SYRIA dates, events and testimonies

[jeeshanali]

Ya ali miadad

Please pass this on to those you know may be going to Syria.

THIS IS A SPECIAL REQUEST TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE TRAVELLING TO SYRIA, FOR MOWLAS GOLDEN JUBILEE. CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE AS MANY CHILDREN'S ENGLISH STOREY BOOKS AND ANY ISMAILI MAGAZINES. SYRIANS LOVE TO READ THESE MAGAZINES, PERTAINING TO IMAMAT WORK. THEY HAVE BEEN ISOLATED FOR SO MANY YEARS, THESE MAGAZINES WILL GIVE THEM A PROPER PERSPECTIVE. ENGLISH MATERIAL IS VERY EXPENSIVE, AND VERY HARD TO FIND IN THE MOUNTAINS. PEACE AND LIGHT TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL DO THIS SEVA OF TIME AND KNOWLEDGE.

Regards/Rahim

[Admin]

Register for Didar if you need to at

http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/

[jeeshanali]

Ya ali miadad


The syria darbar registration is already begin.


official website-www.goldenjubileesyria.org


Darbar registration : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/registration/


Travel and lodging : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/travel/


Darbar dates : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/venues/


FAQ : http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/faqs/


Events :http://www.goldenjubileesyria.org/events/


If you need any futher assistance feel free to contact me


Thanks

Regards/Rahim

[mohamad52]

I will arrive at damascus airport on 26th august about 1:00 am, so i am cocerned about the starting time of salamieh darbar. please give me some information. thank you.

[goldentour]

Dear Sister and Brother,
We are happy for syria darbar and hope all ismaili people can see MHI in golden jublee year.

golden tour can help ismaili turism to travel to salameyeh in darbar day and another days travel to other palce to visit.

if you want to use please see web site www.neginit.blogfa.com
and send me your information completly.

yours truly

[jeeshanali]

Dear Mohamed

Here is the information

When will the Darbar be held?
The tentative date for Salamieh is the morning of August 26th.

When should I arrive at the Darbar site?

* If you have received your badge AND have a local family to escort you, please proceed directly to the site at least three hours prior to the start time.

* If you have not received your badge please make your way to the meeting point at Al-Hussain Jamatkhana in Salamieh five (5) hours prior to the start of the Darbar. You will be escorted to the Darbar site with volunteers. The last escort will leave two hours prior to start of the darbar.
*At the Darbar site, follow the signs directing the international jamat

There are also volunteers on the airport you can just ask them about the time as it is mostly in the morning.

Thanks

Regards/Rahim

[Admin]

Dozens and dozens of buses are arriving in Salamieh from Iran to participate in the celebrations of Golden Jubilee.

Between 2,000 to 20,000 Iranian Ismailis are expected to attend Didars in Syria.

As Salamieh welcomes thousands of Ismailis from Iran and the other International Jamat, surrounding suburbs such as Barre and other Ismaili towns are preparing to walk 10 to 15 km to Salamieh Darbar on 26th August 2008 as their traditional Hajj.

There may be up to 150,000 Ismailis at the Darbar, making it the biggest Darbar of the Jubilee.

[kmaherali]

Syria visit
Sunday, 24 August 2008

A little girl and boy present Mawlana Hazar Imam with flowers and welcome him with affection upon his arrival in Syria. Photo: Gary Otte

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Damascus airport for the start of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Dardari, the Minister of Tourism, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN institutions in Syria.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

[kmaherali]

Syrian Jamat prepares to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee visit

Ass’en Street in Salamieh decorated in green, red and golden colours to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam. Photo: Yamen Mahmoud Farha

On 24 August 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam will arrive in Syria, and during his time here, he will meet with President Bashar Al-Assad, various government officials, as well as faith and civil society leaders. Hazar Imam will also grant Golden Jubilee Darbars in Salamieh and Al-Khawabi. It has been nearly seven years since Mawlana Hazar Imam last visited the Syrian Jamat. The enthusiasm and excitement are building as the Jamat looks forward to the upcoming Darbars.

In anticipation of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit, residents of Salamieh, both from the Jamat and others, have decorated the town for this happy occasion. In the local Ismaili Council hall, traditional folk dances, parties and weddings are also taking place as part of the celebrations. One of the highlights included the presentation of Sada Alrooh (Soul’s Echo) performed by Hala, an ensemble of local young students, at the National Council’s open air theatre. The performance conveyed messages of a common humanity and peace, deepening the sentiment behind the celebrations.


The Hala ensemble in cooperation with the Ismaili Council for Syria present “Sada Alrooh” at the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee. Photo: Yamen Mahmoud Farha

Over 100 000 people are expected to attend the Darbar in Salamieh, including Jamati members from around the world. The local Jamat is looking forward to hosting them. Esmaeel Al Yazaji, the head of the local communications committee, noted that some 5 000 volunteers are working on various committees to help with a wide range of tasks before, during and after the visit.

In Damascus, the Youth and Sports portfolio organised a series of workshops to prepare the youth for the visit. At the culmination of the last workshop, the participants sat around the edge of a large room at the local Council office. Each participant then made a special Golden Jubilee wish or prayer for the Imam, the Jamat and the world at large. Upon expressing their wish, each lit a candle from the flame from the previous person’s candle, symbolically expressing the notion of unity through one light.


Youth in Damascus offer Golden Jubilee wishes as they light candles and place them in a formation that spells “Golden Jubilee” in Arabic. Photo: Courtesy of Ismaili Council for Syria

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/510/Syria ... ilee-visit

[Admin]

mirrored on ismaili.net in Forum Section from SANA




Prince Aga Khan Starts 6-day visit to Syria

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 04:20 PM

amascus, (SANA)- His Highness Prince Aga Khan, Head and Founder of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Damascus on Sunday on a 6-day visit to Syria.

He was received at Damascus International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism Dr. Saadullah Agha al-Qala'a and Resident Representative of AKDN in Syria Mohammad Mufdi Seifo.

During his visit to Syria, Prince Aga Khan will take part in celebrations marking the end of AKDN-sponsored restoration works at three historical castles: Aleppo, Saladdin and Missiaf.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA

[Admin]

President al-Assad meets Prince Karim Aga Khan

Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 08:05 PM

Mirrored on www.ismaili.net from SANA





DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday discussed with Prince Karim Aga Khan, Chairman of Aga Khan Development Network, the developmental projects launched by Aga Khan network in Syria.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the encouraging investment atmosphere in Syria and the Syrian positive economic situation and its future aspects.

Prince Aga Khan thanked President al-Assad for Syria's support to the projects of aga Khan Network in Syria, underlining commitment to develop relations between the Network and the Syrian government.

The Prince briefed President al-Assad about some projects that could be fulfilled by the Network in Syria in the future to boost cooperation in all fields.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities.

Mazen

[jeeshanali]

Dear All,

First of all mubarki to entire syria jamat along with international jamat travelling to syria for Hazar Imam darbar

Dont forget to remember me in your dua and during the entire deedar

Anyone from syria can u provide me the council address along with email id as i have many ismaili magazine and other books so that syria jamat will be benefitted with this.

Thanks

Regards/Rahim

[kmaherali]

Aga Khan Arrives in Syria on the Occasion of His Golden Jubilee

Please also see: Photographs

Damascus, Syria, 24 August, 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam, (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Damascus today, on a 6-day official visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism, Dr Sa’dallah Agha Al-Qal’a, various faith leaders as well as leaders from the Ismaili Community in Syria and officials from the AKDN.

The visit comes in response to an invitation from the Syrian Arab Republic Government, and within the context of His Highness’ Golden Jubilee - the Aga Khan acceded to the Ismaili Imamat on 11th July 1957 and is visiting some 30 countries around the world which have long-standing and close relations with the Imamat to express his gratitude and friendship with governments, leaders, and other partners of the AKDN.

During his visit to Syria, the Aga Khan, is scheduled to meet with Dr. Bashar Al Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to hold meetings with the Syrian Prime Minister and a number of political and spiritual leaders in Syria to discuss ways of furthering cooperation and coordination in the areas of healthcare, nursing, education, microfinance, tourism and culture. Within this framework, a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed to further development in these areas and enhance sustainable integrated development in the country.

In a ceremony to be held in Aleppo on Thursday 28th August 2008, the Aga Khan will also mark the completion of cultural revitalisation work on the Citadels of Aleppo, Salah ad-Din and Masyaf, carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with the Syrian Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums.

http://www.akdn.org/press_release.asp?ID=685

[kmaherali]

Aga Khan University Signs Agreement to Further Health and Education Development in Syria


Damascus, Syria, 25 August 2008 - The Ministries of Health and Higher Education of the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University (AKU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance capacity in the health sector. The memorandum was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister in Damascus and witnessed by Syrian Prime Minister, His Excellency Mohamed Naji Al-Utri and His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Chancellor of the Aga Khan University. He is in Syria on a 6-day official visit.

The memorandum, which provides a framework for cooperation in nursing education and hospital quality assurance, was signed by Dr. Maher Al-Housami, Minister of Health, Dr. Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education and Mr. Firoz Rasul, President of AKU, witnessed by Mr. Mohamed Seifo, AKDN Representative in Syria.

The signing of the memorandum marks the expansion of an existing, successful partnership between the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University. The partnership is a significant contribution towards the strengthening and building of capacity in the country in response to the challenge of developing human resources in healthcare. As part of this partnership, AKU will provide technical assistance to the Ministries for:

Strengthening of selected Bachelors and Masters programmes for nurses through developing capacity of faculty and introducing research-based, relevant curricula; and,
Establishing quality assurance systems at the Damascus Hospital through comprehensive training of staff.
The partnership between the Government of Syria and Aga Khan University is unique in that it spans several sectors in scope and includes linkages between three universities in the Muslim world: Teshreen University and Al-Baath University in Syria and the Aga Khan University.
“Institutions that teach best practices, measured in global terms, are critical for any country in the world, however well developed it is,” said the Aga Khan at the signing ceremony. “Building institutional capacity in Syria - jointly in healthcare and education, is a goal which we have shared since we started our discussions and the agreement that was signed today with regard to Higher Education and institutional building, enters directly into this area.”

From 2003-2007, AKU served as an intellectual partner to Syria’s Ministry of Health. In this period, AKU successfully introduced nursing quality assurance at seven hospitals, trained over 100 nurses in clinical skills and quality assurance, assisted in the development of the Ministry of Health’s diploma nursing curriculum and trained 40 teachers in contemporary pedagogies. During this time, nine students have benefited from higher education opportunities at AKU in Pakistan, including Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Education degree programmes. Most of these students have now returned to Syria to contribute to the development of the health and education sectors in their country.

According to President Rasul, an important aspect of the partnership between AKU and the Syrian Government is that it is a South-South relationship. “In the last century or so, the common perception globally has been that the flow of learning, ideas, and solutions, is only credible if it is from the West to the East or from the North to the South. However, this is a misconception, as the partnership between the Syrian Government and Aga Khan University demonstrates. Together we have been able to foster linkages between important centres of learning in our countries,” he said.

The Aga Khan University was the first private autonomous university (chartered) established in 1983 in Pakistan and its charter calls upon it to serve the Ummah and developing countries. The University is recognised for its research, teaching and service at an international standard in medicine, nursing, teacher education, medical care and community service. The university has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, including Faculties of Health Sciences with a Nursing School, Medical College and teaching hospitals in Karachi and Nairobi, Institutes for Educational Development in Karachi and Dar es Salaam, an Examination Board and an Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. AKU is a non-denominational institution open to all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin or financial standing.

http://www.akdn.org/press_release.asp?ID=686

[kmaherali]

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/25/189985.htm

Ottri, Karim Aga Khan Discuss Joint Cooperation Agreements
Monday, August 25, 2008 - 02:20 PM



Damascus, (SANA)- Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri and His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Head of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), on Monday discussed fields and prospects of cooperation between the Syrian government and the Network in the economic, social, cultural, development and tourist areas in light of the cooperation agreement signed between the two sides.

Both sides reviewed a set of projects which the AKDN intends to initiate in Syria, particularly rural development, broadening and expanding the program of funding the small-size projects and infrastructure services.

Premier Ottri highlighted the projects which that AKDN is carrying out in Syria, pointing out to its distinguished role in the field of restoration of ancient places and the revival of Arab and Islamic civilizations.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan expressed his Network keenness on launching new social and development projects, underscoring the support given to its activities in Syria.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism Dr. Sadullah Agha al-Qala'a and Mohammad Mufdi Seifo, AKDN Resident Representative in Syria.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari also discussed with His Highness Karim Aga Khan the growing cooperation between his Network and Syria.

Mr. Dardari briefed Prince Karim on the situation of investment in Syria and prospects of big and diversified investment and the possibility of the Network's funding of several development projects as well as the facilities given by the Syrian government to the investors.

Later, in the presence of Premier Ottri and Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Executive Order document to initiate small-size funding in Syria was signed between the Syrian Central Bank and Aga Khan Agency for Small-Size Loans, along with launching new tourism projects in Damascus.

Also a Memo of Understanding was signed between Aga Khan University and the Syrian Ministries of Health and Higher Education.

After the signing ceremony, Premier Ottri and Prince Karim Aga Khan exchanged friendly speeches, expressing common desire to enhance and develop the existing cooperation between Syria and the AKDN, highlighting the agreements signed today.

They also voiced willingness to establish new development projects in different fields.

Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA

[kmaherali]

Updates from theismaili.org

Syria visit
Monday, 25 August 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam addresses a media gathering as Prime Minister Muhammad Naji Al-Otri looks on. Photo: Gary Otte

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Prime Minister, Muhammad Naji Al-Otri, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Al-Dardari.

Following the meetings, Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of an agreement by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Adib Mayaleh, to mark the launch of the First MicroFinance Institution (FMFI) in Syria. The FMFI is the first entity of its kind in the country. It will operate as a banking institution, while remaining focused on poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development in line with the mandate of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.

Thereafter, President Firoz Rasul of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Dr Maher Al-Husami, Minister of Health and Dr Ghiath Barakat, Minister of Higher Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards further development of the healthcare sector in Syria. The agreement provides a basis for cooperation between AKU and Syria’s Ministry of Health in nursing education and hospital quality assurance.

Also see the related press release at the AKDN website.

Finally, an agreement was signed between the Governor of Damascus, Bishr Mazen Al-Sabban, and Mahmud Janmohamed, Managing Director of Tourism Promotion Services — an agency of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The agreement, which was ratified by the Minister of Tourism, Sadallah Agha Al-Qala, announces the investment of approximately $20 million towards the building of a five-star hotel through the preservation and restoration of four heritage buildings in Old Damascus.

Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister then shared a few remarks with the media assembled at the event. Hazar Imam spoke of the powerful opportunities that microcredit presents to the poor. “It is a resource which needs to be developed,” he said, “and I hope we will be able to expand the microcredit activities in Syria, to more and more people across the country, particularly in rural environments.”

Hazar Imam also spoke of the goals shared by AKDN and Syria in building institutional capacity in healthcare and education, noting that “institutions that teach best practices, measured in global terms, are critical for any country in the world.” He highlighted the agreement signed between the Aga Khan University and the Syrian ministries of Health and Higher Education as one that jointly seeks to address this area.

Remarking that “Islamic cultures have immense power and immense opportunity,” Hazar Imam pointed out that “it is up to us Muslims to illustrate those civilisations, those cultures of the past and present.” One way to do so, he noted is through the revitalisation of cultural assets through the development of the leisure industry.

“Cultural assets can and should become contributors to cultural dialogue, to cultural understanding, pride in one’s heritage and make an economic contribution to the country,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam. “Cultural assets speak for our history, speak for our traditions, speak for our values, speak for our ethics.”

Additional photos are available in the photo gallery. Further updates on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Syria will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.



Sunday, 24 August 2008

In the afternoon of the first day of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President, His Excellency Dr Bashar Al-Assad, in Damascus. Photo: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)

Today, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at Damascus airport for the start of his Golden Jubilee visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Dardari, the Minister of Tourism, leaders of the Jamat and AKDN institutions in Syria.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr Bashar Al-Assad.

Also see coverage at the AKDN website including the press release and photos.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

[Admin]

Daily update for this Golden Jubilee Visit on

http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/18213

[Admin]

Activities and Programs of Aga Khan Development Network in Syria

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 01:25 PM

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.

The AKDN has pledged a long-term commitment with Syria in the mentioned areas and focused its activities during the past years on economic development, developing pioneering work, improving quality of the health and education services and supporting development initiatives of civil society as well as protecting cultural heritage including development of the sustainable tourism.

It has completed renovation works in Aleppo, Misyaf and Salahuddin archaeological castles. The network, after the agreement in Aleppo City Council,
launched a project for developing the area surrounding the castle and the Old City of Aleppo and has begun implementation of the project at the end of the year 2006 on five stages to end in 2009.

In the context of its activities in the cultural development, the network has worked, since the year 2000, with the Ministry of Culture on improving infrastructure of buildings, improving the environments of cities, upgrading tourism utilities and training workers in the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums on authentication and rehabilitation.

The network initiated, in the framework of its participation in the ongoing process of economic development in Syria, to establish a program of small loans and business advisory services in six governorates, namely Hama, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus, Damascus and Sweida. It works to expand and cover all governorates as soon as possible .

The AKDN works with the governmental and non-governmental foundations to improve criteria and quality of the health care, develop mechanisms of financing community care and it has conducted consultations with the Ministry of Health focused on the development of policies and programs of joint training with the School of Nursing and Health Sciences College and Department of Community Health affiliated to the Aga Khan University.

It works closely with the government for development of the institutional and legal work as it seeks, due to its international experience in making the cultural tourism, to explore many opportunities for the development of cultural sites in Syria
in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism, Culture and the Damascus and Aleppo governorates.

In the area of social development, the network works to improve available water management and promoting planting of drought resistant crops. Its initiatives deal with programs to increase agricultural productivity, diversify income sources, improve the living standard in rural areas complementing efforts of the other international agencies operating in the area of rural development within Syria.

During the current visit of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan,the Founder and Head of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)and his meeting with senior Syrian officials a number of agreements and understanding memos will be crystallized.

These agreements include signing memorandum of understanding with Ministries of Health and Higher Education, license of the first foundation of microfinance, contracts of tourism projects in Damascus as well as signing memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of Qensrin park in Aleppo and the investment contract related to the Serail.

Ghossoun /
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/26/190127.htm

[ulutaj]

There are several unique articles now at the following site:
http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=Aga+Khan&s=date

It seems to be a site that is very regularly updated, so you may want to bookmark it for future.

Thank you Karim M for pointing us to the Official Links that Imam has designated for the jamat. It is nice to see the regular official updates!

Daily updates with official pictures that have not been posted here:
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit

Photo gallery #1 (is being regularly updated):
http://www.theismaili.org/?ID=512

AKDN photo gallery #1:
http://www.akdn.org/photos_syria_aug2008.asp

AKDN photo gallery #2:
http://www.akdn.org/photos_syria_25aug2008.asp

I really like the third picture in the AKDN photo gallery #1. If you zoom into the picture close (Hazar Imam entering the car) you see He is looking directly at the camera!

Mubarakh to all, and thank-you to admin and others for posting all of these links so that the community can find the latest information!

[Admin]

Mubarak for the Salamieh Didar today!

Mowlana Hazar Imam will check out from Hotel Four Season in Damascus on 28th and leave from Aleppo on 29th August.


SANA which is the Syrian Arab News Agency gives daily updates on Hazar Imam's visit from the official Syrian point of vue.

their site is at http://www.sana.sy/index_eng.html



The site also gives other useful info such as currency, temperature etc...

[kmaherali]

Ottri holds dinner banquet in honor of Karim Aga Khan

Monday, August 25, 2008 - 09:20 PM

DAMASUCS, (SANA)-Premier Mohammad Naji Ottri Monday held a dinner banquet in honor of Karim Aga Khan, chairman of Aga Khan Development Agency and the accompanying delegation.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari , a number of Ministers and governors attended the banquet.

Mazen

http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/25/190049.htm

[bantu]

With so much anticipation about the Syria Didar it is surprising that no reports or pictures of the Salamieh Didar have appeared anywhere including theismaili.org.

Isn't it time that the official web site should have on-site reporters who can submit inspiring reports and photos within hours (if not minutes) of the Darbar having taken place?

Of course I would have liked to submit this comment to the editors of the web site, but where can I find the contact page?

Perhaps we have to wait for individual testimonies and adminsitrators of this web site to feed the Jamat what they are eagerly waiting for...

[Admin]

You can contact us at [email protected] [contact info is on top of page]

Or you can put your testimonies directly into the Forum.

We have onsite reporter but they are running between Salamieh, al-Khawabi and other places of the visit collecting data so it will take few days before the site is updtaed, but once it is done, it will be complete.

As you may know, our goal is to preserve our Heritage for the long term. Just look at the Gallery we made for the previous Syria visit, it is well documented. http://www.ismaili.net/Syria/index.html

Admin

[bantu]

Admin,

Thank you for your excellent all-round effort over the last several years.

In my above post, I was specifically referring to theismaili.org, when I alluded to "the web site".

It is time for the official community web site to facilitate a bottoms up approach where individuals and Jamati institutions at all levels - right from a rural village and up- can submit reports etc. on their activities and experiences. It is only then that it can make its claim to being a true community web site.

Challenging but doable, as your web site with limited resources has exemplified.

[kmaherali]

As received:

Ya Ali Madad Everyone!

Yesterday morning we had wonderful didar of Hazar Imam in Salemiya, Syria.

125,000 jamati members had gathered including International jamati members from Canada, USA, Iran, Pakistan, and many other countries. This Golden Jubilee Darbar was held at the Agricultural School established by Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah.

The Jamat started arriving at 3:30 am. The huge feild where the Darbar was held was decorated with a beautiful stage with a backdrop of rich wood carved facade with doors and windows, the Golden Jubilee emblem, an elegant white chair, and Golden Jubilee flags flying from the top of the canopy of the stage. There was a huge screen on either side of the stage. The entire area was open air, and a huge pandol was erected for the occasion. The jamat was seated on special Golden Jubilee mats, and the seniors were accomodated in the back area in special canopy covered sections.

At exactly 9:20 am a helicopter carrying Hazar Imam appeared in the beautiful blue sky. The helicopter landed behind the trees, and a few minutes later Hazar Imam entered the Darbar site wearing the Golden Jubilee jabbo.

He walked on the red carpet for approximately 15 minutes among the massive jamat assembled. We were very fortunate to recieve his Deedar up close as we were seated very close to the red carpet as he was walking towards the stage. He made his way to the stage, followed by Mukhi Kamadia Saheban. After MHI took his seat, the Quranic Ayat was recited, followed by the translation. Thereafter, a Qasida was sung by 6 young women, all dressed the same in gold and white outfits. The President of the Council for Syria delivered the address on behalf of the Syrian Jamat, in which he congratulated MHI on 50 years of his glorious Imamat, reaffirmed the bayaat, and made several pledges. He did this in English, and then read out the translation in Arabic.

MHI then addressed the gathering and made his Irshaad Mubarak, in which he started by addressing his spiritual children, his brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths. He thanked the Syrian government for their wonderful hospitality and coutesies during this visit, and appreciated their wonderful cooperation in various AKDN initiatives launched in Syria since Hazar Imam's last visit in 2001. Hazar Imam then thanked the numerous volunteers, and others who had worked tirelessly for their efforts and other resources to make this Darbar possible. He gave his best blessings to all the jamati members including those who had come from outside Syria, and asked them to take the blessings back to thier jamats and their families. Hazar Imam said he offers heartfelt prayers for his brothers and sisters in Islam and other faiths for peace, development and progress. MHI talked about a 1000 million people in the world today who ar e all bound by the same shahadah: La Ilaha Ill Allah, Muhammadur Rasul Illah. He said we all have to work together for the development and benfit of the entire Muslim Ummah. He talked about global warming and how we have to do things to protect the environment. He talked about how happy he was to see so many murids come out to celebrate this momentous Golden Jubilee Darbar.
He talked about the special relationship the Imams have had historically with Syria over several centuries. He gave his best special blessings, and said Khanavadan.

Immediately, after MHI's Irshaad Mubarak, an Arabic translation was read out. Thereafter, a special Golden Jubilee Nazrana was offered to MHI on behalf of the Syrian Jamat. After this, MHI came down the steps of the stage, and once again walked for several minutes on the red carpet before exiting the Darbar pandol.

The Jamat then disperesed, as the feast for the Darbars will be held in all Jamatkhanas in Syria on Friday.

While we were waking out on the street making our way towards our bus, all of a sudden we could hear some sirens, and MHI's motorcade appeared. He waved at the crowd on the street from behind the tinted window of the black Mercedes where he was seated.

After a few more minutes, we could see the helicopter propellers once again kicking up dust in the distance, and it lifted off carrying MHI into the horizon.

This was truly an amazing experience as we were present in the midst of a majority non-Khoja jamat in the historic city of Salemiya experiencing a unique open air Golden Jubilee Darbar. The Syrian volunteers were absolutely wonderful, hospitable and humble, and kept saying Mubarak and Welcome all the time. Many many Mubarakbads to everyone!
Mowlana Ali Madad, as the Syrians say when greeted by the saying Ya Ali Madad!

[kmaherali]

Prince Aga Khan Visits Sites Allocated for AKDN Investments

Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 03:10 PM

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on Thursday visited the site allocated to the establishment of the Aga Khan Academy in al-Sabboura, Damascus countryside.

Later, the Aga Khan, accompanied by Minister of Tourism Sa'dalla Agha al-Qal'a, visited Old Damascus and the old Damascene houses the network intends to invest them.

In a statement to SANA, the AKDN Resident Representative in Syria Mohammad Mufdi Seifo said the Aga Khan's visit to the site of the Academy comes to view the land allocated to with a total area of 15 hectares.

" The advanced methods of teaching in the world to be studied in the academy from the incubation stage to secondary one according to the international system, in Arabic, English and other languages for students excelled. Scholarships free of charge will be provided to the poor people, " Seifo mentioned.

He continued " The Academy is a non-profit one and the estimated total cost for implementing it is S.P. 3 billion. It comes within 17 academies in the world opened by the AKDN,"

Seifo added: " The Aga Khan tour in old Damascus comes for getting acquainted with the old houses that the network will invest. It is a new project in Syria based on development to preserve these Archeological houses then investing them,"

He underlined that the Aga Khan Foundation would repair these houses with an approximate cost of S.P. 25 million within four years.

Regarding the Prince visit to Aleppo, Seifo underlined importance of the visit during which a Memorandum of establishing garden of Bab Quensrin in al-Saoda hill Sudan in Aleppo will be signed, the estimated cost of this project is between $ 16 - 20 million in addition to signing a Convention on the rehabilitation and investment of Serail.

Ghossoun /
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/08/28/190461.htm

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Forwarded as received ..... get your handkerchief out!

Hi Dad,

Had the most amazing Didar this morning in Al-Khawabi. Never did I expect that Didar could take place in a location like that. It was in a mountainous region and the Didar was actually held at the peak of the tallest mountain in the area. Dad, honestly it was like travelling through the Swiss Alps to get up there - not just hills, but mountains. The Didar site was actually at someone's home (in the backyard) and there couldn't have been more than 6000 people, both Ismaili and non. The home belonged to a famous Syrian Ismaili doctor and they had set up her backyard as the venue and it was absolutely amazing - she must have been very wealthy as it was a huge mansion right at the top of a mountain. We were told that the Didar would only be for the locals because the place would be at capacity but we decided to go late and if there was any space we would try to go in. First of all to get there... no cars were allowed at the top of the mountain so we got dropped off and we had to walk about half a km up a steep hill to the site. I'm 22 years old and I found it quite a walk so you can imagine how others found it. We saw people over 90 years old walking up the mountain in the heat for the Didar, one man I saw actually only had one good leg but he was walking up slowly, slowly and I asked him if he was OK and he said he was going to try his best and even if he couldn't make it up he would sit on the side of the road and wait to see if MHI car passes just for a glimpse of him. Luckily at the mid point we convinced a police officer to go down in his car to pick up some of the elderly.

I forgot the mention that hundreds of Ismaili's lived on this mountain and all the streets were decorated in green and red ribbons and signs saying "Welcom Hazar Imam". Literally every house was covered in decorations and were all displaying our flag. Even on the sides of the cliffs they had taken huge stones and displayed the words "Golden Jubilee" or "Welcome"... honestly amazing. We actually visited the site yesterday to see where it was and talked to the people who were setting up. As soon as people found out we were staying in a hotel 2 hours away they were basically refusing and asking us to stay at their homes. Even as we drove up the mountain yesterday, families were standing outside and waiving and asking us to come inside for chai or food. A lot of these people didn't have anything, but wanted to give whatever they could.

We arrived at the Darbar site at about 8:45am and it was full as we were literally the last people to arrive. When we got to the gates they actually told us that it was closed off and they were very sorry but they couldn't let us in. I promise we didn't complain for even a second, we just said OK at least we tried and literally 30 seconds later someone came and said there was lots of space open at the back and we could go in. So we went there and sat at the very back. It was quite hot, probably about 35-38 degrees, and MHI arrived via helicopter about 45 minutes after we arrived. We saw the helicopter coming in from far and everyone stood up and was waiving at him. He landed about 15 minutes from the site and was driven to the home we were at, where he got changed. They had placed runners through the whole site and when he came out he walked around to every corner - but it was short as the site was honestly very, very small. He seemed so happy. The Didar itself followed the same sequence as the one in Salamieh, and MHI address was almost exactly the same. Because there were many non-Ismaili's it was an Irshad Mubarak rather than a Firman. He basically talked about how things were developing in Syria and how AKDN has made significant progress their in the past few years. He then went on to say how all Muslims living in Syria should work together to create ecomonic prosperity and that it was the duty of all Muslims to try and improve the quality of life for everyone around them - not just their own kind. He gave blessings to all of us and for all of our families, he then offered prayers to all of the non-ismaili's as well, calling them "my brother's and sisters". After he gave the address, it was translated into Arabic, and a few people actually begain to leave - it was very disprespectful but we witnessed the same thing in Salamieh, we were told they were non-Ismaili's but it was still really rude. After this they submitted the Nazrana and MHI gave us dua again and then left.

It was quite a trek to get down the mountain in the rush of people and I ended up getting separated from the family. Haha I actually walked all the way down and all the way back up and it was quite a while after Didar had ended. When I came back up, I heard a bunch of police sirens and I turned around and MHI car passed right by me - I could see him clearly and he was smiling and waiving. Then about 15 minutes later I saw his helicopter fly over head and I took a few pictures.

Anyways I have to cut this short as we are heading out. But I was thinking about you a lot and all of our Jamat back home.

Take care Dad, hope everythings going well over there - will try to email/call you tomorrow.

Love Adam

[bantu]

Thank you to the 2 witness accounts of the Didar in Syria.

Regarding the discipline factor, some of the individuals who started leaving might very well have been members of the Jamat and not necessarily (all) non-Ismailis.

Many of us have seen incidents of certain members of the Jamat not having the patience to be seated quietly and with respect in the dignified presence of the Imam.

I will mention one particular incident which stunned me and shocked me when I was a youth.

In 1978, Hazar Imam gave his last Didar at the International Centre in the morning in Toronto. I was seated next to a family whom I knew back from East Africa and beside us was a group of middle aged men and women who were talking in Urdu (about 5 in all). Between them they had brought some fruit. One particular person started juggling the two apples in the air, and continued with this action even as Hazar Imam walked by us. The others in the group were laughing. It was shocking. I could not believe my eyes, and had it not been for my mature friends seated next to me I might have just slapped all of them on their faces.

A few days earlier many Jamati members were engaged in their own lively converasations while Hazar Imam was performing Mehmani, and some might recall Hazar Imam standing up and giving a Farman admonishing us "for being too busy" (i.e talking), adding that he wanted to be able to listen to the concerns of Jamati members who brought up issues to his attention.

Just an hour earlier when this continuous talking had caused me and quite a few others a great deal of irrittation, I grabbed a tie from one of the volunteers and started going around asking people to behave with respect and dignity. To no avail!

I think this is an area that is receiving more and more attention from the institutions, and the proper demeanor in the presence of the Imam has to be continuosuly emphasized.

In this regard, the notion of the Institution of Imamat has to be properly explained to the Jamat. This is an area that has not received the proper attention in the last few years, I am afraid. We have taken a great deal of pride in our secular institutions that "make the world a better place". Nothing wrong, but let's not overlook the essence of our faith.

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Report 1


Dear Family,


We are all well in Hama/ Salamia, and have tremendously enjoyed the Deedar this Morning. During the deedar I thought of you all. There was a crowd of between 160,000 to 240,000, (Approx. Exact figures are hard to know). Mowla gave his Irshad in English , which was immediately translated in Arabic.

The whole Darbar was extremely "LOW TECH" where there was not a single Laptop, blackberry, blueberry nor a strawberry in sight. Not even a single Walkie-talkie ???.

They had replaced all these gadgets with pure 22 caret love, devotion, hospitality welcome, respectfulness, cheerful outlook and "Meman Nawazi" It brought tears to my eyes. Imagine Ismaili taxi drives refusing fares, random people inviting you to stay in their homes plus one hundred and one other acts of kindness and hospitality.

Million stories to follow when we meet.


Cheers and Love you all.

[kmaherali]

Updates from theismaili.org

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Golden Jubilee Darbar at Salamieh in Syria. Photo: Akbar Hakim

This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled by helicopter to Salamieh, where the streets had been decorated to receive him.

Upon his arrival, he visited the Mausoleum of his father, Prince Aly Khan, to pay his respects. Thereafter, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived at the fields of the Agricultural School of Salamieh, where the first of two Golden Jubilee Darbars in Syria was held.

Members of the Jamat had started arriving at midnight, patiently awaiting the arrival of their beloved Imam. Set in the open air, the Darbar was attended by over one hundred thousand people from Syria and abroad. Thousands of volunteers had worked for weeks on end, to prepare the site.

In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a dinner in Damascus at which the Prime Minister was the Chief Guest. Prior to the dinner, Hazar Imam hosted a reception for government officials, diplomats and other guests.

Additional photos are available in the photo gallery. Further updates on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Syria will continue to be posted at TheIsmaili.org.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/511/Syria-visit