Dr Farhad Daftary, Director Emeritus and Governor of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, reflects on the personal and intellectual journey that led him from economics to becoming one of the most influential scholars in Shiʿi and Ismaili studies. He speaks about his family connection to the Aga Khan lineage, his early encounters with modern Ismaili scholarship, the turning points that shaped his career, and the growth of the field over the past six decades. He also shares advice for younger scholars, reflects on the legacy of his work, and offers a glimpse into his current research.
Chapter Breakdown:
[0:00] Introduction & Guest Background
[1:41] Family Roots & Early Interest in Ismaili History
[4:10] Discovering Ismaili Studies at Berkeley
[7:17] From Economics to Scholarship
[9:00] The Iranian Revolution & A New Direction
[12:02] Early Writing, Research & Academic Validation
[13:41] Discovering IIS & First Encounters in London
[17:01] Joining The Institute of Ismaili Studies
[19:30] Publishing Foundational Works in the Field
[20:32] How Ismaili Studies Has Evolved
[25:52] Advice for Students & Early Career Scholars
[28:04] Reflections on Legacy & Scholarly Contribution
[29:53] A Personal Passion for Piano
[31:48] Current Research on Hasan Sabbah
[34:42] Closing Reflections
