nizari Ismailis, a denomination within Shia Islam. He has held the position of imam and the title of Aga Khan since 11 July 1957, when, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. The Aga Khan claims direct lineal descent from the Islamic prophet Muhammad through Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, considered an imam in Shia Islam, and Ali's wife Fatima, Muhammad's daughter from his first marriage.

Nizari Ismailism Non-Twelver branch of Shia Islam

The Nizaris are the largest segment of the Ismaili Muslims, who are the second-largest branch of Shia Islam after the Twelvers. Nizari teachings emphasize independent reasoning or ijtihad; pluralism—the acceptance of racial, ethnic, cultural and inter-religious differences; and social justice. Nizaris, along with Twelvers, adhere to the Jaʽfari school of jurisprudence. The Aga Khan, currently Aga Khan IV, is the spiritual leader and Imam of the Nizaris. The global seat of the Ismaili Imamate is in Lisbon, Portugal.

Jamaat Khana Term used by some Muslim communities for a place of gathering

Jamatkhana is an amalgamation derived from the Arabic word jama‘a (gathering) and the Persian word khana. It is a term used by some Muslim communities around the world, particularly sufi ones, to denote a place of gathering. Among some communities of Muslims, the term is often used interchangeably with the Arabic word musallah. The Nizārī Ismā'īlī community uses the term Jama'at Khana to denote their places of worship.

The Khojas are a mainly Nizari Isma'ili Shia community of people originating in India.

Aga Khan Development Network Network of development agencies founded by the Aga Khan

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a network of private, non-denominational development agencies founded by the Aga Khan that work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. Aga Khan IV succeeded to the office of the 49th hereditary Imam as spiritual and administrative leader of the Shia faith-rooted Nizari Ismaili Muslim supranational union in 1957. Ismailis consist of an estimated 25–30 million adherents.

Imamat Day, also known as Khushali, is celebrated by Nizari Ismaili Shiʿi Muslims to mark the anniversary of the day that their present (Hazar) Imam Aga Khan IV succeeded his predecessor to become the Imam of the Time.

Ismaili Centre

The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Nizari Ismailis in the countries and regions in which they are established, characterised by the Aga Khan IV as 'ambassadorial buildings'. Each building is architecturally unique and functions as a jamatkhana, but also incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection, as well as spiritual contemplation. They facilitate mutual exchange and seek to foster understanding between diverse peoples, communities and faiths. Collectively and individually, the Centres represent the Nizari Ismaili community’s intellectual and spiritual understanding of Islam, as well as the community’s social conscience, outlook and attitude towards the societies in which it lives.

Aga Khan Museum Museum dedicated to Islamic art in Toronto, Canada

The Aga Khan Museum is a museum of Islamic art, Iranian (Persian) art and Muslim culture located at 77 Wynford Drive in the North York district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The museum is dedicated to Islamic art and objects, and it houses approximately 1,200 rare objects assembled by His Highness the Aga Khan and Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan. As an initiative of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network, the museum is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. The Museum’s mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. Through education, research, and collaboration, the Museum will foster dialogue and promote tolerance and mutual understanding among people. In addition to the Permanent Collection, the Aga Khan Museum features several temporary exhibitions each year that respond to current scholarship, emerging themes, and new artistic developments. The Museum Collection and exhibitions are complemented by educational programs and performing arts events.

Bruno Freschi is a Canadian architect and an officer in the Order of Canada, known for his role as chief architect for Expo 86 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Some of his notable works include Science World in Vancouver, the Ismaili Centre in Burnaby, and the Staples Residence in Vancouver.

M. Ali Lakhani, is a writer, lawyer, and editor whose works focus on metaphysics and the perennial principles found in the wisdom traditions of the world.

Ismaili Constitution

Nizari Ismaili Muslims around the globe are governed by one universal constitution known as "The World Constitution".

The History of Nizari Isma'ilism from the founding of Islam covers a period of over 1400 years. It begins with Muhammad's mission to restore to humanity the universality and knowledge of the oneness of the divine within the Abrahamic tradition, through the final message and what the Shia believe was the appointment of Ali as successor and guardian of that message with both the spiritual and temporal authority of Muhammad through the institution of the Imamate.

Ismaili Centre, Toronto

The Ismaili Centre, Toronto is a congregation place and community centre in Toronto, Ontario, CA Canada, the sixth such Ismaili Centres in the world. Situated in a park that it shares with the Aga Khan Museum adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway in North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Centre represents the permanent presence of the Ismaili Muslim community in Toronto, Ontario and Canada.

Ismaili Centre, London Religious and cultural center for Ismailis

The Ismaili Centre, London is one of six such centres world-wide. Established in South Kensington more than thirty years ago, it is a religious, social and cultural meeting place for the Ismaili Muslim community in the United Kingdom and is the first such centre to be specially designed and built for Ismailis in the Western world.

Imamate in Nizari doctrine

The Imamate in Nizari Isma'ili doctrine is a concept in Nizari Isma'ilism which defines the political, religious and spiritual dimensions of authority concerning Islamic leadership over the nation of believers. The primary function of the Imamate is to establish an institution between an Imam who is present and living in the world and his following whereby each are granted rights and responsibilities.

Nūram Mubīn is a Gujarati Nizari Ismaili text written by Ali Muhammad Jan Muhammad Chunara (1881–1966) and first published in 1936. It tells of the lives of the Ismaili Imams from the seventh to the twentieth centuries, and is notable for being the first authorized Ismaili history written in an Indian vernacular language.

Islam in Houston

Houston, in the U.S. state of Texas, is home to a significant number of Muslim Americans. As of 2012 it has the largest Muslim population in Texas and the largest Muslim population in the Southern United States. That year, Kate Shellnut of the Houston Chronicle wrote that "Some estimate that Muslims make up 1.2 percent of the city's population." As of 2012 the estimated population of Muslims in Houston was around 63,000. As of today, there are over 209 mosques and storefront religious centers, with the largest being the Al-Noor Mosque of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH).

Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe

The Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe is one of six such centres world-wide and is an Ismaili jamatkhana. It was the fifth purpose-built Ismaili Centre, and the first in Central Asia.

References

  1. ↑ Salima Versi, 'Make This Your Home: The Impact of Religion on Acculturation: The Case of Canadian Khoja Nizari Isma‗ilis from East Africa' (unpublished MA thesis, Queen‘s University Kingston, 2010), pp. 22, 52
  2. ↑ Parin Dossa, 'Women's Space/Time: An Anthropological Perspective on Ismaili Immigrant Women in Calgary and Vancouver', Canadian Ethnic Studies/Etudes Ethniques au Canada, 20.1: 45.
  3. ↑ Roger Kemble, ' "Ethnic eloquence: Burnaby Jamatkhana, Burnaby, B.C. architect: Bruno Freschi": Critique', Canadian Architect, 30:6 (1985), 12-17.
  4. ↑ Bernner Douglas, 'Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, Burnaby, BC', Architectural Record, 174 (August 1986), 90.
  5. ↑ Hafiz-Ur-Rehman Sherali, 'Architectural Culture of Islamic Institutions in the West' (unpublished Master of Architecture thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1991), esp. pp. 179-219; http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/41322.
  6. ↑ Zamila R. Karimi, 'Spaces of Worship in Islam in the West', Interiors, 1.3 (2010), 265–80 (esp. pp. 273-78); DOI: 10.2752/204191210X12875837764174.
  7. ↑ Khalil Karim Pirani, 'In Search of Appropriate Architecture: A Jamat Khana in Hunza, Pakistan' (unpublished Master of Architecture dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989), p. 3 fn. 2. https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/76872/20448977-MIT.pdf.
  8. ↑ Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Authority without Territory: The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamate (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), p. 183.
  9. 1 2 Karim H. Karim, 'Pluralism, Migration, Space and Song: Ismaili Arrangements of Public and Private Spheres', in Diverse Spaces: Identity, Heritage and Community in Canadian Public Culture', ed. by Susan L. T. Ashley (Newcastle Upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2013), pp. 148-69 (at p. 155); https://www.academia.edu/14002048.
  10. ↑ Bruno Freschi, 'Burnaby Jamatkhana', Architecture and Urbanism (A+ U), 190 (July 1986), p 51.
  11. ↑ Harold Kalman, Robin Ward, and John Roaf, Exploring Vancouver: The Architectural Guide (Vancouver: D & M Publishers, 2012), p. 296.
  12. ↑ Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Authority without Territory: The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Imamate (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), pp. 136-37.
  13. ↑ Tekijät Tazim R. Kassam, Songs of Wisdom and Circles of Dance: Hymns of the Satpanth Ismā'īlī Muslim Saint, Pīr Shams (Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 1995), p. 7.
  14. ↑ Zamila R. Karimi, 'Spaces of Worship in Islam in the West', Interiors, 1.3 (2010), 265–80 (p. 276); DOI: 10.2752/204191210X12875837764174.
  15. ↑ Zamila R. Karimi, 'Spaces of Worship in Islam in the West', Interiors, 1.3 (2010), 265–80 (quoting p. 276); DOI: 10.2752/204191210X12875837764174.
  16. ↑ Hasan-Uddin Khan, 'The Art and Architecture of the Mosque', in A Companion to the Muslim World, ed. by Amyn B. Sajoo (London: Tauris, 2009), pp. 177-208 (p. 204).
  17. ↑ Amir Hussain and Jamie S. Scott, 'Muslims', in The Religions of Canadians, ed. by Jamie S. Scott (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2012), pp. 167-218 (p. 192).
  18. ↑ "Address by His Highness the Aga Khan on Receiving the 'Tolerance' Award, Tutzing Evangelische Akademie 20 May 2006". European Judaism. 40 (2): 4–8. 2007-11-30. doi:10.3167/ej.2007.400202. ISSN   0014-3006.
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