Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations | The Aga Khan University

INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF MUSLIM CIVILISATIONS

Welcome to the Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC). We are a leading institution in higher education dedicated to advancing research, publications, graduate studies, and public discourse on the historical and contemporary roles of Muslims globally. Our approach encompasses the rich and diverse nature of Muslim civilisations within the broader spectrum of world cultures and societies. 

At AKU-ISMC, our academic pursuits are organised into: Digital Scholarship, and three geographically focused knowledge domains: The Indian Ocean, Iran and Central Asia, and The Mediterranean. We view these regions as dynamic zones of interaction and exchange in which to examine how Muslim contexts—across different periods and places—are continually influenced by processes such as cultural evolution, technological advancement, migration, and environmental changes. 

Our research, and academic, and public-facing efforts are driven by Aga Khan University’s core values of impact, quality, relevance, and accessibility. We are committed to producing work that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also engages with broader public discussions and addresses pressing contemporary issues. 