Founded in 1973, the Boston Nizari Ismaili Cultural Center began with students gathering at MIT, then at Harvard. In 1990, the community relocated to its present facility, which houses the jamat khana (house of congregation) and two small classrooms where religious education classes are held. With an abundance of floor space for people to sit, the jamat khana may resemble other Muslim prayer rooms, but in the Ismaili tradition women pray side by side with the men and play a central role in religious services.