DUSHANBE, September 15, 2014, Asia-Plus – The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) reports that Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan formally opened in Toronto the Ismaili Centre Toronto and Aga Khan Museum on September 12.
These projects, which are initiatives of the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, are intended to foster knowledge and understanding both within Muslim societies and between these societies and other cultures.
These spaces “will be filled with sounds of enrichment, dialogue and warm human rapport, as Ismailis and non-Ismailis share their lives in a healthy gregarious spirit,” remarked the Aga Khan during the ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, His Highness the Aga Khan saluted the many leaders, volunteers and staff who have made possible the completion of these new institutions, including the Prime Minister, and many members of government at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Prime Minister Harper commented that the site will be “a source of inspiration, spiritual renewal and cultural awareness,” not only for Torontonians, but for all visitors.
The Prime Minister paid a special tribute to the Aga Khan’s vision of Islam, which “stresses its social traditions of peace, tolerance and pluralism.”
“The decision to establish this significant initiative in Canada reflects the deep and longstanding partnership between the Imamat and Canada,” said the Prime Minister.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan, as well as Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Vice-Chair of the Museum’s Board of Directors, and Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, officiated over the opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum.
The Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum are situated within the 6.8-hectare landscaped park designed by Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon.
This beautiful new green space for the public, which will be known as the Aga Khan Park, is expected to open next year.
Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima is the architects of record and is responsible for integrating all aspects of the project.
The Aga Khan Museum is the first museum in North America dedicated to the arts of Muslim civilizations. Through its Permanent Collection, performing arts and educational programs and roster of temporary exhibitions, it will welcome the full spectrum of public engagement and serve as a vibrant educational institution.
The Ismaili Centre incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement, and spiritual reflection.
Together, these global institutions will contribute to a better understanding among different communities and cultures.
The establishment of these institutions in Toronto reflects the Aga Khan’s longstanding relationship with Canada and his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity.
The Aga Khan Museum, which will open its doors to the public on September 18, aims to foster a greater understanding of the artistic, intellectual and scientific contributions that Islamic civilizations have made to world heritage.
Housed in a unique building designed by Pritzker Laureate Fumihiko Maki, the Museum”s Permanent Collection of over 1,000 objects includes masterpieces that reflect a broad range of artistic styles and materials.
These portraits, textiles, manuscripts, manuscript paintings, ceramics, tiles, medical texts, books and musical instruments represent more than ten centuries of human history and a geographic area stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to China.
The Ismaili Centre Toronto, designed by renowned Indian architect Charles Correa, is the sixth in a network of Ismaili Centres in Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai and Dushanbe, and will continue a tradition of hosting programs that stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue and celebrate cultural diversity.
