The Oral History Project, by the Ismaili Special Collections Unit of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, seeks to preserve the memories, experiences and stories of the members of the Ismaili communities across the world in their own voices. Learn more: https://www.iis.ac.uk/research-publications/research/ismaili-special-collections/oral-history-project/ In this episode, we’ll meet Dr Farouk Topan, one of the founding faculty members of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London and a renowned scholar of Swahili literature. Dr Topan shares his experience growing up in Zanzibar, an eye-witness account of a significant event in the contemporary Ismaili history, travel to England for education and the formative days of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London. Do you have a story to share with the IIS Oral History Project? If you want to share your memories, story of your family or story of an elder you know, please reach out to Oral History Project Coordinator Rizwan Karim at rkarim@iis.ac.uk.

Welcome to the IIS Alumni Voices Podcast. In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Professor Karim H. Karim, the inaugural IIS Alumni Recognition Award winner. Professor Karim shares insights into his early days at the IIS, his remarkable career journey, and much more. About the Alumni Recognition Programme Established in 2024, the Alumni Recognition Programme seeks to acknowledge IIS alumni who have demonstrated a career of exceptional service, professional leadership, and outstanding accomplishments. About Prof Karim H Karim Professor Karim has an extensive record of over three decades of scholarship, service, and leadership. His designation as Chancellor’s Professor is the highest honour given by Carleton University for scholarship of outstanding merit with substantial international impact, research leadership and continued active participation in the development of research excellence. Professor Karim has a worldwide reputation as a leading scholar of media representations of Muslims and diasporic communications. He has had visiting appointments at Harvard, Aga Khan, and Simon Fraser Universities. Professor Karim has delivered keynote addresses in several countries, and his critically acclaimed publications have been cited widely. He was the inaugural winner of the Robinson Book Prize and has received media coverage in six continents.