Voices of IIS

The Institute of Ismaili Studies

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The Voices of IIS explores new vistas of research and pedagogy. The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 as an academic institution of higher education. It is dedicated to the study of Islam, with a particular focus on the history, philosophy, law, and mysticism of Ismaili and broader Shi‘i intellectual and cultural heritages within the larger Muslim ummah.

Jun 25

Dr Daryoush Mohammad Poor | Voices of IIS Episode 14

Dr. Daryoush Mohammad Poor, Associate Professor and Interim Head of Constituency Studies at IIS, reflects on his unconventional path from studying mathematics in Iran to becoming a scholar of Ismaili philosophy. He recounts how an early encounter with an IIS graduate sparked a lifelong dream to join the Institute, how he navigated a circuitous route through student visas, college courses, and translation work to finally establish himself at IIS, and how his family's generations-deep tradition of community service shaped his sense of purpose. He speaks candidly about what IIS means to him as an intellectual and spiritual home, the influence of colleagues like Professor Mohammad Arkoun, his teaching philosophy, and his ongoing effort to construct a unified, methodologically coherent narrative of Ismaili philosophy. He closes with reflections on what truly inspires him from calligraphy and music to his family. Towards the end, he treats the audience to a live performance on the sitar. [0:02] Introduction & welcome [1:11] Journey to IIS — the strange trajectory begins [3:38] Arriving in the UK and joining IIS informally [5:46] Entry point — translation work and the encyclopaedia project [6:05] Where the dream began — the IIS graduate in his home town [8:06] Family legacy of community service [9:13] What IIS means personally and professionally [10:42] The spiritual bond within the Ismaili community [11:36] The Imam's vision — balancing faith and intellect [13:43] Current research and intellectual passions [20:07] IIS over 20 years — achievements and the website/social media evolution [22:26] Influence of Professor Mohammad Arkoun on his thinking [24:50] Building a unified narrative of Ismaili philosophy — the methodology of critical rationalism [27:41] Upcoming publications and papers [28:34] What inspires him — life, family, calligraphy, music [30:11] Live sitar performance [32:32] Closing remarks
May 15

Echoes of Childhood | The Voices of History Episode 4

The Oral History Project's fourth episode of The Voices of History marks Children's Day in the UK. Host Murtaza travels across Syria, Iran, India, East Africa, and Chitral to uncover childhood memories from the 1940s to the 1960s — seven elders, five countries, and decades of memory that exist nowhere but in the voices of those who lived them.
May 13

Dagikhudo Dagiev | Voices of IIS Episode 13

Dr Dagikhudo Dagiev, Senior Research Associate in Shiʿi Studies and Coordinator of IIS PhD Scholarships and Fellowships at IIS, reflects on his remarkable journey from Soviet-era Tajikistan to becoming a scholar of Central Asian Ismaili studies. He speaks about growing up during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the civil war in Tajikistan, his first encounters with IIS through the Khorog English Preparatory Programme, and how His Highness the Aga Khan's emphasis on learning English became a defining turning point for him. He shares what it has meant personally and professionally to be part of IIS for over two decades, discusses his mentorship under Dr Farhad Daftary, and reflects on the rich intellectual traditions of the Greater Khorasan region. He also offers an inspiring message for those who feel it may be too late to pursue their ambitions, and gives a glimpse into his two forthcoming books. [0:04] Introduction & Guest Background [1:16] Journey from Tajikistan — Early life and context [2:12] His Highness the Aga Khan's visit and the turning point (learning English) [3:03] First encounters with IIS (through KEPP) [4:59] Meeting early GPISH graduates & connection to the community [5:05] How background and upbringing shaped his scholarship [6:50] What being at IIS means — personally and professionally [7:41] Life at IIS — academic immersion and memorable lecturers [9:27] Current research focus and what drew him to it [9:40] Edinburgh preparation and Syrian encounter that inspired his path [10:55] Bibliography on Central Asian Ismailis (Dr Daftary's mentorship) [17:12] Reflecting on 25+ years at IIS [17:35] Joining IIS formally (2004) and working with Dr Daftary [19:53] Looking ahead — upcoming projects [20:03] Two forthcoming books and the Greater Khorasan conference [24:27] Final reflections [24:49] Inspiring message [26:52] Personal story — meeting his wife and family life
Apr 23

Farhad Daftary | Voices of IIS Episode 12

Dr Farhad Daftary, Director Emeritus and Governor of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, reflects on the personal and intellectual journey that led him from economics to becoming one of the most influential scholars in Shiʿi and Ismaili studies. He speaks about his family connection to the Aga Khan lineage, his early encounters with modern Ismaili scholarship, the turning points that shaped his career, and the growth of the field over the past six decades. He also shares advice for younger scholars, reflects on the legacy of his work, and offers a glimpse into his current research. Chapter Breakdown: [0:00] Introduction & Guest Background [1:41] Family Roots & Early Interest in Ismaili History [4:10] Discovering Ismaili Studies at Berkeley [7:17] From Economics to Scholarship [9:00] The Iranian Revolution & A New Direction [12:02] Early Writing, Research & Academic Validation [13:41] Discovering IIS & First Encounters in London [17:01] Joining The Institute of Ismaili Studies [19:30] Publishing Foundational Works in the Field [20:32] How Ismaili Studies Has Evolved [25:52] Advice for Students & Early Career Scholars [28:04] Reflections on Legacy & Scholarly Contribution [29:53] A Personal Passion for Piano [31:48] Current Research on Hasan Sabbah [34:42] Closing Reflections
Feb 13

Amier Saidula | Voices of IIS Episode 11

Dr Amier Saidula reflects on his journey from a State Prosecutor in China to a Senior Research Associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. He speaks about his multicultural upbringing in Kashgar, his career in law, and the unexpected path that brought him to IIS. After more than two decades researching Muslims in China, particularly the Ismaili community, he found renewed purpose and a platform for his voice. Chapter Breakdown: [0:00] Introduction & Guest Background [1:07] Early Life in Kashgar & Family Heritage [2:58] Mother's Influence & Early Writing [5:29] University Success & Legal Career Launch [7:48] Life as a State Prosecutor [9:36] Career Advancement & Glass Ceiling [13:52] Discovery of IIS & Seven-Year Journey [16:39] Serendipitous Connections to IIS [20:02] Arrival in London & the Graduate Programme [21:31] Becoming a Research Associate [22:36] Most Meaningful Achievement: Finding His Voice [24:08] Languages & What He Loves About His Work [26:32] Upcoming Projects: Monographs & Documentary [27:24] Closing Remarks
Jan 30

Toby Mayer | Voices of IIS Episode 10

In this episode of Voices of IIS, Dr. Toby Mayer reflects on his two-decade journey at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. With a half-Indian, half-English heritage, he pursued his undergraduate degree in Indian Studies at Cambridge before transitioning to medieval Arabic thought at Oxford. He discusses his forthcoming work on al-Shahrastani's esoteric Quranic commentary, which seeks to bridge Eastern and Western intellectual traditions while exploring the rational and mystical dimensions of Islamic thought. 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Indian Studies and what drew him to the field 01:05 Gap year experience working in India 02:10 Transition from Indian Studies to Arabic and Islamic studies 03:52 Personal encounters with Sufism and Islamic thought 04:49 Languages and working with medieval texts 05:54 Joining IIS and two decades of work 06:15 Memorable conferences and collaborations 07:57 The 2019 Esoteric Cultures of Scripture conference 08:21 Working with the late Professor Madelung 09:42 Teaching in the Graduate Programme 10:12 IIS's unique approach to Quranic studies 11:31 Forthcoming esoteric texts series 12:15 Current work on Shahristan's Quran commentary 13:25 Bridge-building between East and West, modernity and tradition 15:18 Personal interests in music, art, and human expression 16:19 Closing thoughts and gratitude
12/24/2025

Najam Abbas | Voices of IIS Episode 9

In this episode of Voices of IIS, Dr Najam Abbas reflects on his two-decade journey at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Born in New Delhi, he pursued his studies across Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, along a multilingual and transregional academic path. He discusses his pivotal work on The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia, which seeks to enhance access to knowledge of Persian and Central Asian Islamic traditions for English-language audiences." 00:00 Introduction to Najam Abbas02:15 Early life in Delhi and family background05:40 Academic journey and studying economics09:10 Moving to Pakistan and further studies13:30 Joining the Institute of Ismaili Studies17:05 Research interests and key projects21:20 Reflections on teaching and mentorship25:45 The role of family and community29:10 Challenges and lessons learned33:00 Vision for the future of IIS36:20 Advice for young scholars39:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude
10/17/2025

Russell Harris | Voices of IIS Episode 8

Russell Harris is celebrating twelve years at The Institute of Ismaili Studies. Join host Selina Kassam-Ramji as they discuss how music shaped his outlook on life and languages, as well as how he curates his work in and beyond the Institute. 00:00 Meet Russell Harris 03:05 Discovering ‘world’ music 04:56 Opera in New York 08:26 Returning to London 11:54 The Aga Khan Centre 13:55 Visiting ‘Fatimid’ Cairo 16:00 Speaking and singing Arabic 19:09 Curious curating 23:06 Highlights at IIS 25:05 Upcoming projects

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The Voices of IIS explores new vistas of research and pedagogy. The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 as an academic institution of higher education. It is dedicated to the study of Islam, with a particular focus on the history, philosophy, law, and mysticism of Ismaili and broader Shi‘i intellectual and cultural heritages within the larger Muslim ummah.

Creator

The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

20
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© The Institute of Ismaili Studies
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Voices of IIS