by The Institute of Ismaili Studies
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.
Language
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Publishing Since
7/19/2024
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June 25, 2026
<p></p><p>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. </p><p>[0:02] Introduction & welcome </p><p> [1:11] Journey to IIS — the strange trajectory begins </p><p>[3:38] Arriving in the UK and joining IIS informally </p><p>[5:46] Entry point — translation work and the encyclopaedia project </p><p>[6:05] Where the dream began — the IIS graduate in his home town </p><p>[8:06] Family legacy of community service </p><p>[9:13] What IIS means personally and professionally </p><p> [10:42] The spiritual bond within the Ismaili community </p><p>[11:36] The Imam's vision — balancing faith and intellect </p><p>[13:43] Current research and intellectual passions </p><p>[20:07] IIS over 20 years — achievements and the website/social media evolution [22:26] Influence of Professor Mohammad Arkoun on his thinking </p><p>[24:50] Building a unified narrative of Ismaili philosophy — the methodology of critical rationalism </p><p>[27:41] Upcoming publications and papers </p><p> [28:34] What inspires him — life, family, calligraphy, music </p><p>[30:11] Live sitar performance </p><p>[32:32] Closing remarks </p><p></p>
May 15, 2026
<p>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.</p>
May 13, 2026
<p>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. </p><p>[0:04] Introduction & Guest Background </p><p>[1:16] Journey from Tajikistan — Early life and context </p><p>[2:12] His Highness the Aga Khan's visit and the turning point (learning English) </p><p>[3:03] First encounters with IIS (through KEPP) </p><p>[4:59] Meeting early GPISH graduates & connection to the community </p><p>[5:05] How background and upbringing shaped his scholarship </p><p> [6:50] What being at IIS means — personally and professionally </p><p>[7:41] Life at IIS — academic immersion and memorable lecturers </p><p> [9:27] Current research focus and what drew him to it </p><p>[9:40] Edinburgh preparation and Syrian encounter that inspired his path </p><p>[10:55] Bibliography on Central Asian Ismailis (Dr Daftary's mentorship) </p><p>[17:12] Reflecting on 25+ years at IIS </p><p>[17:35] Joining IIS formally (2004) and working with Dr Daftary </p><p>[19:53] Looking ahead — upcoming projects </p><p>[20:03] Two forthcoming books and the Greater Khorasan conference </p><p>[24:27] Final reflections </p><p>[24:49] Inspiring message </p><p>[26:52] Personal story — meeting his wife and family life </p><p></p><p><br></p>
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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.
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