The Ismaili Centre, Burnaby

The Ismaili Centre, Burnaby is one of six such centres worldwide. It was the first purpose-built Ismaili jamatkhana and the first Ismaili centre in North America. It has accordingly been the subject of sustained, dedicated academic analysis, being noted as a case-study of modern Islamic architecture in the West.

Foundation

'The site in Burnaby was acquired in 1979, for it was here that the first Ismaili congregation was established in Canada.' The foundation ceremony for the new building was held on 26 July 1982, and construction was completed in 1985, during the silver jubilee of Aga Khan IV; the new building was opened by the former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.<ref name="Karim-2013-p155">Karim H. Karim, 'Pluralism, Migration, Space and Song: Ismaili Arrangements of Public and Private Spheres', in Diverse Spaces: Identity, Heritage and Community in Canadian Public Culture', ed. by Susan L. T. Ashley (Newcastle Upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2013), pp. 148-69 (at p. 155); https://www.academia.edu/14002048.</ref> The building was conceived as an 'ambassadorial building' aiming to give visual architectural expression to the expanding Ismaili community in Canada, and designed 'not just for the use of the members of the Ismaili community, but [...] to become part of the fabric of the civil life of the area'.

Architecture

Designed by the Vancouver architect Bruno Freschi,Harold Kalman, Robin Ward, and John Roaf, Exploring Vancouver: The Architectural Guide (Vancouver: D & M Publishers, 2012), p. 296. the Centre has been described as 'monumental', 'spectacular' and 'sitting harmoniously' within its environment, reflecting 'traditional Islamic architectural vocabulary in modern context, materials, and craftsmanship'. Its footprint is 3,870 square metres (41,600 square feet), with a basement containing offices and classroom space, and two upper floors, a double-height prayer-hall (reserved for Ismaili worship) and a multi-purpose hall, around a courtyard with a fountain. The prayer-hall is roofed with a series of shallow Turkish-style domes. The design 'attracted international plaudits'.

Practice

Jamatkhana (sometimes simply khana) is a sacred place for Ismaili Muslims to pray and to learn. After the praying has finished they have a socializing period. During that period of time they sometimes have refreshments and food.

 References 

External links

 'Photo Gallery of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, Burnaby, Canada', Simerg – Insights from Around the World'' (April 11 2009)

Burnaby
Category:1985 establishments in British Columbia
Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1985
Category:Religious buildings and structures in Vancouver
Category:Shia Islam in Canada