![](https://mcusercontent.com/5496132269473a782cfb7b798/images/53d10c57-7c2a-4a99-f41a-1b7983c9e329.png)
![](https://africafederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/New-Picture-5.png)
In an eagerly awaited follow-up to his first book, “Les Khojas de Madagascar: Photos anciennes (1900 – 1960)” Zoulfiqar bhai Vasram of Madagascar is set to release his second volume titled “Les Khojas de Madagascar: Structuration d’une communauté en photos (1960 – 1980).” This new publication promises to be a rich visual journey through the pivotal years of the Khoja community in Madagascar, featuring over 170 photographs and identifying more than 400 individuals captured in these moments.
The book delves into how the “Conseil Territorial des Khojas de Madagascar” was founded in the early 1960s, a significant event supported by the Africa Federation of Khojas. Through these carefully curated images, readers will gain insight into the community’s structural and cultural evolution traversed over two decades.
Adding depth to this pictorial narrative are the biographies of two revered Khoja leaders from East Africa – Haji Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji, who passed away in 1964, and Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer, who left this transient world in 2000. Both leaders played crucial roles for the Khoja community in Madagascar, and their contributions are covered aptly in this book.
This project has been sponsored by Alhaj Ylias Akbaraly, Chairman of Redland, in memory of his late mother, Mrs. Zehrabanou Karmaly Hiridjee who passed away a year ago. In a heartfelt gesture, some copies of the book were specially printed in advance for distribution to the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community leaders.
At the recent AKSIAM conference in May 2024 held in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, the book was formally presented to the Chairman of the Africa Federation (AFED), Alhaj Amine Nassor. The presentation was made by Sheikh Haniphe Akbaraly in the presence of Alhaj Feride Ismael, Chairman of AKSIAM, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, Vice Chairman of Africa Federation along with an esteemed delegation from AFED.
This book is more than a collection of photographs; it is a tribute to the resilience and unity of the Khoja community in Madagascar. It celebrates their journey and acknowledges the leaders who have shaped their path.
![](https://mcusercontent.com/5496132269473a782cfb7b798/images/2494251e-f683-c154-2625-006748362f3f.png)
Alhaj Zoulfiqar Vasram’s meticulous documentation ensures that the history and heritage of the Khojas are preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from, serving not only as a historical record but also as a homage to the enduring legacy of the Khojas in Madagascar. Readers and community members alike will find this work to be an invaluable resource and a poignant reminder of their shared heritage.
![](https://mcusercontent.com/5496132269473a782cfb7b798/images/ecf7fc41-7f67-ed9b-f99f-0d04bcfd267e.png)
During the discussion between AFED Chairman, Alhaj Amine Nassor and Alhaj Ylias Akbaraly in Tananarive recently, Ylias bhai agreed to a proposal that future printing of the Book, shall bear AFED’s Logo and Name to give it renewed impetus and can also be made available to our Community members in the Jamaats in Africa.
![](https://mcusercontent.com/5496132269473a782cfb7b798/images/6384a1da-d5fb-6070-e4b2-59075a3d0b37.png)
Those who are interested to view the Book, it is available in Archives Section display on 3rd floor of AFED Tower.
Africa Federation wishes to thank firstly Alhaj Ylias Akbaraly of Antananarivo, Madagascar for sponsoring the two Books, in memory of his late mother, Marhuma Mrs. Zehrabanou Karmaly Hiridjee. We request you to please remember her with Sura-e-Fateha.
Secondly, our deepest appreciation and thanks to Alhaj Zoulfiqar Vasram who is also a member of AFED Archives for compiling this master piece of the history in photographical expression and in sequential order for posterity.
SECRETARIAT
Africa Federation Archives Section
Date: 7th June 2024 (29th Zilkaad 1445 A.H.)