BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Events - The Ismaili Center - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Events - The Ismaili Center
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T193000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260401T154521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T204837Z
UID:10000238-1777570200-1777577400@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Central Asia: Today and Tomorrow with Former President of Kyrgyzstan
DESCRIPTION:Join Roza Otunbayeva\, Former President of Kyrgyzstan for an Ismaili Center International Lecture as she reflects on current conditions in Central Asia and future opportunities for women in the region. Ms. Otunbayeva will offer insights on the current Central Asian landscape and share why it is imperative for the region to embrace and reach sustainable development goals in order to enhance women’s empowerment for societies and communities to thrive from a social and economic perspective. \nFrom April 2010 to December 2011\, Ms. Otunbayeva served as president of Kyrgyzstan\, becoming the first female head of state in Central Asia. Throughout her distinguished diplomatic career\, Ms. Otunbayeva has held various positions\, including serving as Ambassador to both the United States and United Kingdom and serving as the USSR’s representative to UNESCO in Paris. She also served as the Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan on three separate occasions. Between 2022 and 2025\, she served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and led the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). \nMs. Otunbayeva will deliver a keynote address followed by a discussion moderated by Arturo Chavez\, Vice President of Stantec and Asia Society Texas Board Member.
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/central-asia-today-and-tomorrow-with-former-president-of-kyrgyzstan/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Civic & Leadership
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/ROZA-Featured.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260327T153708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T054114Z
UID:10000237-1777487400-1777492800@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:District C Candidate Runoff Forum
DESCRIPTION:Neartown/Montrose Super Neighborhood and the Ismaili Center will host a District C Candidate Runoff Forum on Wednesday\, April 29th at the Ismaili Center. \nThis public forum will bring together the runoff candidates to discuss key issues shaping the future of District C\, including flooding and drainage infrastructure\, transportation and mobility\, pedestrian and cyclist safety\, housing affordability and neighborhood growth\, public safety\, and overall quality of life. \nThe discussion will be moderated by Leah Wolfthal and will include candidate introductions\, a structured discussion\, policy questions\, and closing statements. \nThis is an opportunity for residents\, businesses\, and community stakeholders to hear directly from the candidates and better understand their vision for District C. \n \n 
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/district-c-candidate-runoff-forum/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/Ismaili-Center-Social.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260412T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260412T130000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260319T154741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T154347Z
UID:10000236-1775988000-1775998800@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Week of the Young Child
DESCRIPTION:Content is protected.
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/week-of-the-young-child/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T210000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260319T152319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T024355Z
UID:10000235-1775935800-1775941200@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Raheleh Filsoofi Performance
DESCRIPTION:Listening: The Fourth String\nLive performance by Raheleh Filsoofi and Reza Filsoofi activating the ShahTár (شه‌تار)\, a four-string experimental rug instrument currently on view at the Ismaili Center Houston. The performance is part of Listening: The Fourth String and will feature eight Houston-based musicians. \nDrawing inspiration from the musical legacy of Sufi musician Moshtagh Ali Shah\, Listening: The Fourth String introduces the ShahTár as an interactive instrument through performance and related workshops. The project explores sound as a practice of attentive listening and shared experience\, offering audiences insight into Middle Eastern musical traditions and their resonance within the contemporary soundscape of the United States.
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/raheleh-filsoofi-concert/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/Ismaili-Center-Social-5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260329T140000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20251026T060348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T024137Z
UID:10000224-1774778400-1774792800@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Nawruz Open House
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Sunday\, March 29 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for a special Nawruz Open House welcoming the arrival of spring. This community-focused event is designed to bring people together through engaging educational and interactive activities for all ages. \nGuests can explore cultural experiences and connect with others in a welcoming and vibrant environment. Activities will include a wishing tree\, egg painting\, floral crafts\, spice and herb creation\, kite designing\, and more. \nA variety of food vendors will be on-site offering delicious and diverse food\, snacks\, sweets and refreshments. \nWe are proud to partner with organizations including Asia Society Texas\, Buffalo Bayou Partnership\, Children’s Museum of Houston\, Museum of Fine Arts Houston\, Arab American Cultural and Community Center\, Houston Botanic Garden\, Trees for Houston\, and Urban Harvest\, bringing enriching experiences to the event. \nBring your friends\, family\, and neighbors as we come together to learn\, experience\, and enjoy the spirit of the season. We look forward to welcoming you! \nFloral Painting Workshop Led by Artist Soni Malik\nJoin us for a special interactive painting session led by local artist Soni Malik. In celebration of Nawruz\, the painting is inspired by new beginnings and growth. During the one hour session\, participants will be guided by Soni Malik to create artwork that reflects the vibrant energy of the Spring season. Whether you’re an experienced painter or simply exploring your creative side\, this unique experience blends art\, culture\, and stunning views from the North Evian of the Ismaili Center into an unforgettable artist experience. Limited seats are available for the two sessions held on March 29th. First session will begin at 11am and the second session at 12:30pm. Tickets are $20 and include all art supplies needed for the session. We hope you join us for this immersive experience to paint\, connect\, and be inspired by the beauty of nature.
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/nawruz-open-house/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Nawruz-Open-House.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260226T170558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T023810Z
UID:10000233-1774551600-1774557000@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Sueños de al-Ándalus Concert
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of music and discovery celebrating the extraordinary cultural legacy of medieval al-Andalus\, where Jewish\, Christian\, and Islamic traditions converged to create something truly remarkable. The Al-Andaluz Project brings this heritage to life through enchanting melodies rooted in North African and Mediterranean influences\, performed by an ensemble dedicated to the music of the three cultures that shaped the Middle Ages. \nPresented in partnership with the Ismaili Center Houston and the Consulado de España Houston\, this free concert offers a rare opportunity to experience centuries of shared history through the universal language of music. \nReserve your seat here
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/alhambra-concert-suenos-de-al-andalus/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Al-Andaluz-Poject-1-Edited.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260219T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260219T203000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260206T033940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T023731Z
UID:10000232-1771527600-1771533000@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:The Alhambra Revealed
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening exploring the Alhambra\, the Nasrid dynasty’s “paradise on earth.” Dr. Fernando Martínez Ávila\, Director of Archaeology\, Alhambra & Generalife\, will reveal the archaeological and architectural marvels behind the palace’s intricate geometry\, water features\, and poetic ornamentation\, and discuss the interplay of Islamic and Jewish influences in medieval al-Andalus. The talk is especially resonant at the Ismaili Center\, whose contemporary architecture draws on enduring ideas from the Muslim world. \nThis event is sponsored by Archaeology Now and presented in partnership with the Consulado de España\, Houston; Ismaili Center\, Houston; and the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce. \nClick the link below to register. \nRegister Now!
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/the-alhambra-revealed/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-05-213839.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20251106T055728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T023646Z
UID:10000226-1770192000-1772038800@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Deep Listening
DESCRIPTION:Deep Listening – Raheleh Filsoofi \nPresented as part of the inaugural exhibition at the Ismaili Center\, this presentation features two major projects by artist Raheleh Filsoofi: Imagined Boundaries and ShahTár (شه‌تار). The latter is a collaborative work created in partnership with musician Reza Filsoofi. \nDeep Listening – Raheleh Filsoofi\nShahTár (شه‌تار) \nShahTár\, the Persian term which refers to a modern four-stringed musical instrument\, is a collaborative project by Raheleh and Reza Filsoofi. Through the interactive platform instrument ShahTár (شه‌تار)\, audiences are invited to experience sound as a bridge between people and ideas. The work reimagines the life and legacy of Moshtagh Ali Shah\, an eighteenth-century Iranian musician and Sufi mystic whose voice and innovations were silenced in his time. \nThrough performance\, the project becomes a gathering space where sound\, memory\, and dialogue intersect. It explores how attentive listening can deepen understanding\, foster empathy\, and inspire social transformation. Participants encounter the evolving language of Iranian music and its capacity to harmonize with other global traditions\, opening space for learning\, collaboration\, and reflection on the ongoing influence of sound in cultural life. \nShahTár transforms a traditional Kermani rug\, historically a place of gathering and reflection\, into a four-string instrument and communal platform. It accommodates both people and instruments\, inviting collective participation in the making of sound. This hybrid creation honors Moshtagh Ali Shah and his enduring contribution to Iran’s spiritual and musical heritage. \nImagined Boundaries: A New Vision \nOn October 6\, 2017\, two companion exhibitions titled Imagined Boundaries opened\, one in Tehran\, Iran\, and the other in Hollywood\, Florida. The projects invited viewers to reflect on what connects people across cultures and time. Each installation consisted of a series of box-like structures\, some containing video screens showing faces gazing outward. In Florida\, the faces were Iranians\, while in Tehran they were Americans. The work offered a quiet invitation to meet another’s gaze and to recognize the shared humanity that transcends inherited divisions. \nImagined Boundaries draws on a long tradition of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. It echoes the spirit of the Safa Khaneh Community in Isfahan\, founded in 1902\, which sought to build connections between faiths and peoples through conversation and empathy. \nThe exhibition at the Ismaili Center presents the fourth chapter of Filsoofi’s Imagined Boundaries series. In this iteration\, the faces within the boxes belong to members and civil society partners of the Ismaili community across the United States. In this context\, the notion of community is defined by more than faith alone. It includes multifaith spouses\, civil society collaborators\, and friends who share a common spirit of service and belonging. The individuals include educators\, healthcare workers\, volunteers\, firefighters\, police officers\, and members of nonprofit organizations who together shape the fabric of the community.
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/deep-listening-imagined-boundaries/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural,Visual & Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/910.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260131T220000
DTSTAMP:20260501T042018
CREATED:20260108T200544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T021325Z
UID:10000228-1769887800-1769896800@events.ismailicenter.org
SUMMARY:Saami Brothers Concert
DESCRIPTION:Come join us for a mesmerizing evening filled with soul-stirring qawwali music by the renowned Saami Brothers. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sufi tradition spanning over 800 years. \nThe Saami Brothers\, a group of accomplished vocalists and humble custodians of the traditions of Qawwali and Khayal of Hazrat Ameer Khusrau and Ustad Taanrus Khan Sahab\, is recognized as one of today’s most accomplished qawwals. They deliver captivating performances that blend powerful vocals and intricate rhythms\, bringing the spiritual essence of traditional Sufi music to life. Let the mystical melodies transport you to a place of spiritual bliss and harmony. \nThe Saami Brothers got their start in the industry as their father Ustaad Naseeruddin Saami was an exceptional musician. In November 2025\, he was awarded the Aga Khan Music Awards’ Patron’s Award\, honoring his lifelong devotion to Khayal\, the ancient South Asian classical vocal form\, and his stewardship of an unbroken lineage tracing back to Sufi poet\, composer\, and philosopher Amir Khusrau. \nJointly awarded to Ustaad Saami and his sons\, The Saami Brothers\, the Patron’s Award honors their role in preserving and revitalizing Khusrau’s spiritual musical legacy. Renowned as the last living master of the 49-note microtonal scale\, Ustaad Saami and his four sons have brought this tradition from Karachi to the global stage\, especially thriving in New York City with acclaimed performances and Khayal Residencies. Their recognition celebrates Pakistan’s classical heritage and its power to connect and inspire audiences worldwide.\n\nThis will be a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Sufi music with the talented Saami Brothers. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of music and spirituality!
URL:https://events.ismailicenter.org/event/saami-brothers-concert/
LOCATION:The Ismaili Center\, 2323 Allen Pkwy\, Houston\, TX\, 77019
CATEGORIES:Community & Cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://events.ismailicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/SaamiBrothers_PC_CourtesyofArtist1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR