Ismaili Society Modern Ismaili studies first began in the 1930s in
South Asia, where collections of Ismaili manuscripts had been preserved within Ismaili communities and brought to the fore through the pioneering efforts of
Wladimir Ivanow, Asaf Fyzee, Husayn al-Hamdani, and Zahid Ali. Much of this early work helped to dispel the writings of the nineteenth century orientalists, which were often defamatory albeit unintentionally, having drawn only on the sources of the Ismailis' adversaries, while over-sensationalizing occidental accounts. Ivanow, in particular, played an important role in the creation of the Ismaili Society of
Bombay, which was, in a sense, a precursor to the institute. The former Ismaili Society of Bombay was established under the patronage of
Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in February 1946. The Ismaili Society stood for "the promotion of independent and critical study of all matters connected with
Ismailism" and frequently published monographs, critical editions of original texts and collections of short papers. Like the institute, the society's work was involved in studying the field of particular intellectual movements in Islam, with a specific interest in Shi'ism and
Sufism. With these underlying premises, the Aga Khan chaired the Ismailia Association Conference in April 1975: a four-day meeting in Paris during which groundwork was laid for what was eventually to become the Institute of Ismaili Studies. In November 1977, the Aga Khan made a public announcement that formally proclaimed the inauguration of the institute. In his remarks the Aga Khan expressed his wish that the institute become a major institution for his community, while reflecting upon the
Fatimid centres of learning established by his ancestors a millennium before.
Tradition of learning The late Aga Khan III was instrumental in the transformation of
Aligarh University, for which he campaigned starting as early as 1896. He also articulated the Muslims' need for a "Central University" – a place where religion and learning are never divorced and individuality is safeguarded from imitating other cultures – so that early in their lives, students would gain a sense "for truthfulness, and for independence of character". In subsequent years, Aga Khan III founded many schools in
East Africa and
South Asia. Most of these schools continue to exist today. He and his forefathers trace their ancestry back to the Fatimid Caliph-Imams who were among the first Muslims to establish institutes of higher learning in the history of Islamic civilization. Therefore, despite its recent foundation, the institute draws upon a long historical tradition that is firmly rooted in education and learning and equally cognizant thereof.
Governance The institute operates under a
Board of Governors of which the Aga Khan is chairman. Board members as of September 2022 include: Professor
Ali Asani, Dr. Nadia Eboo Jamal, Karina Govindji, Dr. Arif Jamal, Professor Farid F Panjwani, Alykhan Kassam, Amyn Kassim-Lakha, Dr. Sharofat Mamadambarova, Naguib Kheraj, Professor Nacim Pak-Shiraz, Habib Motani, Professor Tashmin Khamis, Dr. Shogufa Mir Malekyar, and Rahim Kara. Dr.
Farhad Daftary stepped down as co-director in September 2022, and took on the title of director emeritus. Dr.
Zayn Kassam began her term as Director on 9 January 2023. ==Library and publications==