IIS alumni perform at the Aga Khan Music Awards 2025

IIS graduates took part in the Aga Khan Music Awards Freestage in London, celebrating artistic excellence and the Institute’s commitment to culture, creativity and collaboration.

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Musicians performing on stage during the Aga Khan Music Awards Freestage 2025 at Southbank Centre.

Living Islam: Muslim Expressions of Faith by Ali S. Asani Now Published

Discover a fresh perspective on Muslim experience in Ali S. Asani’s new book, published by I.B. Tauris in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies.

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Book cover on Muslim expressions of faith - Living Islam by Ali Asani

Dr Maria De Cillis delivers Shi‘i Islam Lecture Series at L’Orientale

Dr Maria De Cillis undertakes a visiting professorship at L’Orientale in Naples, presenting a six-part lecture series on Shi‘i Islam and contributing to scholarly events that advance research in Shi‘i and Ismaili studies.

Sign for L Orientale University of Naples on an exterior wall

About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), established in 1977, is a higher education, research and teaching institution dedicated to high-quality scholarship and education on Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili and broader Shiʿi studies, encompassing their historical and geographical contexts.

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Study with us

Graduate studies

IIS currently offers two graduate programmes which attract students from Ismaili communities world-wide.

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Short Courses

Our Short Courses are designed to introduce participants to a social, cultural, and civilisational approach to the study of Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili contexts.

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Fellowships and Scholarships

The Institute offers various scholarship and fellowship programmes to suitable candidates with a focus on Islamic studies or other areas of interest to IIS.

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Discover our research

Research at IIS seeks to contribute to the field of Islamic studies in general, with a particular focus on Shiʿi and Ismaili studies.

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Explore our publications

The Institute of Ismaili Studies publishes works by its own scholars as well as from the academic community outside the Institute.

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Heritage

Highlights from Global Encounters Festival 2025

Explore selected highlights that showcase the Institute’s contributions to conversations on culture, education and community at the Global Encounters Festival.

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Professor Zayn Kassam delivering the keynote address at the Global Encounters Festival 2025 in Dubai

Heritage

Ismaili Heritage and Preservation with Dr Wafi Momin and Dr Fayaz Alibhai

Discover how the Institute works with scholars and communities to document, protect, and interpret Ismaili heritage. Dr Wafi and Dr Fayaz share insights on oral traditions, manuscripts, sites, and the value of preservation.

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