Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili is a world-renowned scholar, collector and philanthropist. His mission is to use the power of art and education to foster peace and unity worldwide.
Child in Iran
Youngest published author in Iran with “Geniuses of the World”
Biographies of Prominent World Figures book
Graduation day at Queens College, NY
Graduation day at Queens College, 1974
House of Peace
Reflecting Sir David’s dream for peace and harmony between the three great monotheistic faiths, in 1983 he initiated an ambitious project that took over 15 years to complete. Through a special commission, five large paintings by the artist Ben Johnson were created which together form a House of Peace between the three faiths. The first four include a panorama of Jerusalem, the biggest representation of the Holy City that exists in the world today; the Western Wall; the Christian Quarter and the Dome of the Rock. The fifth painting, conceived by Professor Khalili himself, depicts a Circle of Peace, a kaleidoscope of the word ‘peace’ in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Jerusalem View
The Western Wall
The Christian Quarter
The Dome of the Rock
Circle of Peace
Circle of Peace (close-up)
Peace Room
Peace Room
Peace-Room-jpeg_Page_3
Treasures of Imperial Japan exhibtion, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff
The Prince of Wales opening the exhibition Treasures of Imperial Japan, Ceramics from the Khalili Collection at the National Museum of Wales. 25 October 1994 - 29 January 1995
HRH Prince of Wales at the opening of Treasures Of Imperial Japan exhibition at the national museum of Wales, October 1994.
HRH Prince of Wales at the opening of Treasures Of Imperial Japan exhibition at the national museum of Wales, October 1994.
King Hussein Of Jordan
His Majesty, the late King Hussein of Jordan, visiting the Oxford University Middle East Society.
Official Photo of His Majesty Late King Hussein Of Jordan visiting Oxford University Middle East Society, 1996.
An audience with the late Pope John Paul II
An audience with the Late Pope John Paul II - 2003
Boston University Honorary Degree
Receiving the honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Receiving Honorary Degree Doctor of Humane Letters - Boston University, 2003.
Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I (KCFO)
Receiving the honour, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I (KCFO) along with Baroness Thatcher.
Receiving the honour, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I (KCFO) along with Baroness Thatcher, 2003.
Receiving the honour, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Francis I (KCFO), 2003.
Heaven on Earth exhibition, Somerset House, London
Private tour of the exhibition Heaven on Earth: Art From Islamic Land with President Clinton and family.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
President Bill Clinton during a private view of the exhibition, Heaven on Earth at the Hermitage Rooms, Somerset House, London, 12th July 2004.
Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts
Receiving Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Arts, London.
Receiving Honorary Doctor from the University of the Arts, London 2005
Receiving Honorary Doctor from the University of the Arts, London 2005
Receiving Honorary Doctor from the University of the Arts, London 2005
Receiving Honorary Doctor from the University of the Arts, London 2005
Receiving Honorary Doctor from the University of the Arts, London 2005
Launch of The Timeline History of Islamic art and Architecture
Reception at Banqueting House to celebrate the launch of The Timeline History of Islamic art and Architecture, attended by Lord Adonis, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Department for Education and Skills.
With Lady Marion presenting the book written by Sir David, London 2005
Chancellor's Court of Benefactors ceremony, Oxford University
With Chancellor Lord Patten at the Court of Benefactors ceremony, University of Oxford.
With Chancellor Lord Patten at a ceremony to become a member of Court of benefactor - University of Oxford, 2005.
Arts of Islam exhibition, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
At the opening of the exhibition Arts Of Islam: Treasures from the Nasser D Khalili Collection at the Emirates Palace hotel and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Abu Dhabi 22 January - 22 May 2008
With HRH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces January 2008
Enamels of the World book launch
At the launch of Enamels of the World: 1700 - 2000 at the Wallace Collection.
Enamels of the World (1700-2000), Book Launch at The Wallace Collection, 2008
Enamels of the World (1700-2000), Book Launch at The Wallace Collection, 2008
Enamels Of The World exhibition, Hermitage, St. Petersburg
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the State Hermitage Museum, at the opening of the exhibition Enamels of The World: 1700 - 2000. 8 December 2009 - 18 April 2010
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director The State Hermitage Museum, at the opening of the exhibition Enamels of The World: (1700 - 2000), St Petersburg, December 2009
Exhibition catalogue of the exhibition Enamels of The World: (1700 - 2000) - Russian version, St Petersburg, December 2009
Exhibition venue, The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, December 2009
Exhibition venue, The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, December 2009
Exhibition venue, The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, December 2009
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Exhibition venue, The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, December 2009
At the opening of the exhibition Enamel of The World: 1700 - 2000 - The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg December 2009
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg December 2009
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg December 2009
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg December 2009
With Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg December 2009
Passion for Perfection exhibition, De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam
With Ernst Veen, director of Hermitage Amsterdam and De Nieuwe Kerk at the opening of the exhibition Passion for Perfection: Islamic Art from the Khalili Collections. De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, Netherland 11 December 2010 - 17 April 2011
With Ernst Veen, Director of Hermitage Amsterdam and De Nieuwe Kerk December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition opening night- Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Exhibition venue - Passion for Perfection - December 2010
Sir David signing on exhibition catalogue
Metal Magic exhibition, National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
With former Prime Minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi at the opening of the exhibition Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, Malta. 8 November 2011 - 29 April 2012
With the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi at the opening of the exhibition 'Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection' at The Auberge de Provence, Valetta, Malta, November 2011
With the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi and his wife at the opening of the exhibition 'Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection' at The Auberge de Provence, Valetta, Malta, - November 2011
Sir David presenting a gift to the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi at the opening of the exhibition 'Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection' at The Auberge de Provence, Valetta, Malta, November 2011
In a private tour of the exhibition with the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi and his wife at the opening of the exhibition 'Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection' at The Auberge de Provence, Valetta, Malta, November 2011
Private tour of the exhibition with the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi and his wife - November 2011
Private tour of the exhibition with the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi and his wife - November 2011
Mr. Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta speaking on the opening day of the Exhibition - November 2011
Sir David speaking on the opening day of the exhibition, Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collection at The Auberge de Provence, Valetta, Malta. November 2011
With the prime minister of Malta, Mr. Lawrence Gonzi - November 2011
Private tour of the exhibition - November 2011
Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam dinner, British Museum, London
While hosting a dinner to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam at The British Museum, attended by Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum.
Sir David while hosting a dinner to Celebrate the opening of the Exhibition 'Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam' at The British Museum - January 2012
Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum speaking at the dinner to Celebrate the opening of the Exhibition 'Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam' at The British Museum - January 2012
Exhibition venue 'Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam' at The British Museum - January 2012
Sir David speaking while hosting a dinner to Celebrate the opening of the Exhibition 'Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam' at The British Museum - January 2012
Exhibition catalogues on display at The dinner event. British Museum - January 2012
British Museum entrance at the dinner event to Celebrate the opening of the Exhibition 'Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam' at The British Museum - January 2012
Dinner venue at The British Museum - January 2012
Unesco Goodwill Ambassador
Director General Irina Bokova designating Professor Sir Nasser D Khalili as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Director General Irina Bokova Designating Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador- October 2012, Paris.
Sir David speaking at the occasion of his dasignation as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador 2012. Standing on the right - UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova - October 2012, Paris
Sir David speaking at the occasion of his designation as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Standing on the right - UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova - October 2012, Paris
UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova speaking at the occasion of designating Sir David as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova speaking at the occasion of designating Sir David as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova speaking at the occasion of designating Sir David as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
Sir David speaking at the occasion of his designation as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
Sir David speaking at the occasion of his designation as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova speaking at the occasion of designating Sir David as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador - October 2012, Paris
Panel on Peace, UNESCO, Paris
At the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures, UNESCO, Paris, with Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Chairman, Board of Directors, King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies.
From left to right Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Professor Sir Nasser D Khalili, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Chairman, Board of Directors, King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies. Paris November 2012
Queens College commencement address
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
Sir David giving the commencement address to the graduation class of 2013 at Queens College New York - May 2013
An audience with His Holiness Pope Francis
Meeting His Hollines Pope Francis at the Vatican, to relate the activities of the Khalili Foundation
An audience with His Hollines Pope Francis, to explain the activities of the Khalili Foundation - December 2013
An audience with His Hollines Pope Francis, to explain the activities of the Khalili Foundation - December 2013
Global Knowledge Society Forum, UNESCO, Dhahran
Addressing the UNESCO Global Knowledge Society Forum as Goodwill Ambassador in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Sir David addressing the UNESCO Global Knowledge Societies Forum, at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia - December 2013
Sir David addressing the UNESCO Global Knowledge Societies Forum, at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia - December 2013
Sir David addressing the UNESCO Global Knowledge Societies Forum, at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia - December 2013
Hajj, The Pilgrimage to Mecca exhibition opening, Paris
With the President of France François Hollande at the opening of Hajj, The Pilgrimage to Mecca at the Institut du Monde Arabe.
With President of France - François Hollande, on the occasion of the official opening of 'Hajj: The Pilgrimage to Mecca' - 22 April 2014
Honorary Doctorate from Franklin University
Receiving the honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Professor P. Gregory Warden, president of the Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland.
Receiving Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanities from Professor Gregory Warden Presidend, Franklin University, Lugano, Switzerland May 2015
Speaking at the ceremony of Receiving Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanities, Franklin University, Lugano, Switzerland May 2015
Ceremony to Receive Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humanities Franklin University, Lugano, Switzerland May 2015
Rank of officier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur
At a special ceremony in the Elysée Palace on 11th April, French President Francois Hollande decorated Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili with the French Republic’s highest honour, the rank of officier in the ordre nationale de la legion d’Honneur. Sir David received the decoration for his work in the pursuit of peace, education and culture among nations. Khalili joins an esteemed list of British recipients of the Legion of Honour that include Winston Churchill, Graham Greene, Paul McCartney and J.K. Rowling.
French President Francois Hollande Awarding Sir David the rank of officier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur at the Elysée Palace, April 2016
French President Francois Hollande Awarding Sir David the rank of officier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur at the Elysée Palace, April 2016
French President Francois Hollande Awarding Sir David the rank of officier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur at the Elysée Palace, April 2016
Sir David in front of the Élysée Palace
SOAS University, London. “The Art of collecting”
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili is a world renowned scholar, collector, benefactor and philanthropist as well as a successful businessman. His collections, which consist of 35,000 items, include the arts of the Islamic World, Japanese art from the Meiji period, Swedish textiles, Spanish damascened metalwork and Enamels; each one being the largest in the world of its kind. There is a large series of publications accompanying these collections.
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting. Photo with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director SOAS University of London and Scott Redford, Nasser D Khalili Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology, SOAS University of London
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Photo with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director SOAS University of London, SOAS University of London
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Scott Redford, The Nasser D Khalili Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology, SOAS University of London
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili lectures at SOAS on the preservation of history through art collecting
Scott Redford, The Nasser D Khalili Professor of Islamic Art and Archaeology, SOAS University of London
SOAS Lecture Hall
Member of the Honorary Board at the INTERPOL Foundation
He was Appointed as a member of the Honorary Board at the INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World
At the Interpol Headquarters in Lyon with the secretary general Jürgen Stock
SOAS Graduation Ceremony
Sir David presides over the SOAS Graduation Ceremony, giving the opening address to the class of 2018
Sir David gave the opening address at the SOAS Graduation Ceremony, and shared with the graduands the ten guiding principles that brought him success.
Sir David received his PhD in Islamic Lacquer from SOAS in 1988
Sir David returns to the institution where he received his PhD on Islamic Lacquer in 1992
Sir David with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of SOAS, and other distinguished members of the procession.
Sir David with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of SOAS
Sir David with Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of SOAS, and other distinguished members of the procession.
Sir David with winners of the SOAS Teaching Prize
SOAS Graduation
Sir David shares his ten guiding principles with the audience
Sir David shares his ten guiding principles with the audience
Elected to the Eurasian Academy and honoured with the prestigious Eurasian Legend Award
At a special ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan, Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili was elected as a member of the prestigious Eurasian Academy and honoured with the Eurasian Legend Award for his contribution to art, culture and education.
Eurasian Academy is a learned society with the motto “Strive for Truth; Treasure Beauty”, and which represents and promotes achievements in the arts, sciences and humanities. It honours those members originally from the Caspian region who have made a significant, lifelong contribution to global society through their outstanding work in the arts, sciences and humanities. Members include the (late) Iranian-American scientist and inventor Ali Javan, Russian physicist Roald Sagdev, Turkish historian Halil Inalcik and Azerbaijani poet and mathematician Hamlet Isakhanli. The Academy comprises a maximum of 30 members at any given time, with a new member only being elected when an existing member is deceased.
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili received the Eurasian Legend Award from Professor Hamlet Isakhanli, Founding Member of the Eurasian Academy
Awarded Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list
“for services to interfaith relations and charity”
Professor Nasser David Khalili, has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. This award has been given in recognition of David’s lifelong contribution to cultural philanthropy, education and interfaith relations.
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili
Sir David Khalili’s investiture presided by HM King Charles III
In the annoucement made by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Government in 2021, Sir David – founder and chairman of the Khalili Foundation – was described as “the embodiment of interfaith harmony.”
Sir David Khalili Investiture
Sir David Khalili Investiture
Khalili family photo
The Art of Peace
In 1970, while studying in New York, a young Iranian began collecting works of art. Today, his eight collections comprise around 35,000 objects and 100 publications, which have been exhibited in 126 leading museums and institutions around the world. This is the collector’s story. Visit SirDavdKhalili.com
The Art of Peace
Launch of the Commonwealth Faith Festival at Marlborough House
On February 2024, amidst esteemed guests including Commonwealth High Commissioners, religious leaders, academics, and youth ambassadors.
The 2024 Commonwealth Faith Festival was inaugurated by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, alongside our Founder, Sir David Khalili. The festival, themed ‘Peacebuilding through Faith,’ featured roundtable discussions aimed at identifying key focus areas and brainstorming solutions to today’s most urgent challenges. Embracing inclusivity, the Commonwealth Faith Festival welcomed individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. Sir David Khalili emphasized this spirit of inclusivity, highlighting that “Everyone has faith – faith is putting your trust in something or someone.” The Secretary General called for a wider use of the concept of faith: “ It is about faith in humanity”, she said, “and our faith in the Commonwealth family to work together to bring about peace in our communities and societies”.
Khalili Foundation Announced as Founder Member of KCFP
The Khalili Foundation has been announced as the Founder Member of The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) at an event hosted at the University of Samoa with His Majesty King Charles III.
The Khalili Foundation has been announced as the Founder Member of The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) at an event hosted at the University of Samoa with His Majesty King Charles III, Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable countries in the world, facing numerous economic and environmental shocks, youth out-migration and skills shortages in public services, and experiencing disproportionate and deeply damaging effects of climate change, much of which combines to further threaten peace and security across societies and nations. The new fellowship programme has been developed in response to these urgent needs and will be implemented through the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). An ambitious interdisciplinary three-part initiative, it will offer fellowships for mid-career professionals, undergraduate scholarships, and PhDs. Delivered together, these three strands will enable sustained short, medium and long-term impact for Commonwealth SIDS and their communities.
Khalili Foundation Announced as Founder Member of The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme with His Majesty King Charles III at CHOGM 2024
Announced Collaboration on UNESCO’s Memory of the World
The Khalili Foundation has announced a new partnership with UNESCO: funding support for the Memory of the World programme, which seeks to digitally preserve the incredible diversity of the world’s documentary heritage.
The 496 Memory of the World inscriptions cover a vast array of cultures, time periods, religions, and initiatives for peace. Many of these inscriptions relate to underrepresented communities, from African, Latin American, and indigenous cultures, to important religious texts and archives outside the Abrahamic faiths. The register also houses powerful documents connected to movements for human rights and reconciliation. This partnership between the Khalili Foundation and UNESCO presents numerous opportunities to amplify these lesser-known narratives. Together, we will work to create and translate Wikipedia articles about the Memory of the World register, enrich Wikidata entries, fix broken links, coordinate the upload of relevant images, and transcribe valuable nomination data. By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we will help bridge the gap between UNESCO’s program and the Wikimedia community, expanding access to this diverse cultural heritage across the digital landscape.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili Announces Collaboration on UNESCO’s Memory of the World
Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili is a leading voice in the global movement to advance mutual respect and understanding amongst nations in the world today. Building bridges has been a consistent theme throughout his life’s work and he has been recognised globally for his contributions in this field.