Voices of IIS

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.

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

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

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

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