In Memoriam: Vazir Anil Ishani (1937–2025)

The Institute of Ismaili Studies pays tribute to Vazir Anil Ishani (1937–2025), whose leadership and service helped shape key Ismaili and AKDN institutions. Read the full remembrance.

Voices of IIS - Celebrating 22 years with Dr Fayaz Alibhai

Join host Selina Ramji in conversation with Dr Fayaz Alibhai as they discuss Dr. Alibhai's career and his work on the Ismaili Heritage Project, which aims to document, protect, and conserve the built and other tangible heritage of the global Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

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Afghanistan Conference 2024 – explore recorded sessions

Watch selected recordings from the two-day Afghanistan Conference 2024, hosted by the Institute at the Aga Khan Centre and online. Featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions on how Afghanistan’s diverse traditions and identities have evolved across time, offering fresh perspectives on its historical and contemporary narratives.

Explore Keynotes and Panels

The Minaret of Jam. Shahrak District, Ghor Province, Afghanistan.

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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Podcast

Voices of IIS – Episode 6 with Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi

Join host Selina Ramji in a thoughtful conversation with Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi on 25 years of scholarship, his view of Divine Unity, work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, and his deep connection to nature.

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Man in traditional attire, colourful background.

Podcast

Voices of IIS – Episode 5 with Joy Johnson

Joy Johnson celebrates 35 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Ramji as they discuss Joy’s passion for people, travel, and storytelling.

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Podcast

Voices of IIS – Episode 4 with Alnoor Nathani

Alnoor Nathani is celebrating 30 years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Kassam Ramji as they discuss Alnoor’s passion for art and design and how he brings that to the IIS’ ta’lim (curriculum).

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Podcast

Voices of IIS - Episode 3 with Dr Shainool Jiwa

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

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Podcast

Voices of IIS - Episode 2 with Shah Hussain

Listen to the second episode of Voices of IIS, featuring Shah Hussain, librarian at the Aga Khan Library. He reflects on his journey from Chitral to IIS, and the enduring role of libraries in out society.

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Man in checked shirt, front of colourful background.

Podcast

Voices of IIS - Episode 1 with Shiraz Kabani

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

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