Vincent Scully Prize

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:34 pm

From what I am hearing it that the Event "Fifth Vincent Scully Prize", celebrating Musilm Architecture is being kept away from Muslims by a great efforts of the council for the USA and in coorporation with Canadian council???  Any thoughts? anyone?

kmaherali · Post by **kmaherali** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:41 pm

Can you elaborate in what manner are the Muslims being prevented from participating. Is there a plan to block Muslims around the venue?

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:47 am

It is a funny thing you asked because of a few facts that you (or everyone) might want to know. I had called the National Building Museum yesterday in the morning (by the way, a third company has been contracted to host the event the Museum) and as they were processing my info I was asked if my name was Muslim? I asked What? I didn’t understand? Upon my inquiry I was told that "we have to send all 'MUSLIM SOUNDING' names to the his highness’s council for the review and approval because they didn't want people with those names attending..."
Also last night I found out from another Persian person (an Ismaili) that he knew about the event since before November '04. He has an old friend from high school who works for the Museum, sent him a copy of a letter/memo that was sent to the Museum, with that similar language on it and then some (I was able to read the actual memo last night). His friend thought it was a joke because the event is billed as the “Muslim Architecture and Muslims are being kept out of it!”
This Persian friend of mine told me that this memo, if it got published, in the media could be very big news not just here in Washington Post or New York Times but in Islamic nations like Pakistan and elsewhere. I can see the headlines...”TO BE OR NOT TO BE A MUSLIM, THAT’S THE QUESTION FROM THE ISMAILIs” But he just going to hang on to it, he told me just incase there is a problem on the 25th or the 26th.

The Third Party for the event is www.rationalpr.com, they are:
Rational Public Relations is a communications firm, based in Washington, DC, committed to high quality, personal service. We specialize in strategic public affairs communications and crisis/litigation consulting, national, state, and local media relations, and reputation management.
Too many large public relations firms today put their own profits ahead of understanding the client’s unique needs for counsel. Rational Public Relations takes a different approach – personal attention from experienced communications professionals. We take seriously our mission to be engaged, full-time strategic partners with organizations challenged by difficult and complex problems.

_thaillestlunatic_ · Post by **_thaillestlunatic_** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:15 pm

Saddening to hear you can't go annal haq

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:56 pm

I know it would be saddening, indeed. But what I didn't tell you is that I work for the US Congressman's office and I am leaving for DC this Saturday. May be I'll see you there?

_thaillestlunatic_ · Post by **_thaillestlunatic_** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:40 pm

YAM

No. I will not be attending as a I have an exam on the 26th. Inshallah all will go well and you will be able to see him.

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:50 pm

Hey thaillestlunatic, good-luck with the exam. I was just thinking about San Fran (for April)if I can find out more info.

kmaherali · Post by **kmaherali** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:42 pm

I cannot think of any reason why the council should prevent us from attending. It is outrageous and ridiculous to say the least! It is this kind of behaviour which alienates them from the Jamat.

_thaillestlunatic_ · Post by **_thaillestlunatic_** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:50 pm

Ya Aly Madat Karim,

I think one reason could be because they don't want ismailies to bow down or fold their hands etc infront of the Imam like what happend at U OF T. I think it is outrageous also, but Imam might have given guidance to tell them to do that. I think this is how all private functions will be runned and council will not allow ismailies to go and see the Imam. If this is the case which I am not 100 percent sure, I believe ismailies will be pissed off at the council. I hope this is not the case as MHI wants comfort and us to work with the leaders and to be united. I hope silly acts like this one will not happen in the future.

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:48 pm

I think you both understand the problems that exist between the Jamet and the Councils. I think this feud will continue and probably out last the Israelis and the Palestinians. Sometimes I think it is a test that Imam has for us, the councils and tariqa boards are the tempters. They tempt us to be distracted from the faith. If you just keep one think in your minds and your hearts that, “there is no one between you and your Imam.” You’ll stay strong and nothing or nobody can change that.

_thaillestlunatic_ · Post by **_thaillestlunatic_** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:56 pm

YAM Unal Haq

However, once again council is MHI's institution and most of the members are appointed by him. There is a farman made by MHI in which he says to obey the council and obey the leaders. If MHI wants you to be there then you will be there. Take my example, I was planned to go and I had an exam scheduled for the 27th. For some reason, it was canceled and my exam is now on the 26th. It is not my time to go, Mowla does not want me there, rather I will get other opportunities elsewhere.It is like saying no to a son who has not seen his father for years how would you feel? This is the same as MHI is both our spiritual mother and spiritual father. Nothing can seperate us from him, but council has not made any announcement not to go or any of that sort so I guess if you want to go go, no one can stop you. The only person who can is Mowla himself. I hope you can share your experiences with us Unal Haq after you go to Washington.

Mowla Aly Madat,

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:02 pm

_thaillestlunatic_ wrote:YAM Unal Haq

Nothing can seperate us from him, but council has not made any announcement not to go or any of that sort so I guess if you want to go go, no one can stop you. The only person who can his Mowla himself. I hope you can share your experiences with us Unal Haq after you go to Washington.

Mowla Aly Madat,

Are you kidding me? The announcements were made in Chicago, Northlake and Glenview(The in Northbrook,IL) Jamet Kahnas and I bet you in all other US JKs. It was from the HH Council for the USA announcement. And also I read the letter/memo (that was sent to NBM) of filtering out the "MUSLIM" names from people wanting to attend the event.

_thaillestlunatic_ · Post by **_thaillestlunatic_** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:21 pm

Wow no announcement has been made here in Canada. Can you please send me that memo/ announcement if you can. Thanks

kmaherali · Post by **kmaherali** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:22 pm

unnalhaq wrote: Are you kidding me? The announcements were made in Chicago, Northlake and Glenview(The in Northbrook,IL) Jamet Kahnas and I bet you in all other US JKs. It was from the HH Council for the USA announcement. And also I read the letter/memo (that was sent to NBM) of filtering out the "MUSLIM" names from people wanting to attend the event.

Did the announcements state that it was the directive or the wish of the Imam or was it a council directive?

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:48 pm

kmaherali wrote:
unnalhaq wrote: Are you kidding me? The announcements were made in Chicago, Northlake and Glenview(The in Northbrook,IL) Jamet Kahnas and I bet you in all other US JKs. It was from the HH Council for the USA announcement. And also I read the letter/memo (that was sent to NBM) of filtering out the "MUSLIM" names from people wanting to attend the event.
Did the announcements state that it was the directive or the wish of the Imam or was it a council directive?

Nope! I was able to read the English copy from the "council corner" and there was no mention of The Imam asking or wishing. It was council advisory/directive of sort.

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:13 pm

_thaillestlunatic_ wrote:Wow no announcement has been made here in Canada. Can you please send me that memo/ announcement if you can. Thanks

I wish I could the folks in Our JK don't let us take things from there. And if you are asking about the memo to NBM, it is with the other Presian-Ismaili that I know has it, as I had said before I read it last night and I couldn't beleve what I was reading

Betty · Post by **Betty** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:25 pm

News Release from the National Building Museum

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2004
Contact: Annette Larkin, 202.508.9825

National Building Museum Announces
Winner of the 2005 Vincent Scully Prize
Washington, DC—The National Building Museum’s fifth Vincent Scully Prize will be presented on January 25, 2005 to His Highness The Aga Khan, in recognition of his contributions to promoting design excellence and improving the built environment in the Muslim world.

The Vincent Scully Prize was established in 1999 to recognize exemplary practice, scholarship or criticism in architecture, historic preservation and urban design.

In 1977 His Highness The Aga Khan established The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the world’s largest prize for architecture. Presented every three years, it recognizes not only architects for exemplary, contemporary work, but also clients, individual and large builders, governments and planners involved in projects that meet social development needs in countries where Muslims have a significant presence. In addition, through The Aga Khan Trust for Culture established in 1988, The Aga Khan has supported numerous conservation and urban revitalization projects in culturally significant sites of the Islamic world.

His Highness The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Vincent Scully Prize will be presented to The Aga Khan at a black-tie gala to be held at the National Building Museum on Tuesday, January 25, 2005. His Highness will also participate in a public program the following day which will include distinguished speakers talking about the significance and impact of The Aga Khan Award for Architecture and other current issues in architecture. Tickets for the award ceremony and dinner may be purchased by calling 202.636.8745. Sponsorship levels are available at $40,000 (Benefactor), $25,000 (Patron), $10,000 (Sponsor), $7,500 (Fellow), and $5,000 (Friend). Single tickets are available for $500, $1,000, and $1,500.

On Wednesday, January 26, at 6 p.m. there will be a public program titled “Design in the Islamic World and Its Impact Beyond.” Participating in this program will be the internationally distinguished architect Charles Correa from Bombay, India, and His Highness The Aga Khan. As part of the program, Robert Ivy, editor-in-chief of Architectural Record, will moderate a panel discussion. Tickets are $25 for National Building Museum members; $30, nonmembers; and $15, students. Click here to register.

Vincent Scully is the Sterling Professor Emeritus of the history of art at Yale University and a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Miami. For more than four decades his teaching and scholarship have profoundly influenced prominent architects and urban planners. Past recipients of the prize have included Vincent J. Scully, Jane Jacobs, Andres Duany & Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Robert Venturi & Denise Scott Brown.

The National Building Museum, created by an act of Congress in 1980, is a private, nonprofit institution whose mission is to explore the world we build for ourselves by examining and interpreting achievements in architecture, planning, design, engineering and construction through exhibitions, educational programming and publications. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.

###

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM 401 F STREET NW WASHINGTON, DC 20001
TEL. 202 272-2448 FAX 202.272.2564

mariahussain · Post by **mariahussain** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:43 pm

    Does any one know the exact time of the event at National building museum ?

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:02 pm

Jan 25 Gala starts at 7:00p Eastern DST
Jan 26 Event starts at 6;00p Eastern DST

kmaherali · Post by **kmaherali** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 10:23 am

unnalhaq wrote:Jan 25 Gala starts at 7:00p Eastern DST
Jan 26 Event starts at 6;00p Eastern DST

There is a potential conflict with the times of our Tariqah practices. In my opinion MHI would not wish His murids to be there instead of being in JK.

There was a similar circumstance in Zanzibar where Ismailis had gathered to see MHI at a function. MHI instructed them to go to JK and say their prayers.

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 3:53 pm

Remind me again, I think the evening Dua time is at SUN SET! at present time SUN SETs around 4:40pm Eastern DST.

Also, as you are an expert, I have a question for you... As a Muslim when does The Imam offers his SALAAT? Does he recite the Dua or the Namaaz?
Just don't say things with out knowing all aspects or pretend that you do.
Also I have noticed that it is a common practice in Khoja-Tariqah when confronted with scenarios like this you go quoting things that at many times out-of date, out-of context but made to sound like as if it is, quoting only parts or sections with out presenting the whole truth nothing but the truth: sura/paragraph/farman/story, and always bending the rules/laws/farmans.

I thought this from-thread was regarding Vinny Prize?

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:00 pm

Well sports fans! I am off to the airport for DC. I'll update with pics from there. I think you have enjoyed some of the UOT pix that I had shaired here on this site. http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2004/to ... hotos.html

mikhael · Post by **mikhael** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:26 pm

annalhaq and Company: Given that over a dozen of my Ismaeli friends have already purchased tickets for the panel discussion in Washington, and that none of them were profiled, asked if they were Muslim or given any sort of run-around, I believe your information is entirely erroneous and mere conjecture. If it is neccessary to mention, they all have first-principle Muslim names (rather than Abd-al-Rahim, simply 'Rahim', etc - an interesting if not defining characteristic of Khwaja Ismaelis). It is clear to anyone who takes any interest in AKDN's endeavors that His Highness is extremely meticulous about his work, his relationships with public figures as well as the details of his public and private visits. Given the hope and productivity he is enabling around the world, we would all be well-served to ensure that people who have not heard of him before hear his ideas and witness his compassion, hope, sincerity and above all, his superb articulation. The rest of us already know him and his work and will read the text of his remarks; why not let others have a chance? As for accussations,  I question the understanding and maturity of those who expect and point to perfection while sitting on the bench. Given the current era of profiling, it is deeply doubtful that one of the world's premiere organizations would risk its credibility (and His Highness' by extension) by engaging in such behavior. Its simply does not make sense in a rational world. Moreover, why would a Federal institution (National Building Museum) risk being associated with such activity when Michael Moore and the press would have a field-day the moment a leak sprung (and it obviously would)? This ration is doubled when one considers certain factions within the Ummah that would relish seeing the Aga Khani sect accused of profiling. I apologize if this seem my comments are too overt and visceral; the quality of my life and those of my family members has been improved by His Highness' efforts. I would expect those who know to minimize risks to his reputation and the value of his work so that others may also benefit. Mikhael

mikhael · Post by **mikhael** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:38 pm

Is anyone going to Washington to see His Highness? In my opinion, his work and public perception are becoming increasingly important to guard and foster. He has helped many in my home country (Tajikistan) and I hope others can benefit from his efforts equally.

I hope that reverent gestures by Ismaeili visistors are focused internally. In his convocation visit in Toronto, I observed utter confusion on the faces of the University of Toronto's executive when a youngster fell in prostration. Fortunately, 3 senior Ismaelis prevented a repeat performaance near the exiting sidewalk. Theologically, this may be in keeping with tradition in the Jama'at Khanehs. Unfortunately, many non-Muslim leaders who interact with His Highness do not have the background neccessary to contextualize these actions. If left unexplained, I believe they undermine and compromise the relationships His Highness has meticulously developed, and thus, his work. This would be a magnificent shame. This is to completely overlook how the large Muslim community (whose voice in Canadian and Pakistani government is being increasingly heard) would react to these gestures. Think about how Christains like Arther Blessit are perceived for their outward manifestations that many of us do not understand nor care to (He carried a 12-foot cross around the world).

I propose that the lettered members of this forum debrief such leaders on their overt phsyical actions towards their Imam. Otherwise, if they wish to keep this knowledge and understanding to themselves, they should commensurately keep such actions internalized. The latter would be in keeping with the correctitude of Ismaeli practice where the Zaher stays Zaher, and the Baten remains Baten.

Remember, Ismaeilis are not the only ones who have a vested interest in His Highness & his work around the world. For many of us, he the singular souce of compassion, humility, kindness and help in a forgetful and selfish world.

It is noteworthy that each time Shi'a dynasties rose (the Buyids, Fatimi's, etc.) they fell because of internal dissenion and poisoned minds. Indeed, history is not suffered by the foolish nor the arrogant.

Mikhael

ShamsB · Post by **ShamsB** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 5:42 pm

mikhael wrote:Is anyone going to Washington to see His Highness? In my opinion, his work and public perception are becoming increasingly important to guard and foster. He has helped many in my home country (Tajikistan) and I hope others can benefit from his efforts equally.

I hope that reverent gestures by Ismaeili visistors are focused internally. In his convocation visit in Toronto, I observed utter confusion on the faces of the University of Toronto's executive when a youngster fell in prostration. Fortunately, 3 senior Ismaelis prevented a repeat performaance near the exiting sidewalk. Theologically, this may be in keeping with tradition in the Jama'at Khanehs. Unfortunately, many non-Muslim leaders who interact with His Highness do not have the background neccessary to contextualize these actions. If left unexplained, I believe they undermine and compromise the relationships His Highness has meticulously developed, and thus, his work. This would be a magnificent shame. This is to completely overlook how the large Muslim community (whose voice in Canadian and Pakistani government is being increasingly heard) would react to these gestures. Think about how Christains like Arther Blessit are perceived for their outward manifestations that many of us do not understand nor care to (He carried a 12-foot cross around the world).

I propose that the lettered members of this forum debrief such leaders on their overt phsyical actions towards their Imam. Otherwise, if they wish to keep this knowledge and understanding to themselves, they should commensurately keep such actions internalized. The latter would be in keeping with the correctitude of Ismaeli practice where the Zaher stays Zaher, and the Baten remains Baten.

Remember, Ismaeilis are not the only ones who have a vested interest in His Highness & his work around the world. For many of us, he the singular souce of compassion, humility, kindness and help in a forgetful and selfish world.

It is noteworthy that each time Shi'a dynasties rose (the Buyids, Fatimi's, etc.) they fell because of internal dissenion and poisoned minds. Indeed, history is not suffered by the foolish nor the arrogant.

Mikhael

Well said Mikhael.

I believe someone earlier on this thread bemoaned the fact that we as Ismailies have a right to see the Imam as his murids...
i remember a couple of farmans of hazar imam both BUK and regular and other mandli farmans where he's stated..that it isn't our right to see the noor...and deedar..even physical deedar is a matter of privelege..not one of rights..we are the MURIDS..he is the IMAM...when he deems time is right..you will see HIM..either physically or spiritually.

ShamsB

kmaherali · Post by **kmaherali** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:51 pm

unnalhaq wrote:Remind me again, I think the evening Dua time is at SUN SET! at present time SUN SETs around 4:40pm Eastern DST.

Also, as you are an expert, I have a question for you... As a Muslim when does The Imam offers his SALAAT? Does he recite the Dua or the Namaaz?
Just don't say things with out knowing all aspects or pretend that you do.
Also I have noticed that it is a common practice in Khoja-Tariqah when confronted with scenarios like this you go quoting things that at many times out-of date, out-of context but made to sound like as if it is, quoting only parts or sections with out presenting the whole truth nothing but the truth: sura/paragraph/farman/story, and always bending the rules/laws/farmans.

I thought this from-thread was regarding Vinny Prize?

Our JamatKhana times are not set at sunset. We have our Tariqah practices at set times and have nothing to do with sunset. JKs in North America begin the Tariqah practices at 7 or 7.30pm in the evening.

Imam is not bound by Sharia and he need not say his prayers. Murids on the other hand are bound by the Farmans of the Imam. In our tradition we do not do what he does but what he tells us to do.

I have never pretended to know every thing and I do not.

I have not quoted anything out of context. When MHI was in Zanzibar in a smilar circumstance, he adviced his Murids to attend JK and not be there. Nobody is bending any quotes or rules. You are free to interprete the situation according to your desire.

Good luck in your trip.

ShamsB · Post by **ShamsB** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 9:04 pm

unnalhaq wrote:Jan 25 Gala starts at 7:00p Eastern DST
Jan 26 Event starts at 6;00p Eastern DST

DST..IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER??????

ShamsB

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:35 am

ShamsB wrote:
DST..IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER??????

ShamsB

I am sorry it was my fault, it is Standard Time not Daylight. And thanks for pointing that out.

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:14 pm

kmaherali wrote: Our JamatKhana times are not set at sunset. We have our Tariqah practices at set times and have nothing to do with sunset. JKs in North America begin the Tariqah practices at 7 or 7.30pm in the evening.

Since when? Perhaps in Calgary or Canada, huh? Is it in the Ismaili constitution? Not in the US copy I just looked through. Just to give you some examples: In Huston there are 4 or 5 JKs the Dua times are spaced at 30min. That last one is at 8:00pm. In Columbus, Ohio the JK is only on Fridays and it starts when people get there sometimes as late at 8:30p. In Minneapolis it starts at 8:00p on Fridays and full moon nights and big days. In Chicago I attend the JK is only on Fridays and Big days. In Karachi, the JK times change to the sunsets every month by 5 min it changes up or down.

He is Muslim, right?

kmaherali wrote: Imam is not bound by Sharia and he need not say his prayers. Murids on the other hand are bound by the Farmans of the Imam. In our tradition we do not do what he does but what he tells us to do.

Did you know? That you,
“kmaherali”
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Total posts: 725
16.01% of total / 1.10 posts per day

kmaherali wrote: I have never pretended to know every thing and I do not.

kmaherali wrote: I have not quoted anything out of context. When MHI was in Zanzibar in a smilar circumstance, he adviced his Murids to attend JK and not be there. Nobody is bending any quotes or rules.

Oh really? The recent farman that tells the Jamet of the "Western World" that He (the Imam) knows that people can not at many times say their prayers; He asks us to remember words Al-Ahah, Ali ... (I had to summarize) I have the entire farman on tap (in his voice) at home. As I had mentioned here before I work for congressman and my work requires me to be in DC as a second home. And also just to put it logically that everyone can understand:
My Job=$$$
$$$ x .125 = Dasond
$$$ - $ = AKF Partnership walk, Annual Jameti Fund, JK Fund, FOCUS Humanitarian, and on and on.
Me not going to DC = NO $$$

kmaherali wrote: You are free to interprete the situation according to your desire.

You are right! I am proud to be and American...who also has a Persian Heritage.

kmaherali wrote: Good luck in your trip.

Thanks, I got in ok. It is going to be a very busy week here. The next week is going to be busy too. I'll be back in town the following week just to go out to TX. It is a journey that I enjoy!

unnalhaq · Post by **unnalhaq** » Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:30 pm

And Michael or Mike, you know articles like:
"2004, May 21: He didn't attract as much attention as the Dalai Lama. He rarely does."
Would start a little different may be reversed if people (council) did not call peoples home once they found out that someone might be there to see the Imam. That is the case here where the Canadian Council members are calling all registered members who have Muslim names and once they know if that person that they are calling is an Ismaili they start to put greater pressure onto them so they won't attend the Event.
I am sorry I like to read the article that says "crude grew larger than larger; the world only sees this type of gathering only in Mecca!"

www.ismaili.net