Islam does not deal in dichotomies but in all encompassing unity. Spirit and body are one, man and nature are one. What is more, man is answerable to God for what man has created. [Houston 2002]
-- Aga Khan IV
Last Updated May 19, 2013 - 18:16 EST
First Ismaili Electronic Library and Database: Have you navigated the New Heritage website yet? This is the oldest and largest web site dedicated to H.H. The Aga Khan and Ismailism. We have 38,000+ registered users. Did you Try its powerful search capabilities? Here's a page where we have gathered some of the main sections. And the Ginan section containing hundreds of ginans translated, transcribed, recited, a feast!. Have you visited the Forum section where more then 7,700+ users have put 30,900+ messages on a variety of subjects related to Ismailism? Loggin and ask your questions, give your answers, share the knowledge!
AKU SUMMER PROGRAM: Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in London is
hosting an International Summer Programme on 'Music, Art and Architecture in Muslim Contexts' from 1-7 July 2013 in London..[More here!]
2013, may 23: OTTAWA: /CNW/ - Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize winner will deliver the Global Centre for Pluralism's Annual Lecture in Ottawa, ON, on Thursday, May 23, 2013. The title of this year's lecture is "Pluralism: Key Challenge of the 21st Century?" Mr. Annan is a member of the Global Centre for Pluralism's Board of Directors, a body of eminent Canadian and international figures, chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. [More
2013, May 15: Hangzhou, China - H.H. The aga Khan delivered the keynote address today at the Hangzhou International Congress "Culture: Key to Sustainable Development" organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the People’s Republic of China and the Hangzhou Municipal Government. The Congress provided the very first global forum to discuss the role of culture in sustainable development, with participation of the global community and major international stakeholders representing 82 countries. [Speech and news]
2013, April 3: Princess Zahra Aga Khan attends the 'Cravaches D'Or' Awards 2013 At Theatre des Champs Elysees In Paris, France. [Photo1]
2013, April 26: H.H. the Aga Khan announced the engagement of his eldest son, Prince Rahim, to Ms Kendra Spears of Seattle, Washington, USA.. [More]
2013, April 16 : H.H. The Aga Khan arrived for a 3 days visit in Canada. He attended the first meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Aga Khan Museum. His brother Prince Amyn meanwhile did a visit of the construction site.
2013, April 12: Sixth bridge linking Tajikistan and Afghanistan due in May - The Ministry of Transport on Friday announced about completion of construction of the bridge across the Pyanzh river, which will link the country with Afghanistan. The bridge will connect Nihol village, Shurobod district (250 km to the south-east of Dushanbe) and Hohon village in Afghanistan. The length of the bridge is 182 meters. Bridge construction cost $3.57 million. It carrying capacity will be 30 tons. Construction of the bridge started in late October 2011. The project was implemented by Aga Khan Foundation with financial support of the German Government. Article from Asia Net]
2013, February 24: According to the Times of India, this March 2013, a three-day event in Jodhpur will see international names like Prince Hussain Aga Khan in attendance. The event titled A Beautiful Mind is planned from March 8-10 and will have more than 200 guests from around the world. Among others, Sting is going to perform on the last day, and it's the singer who has invited Jemima and Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker as his personal guests. [More]
2013, February 16: Announcement was made in British Columbia, Canada that H.H. The Aga Khan has approved the building of a new purpose-built Jamat Khana in Vancouver - in Richmond.
2013, February 1: OTTAWA, ONTARIO, - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General's Medals in Architecture during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat designed by Architect Maki was amongst the projects that received the Award. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat: Architecture of Peace and Plurality - Maki and Associates, Moriyama & Teshima Architects. The Governor General's Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, created by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly by Architecture Canada - RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts, which is responsible for the adjudication process and contributes to the publication highlighting the medal winners. The winners were announced by the RAIC and the Canada Council for the Arts in May 2012.
2013, January 22: Paris, France: H.H. The Aga Khan met Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete at the legendary Meurice hotel. [ More]
Vanity Fair - February 2013 features an article and interview of H.H. The Aga Khan: The Aga Khan’s Earthly Kingdom - Multi-billionaire prince, spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims, and one-man state, the fourth Aga Khan defies all boundaries. Photographs by Jonathan Becker. [Vanity Fair] [Forum]
2013, January 10: Hyderabad, India - A memorandum of understanding on this was signed Wednesday among Department of Archaeology and Museums, Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority and Aga Khan Trust in the presence of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy. Reddy said conservation and renovation of the tombs would help protect cultural tradition of the historic city of Hyderabad. The Quli Qutb Shah Archaeological Park, comprising of the Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex and Deccan Park, is one of the most significant medieval necropolises with 70 structures. They include 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five step-wells/water structures, a `hamam`, pavilions, garden structures and enclosure walls built during the reign of Qutb Shahi dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region for 170 years during 16th and 17th centuries. [more]
2012, December 10: Paris, France - President Asif Ali Zardari and Prince Karim Agha Khan shaking hands before their meeting at Hotel Plaza Athenee. Prince Karim Agha Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, today called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at Hotel Plaza Athenee. He congratulated the President and the Government of Pakistan on organizing, along with UNESCO, a high level event for the promotion of education in Pakistan. The President appreciated the services of Prince Karim Agha Khan across the world particularly for the people of Pakistan in the education sector, poverty eradication, women empowerment and socio-economic development of the poor strata of society. The President wished Prince Karim Agha Khan long life, good health and prosperity. The President also invited him to visit Pakistan at his convenience. Credit APP - [Video]
2012, November 29: Nairobi, Kenya - The government and the Aga Khan Trust have formalized the project to restore the Nairobi City Park. His Highness The Aga Khan and Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed the agreement to rehabilitate the Park at the Nairobi National Museum paving the way for the Aga Khan Trust to embark on the rehabilitation early next year.
[Video NTVKenya ] [More]
2012, November 28: Nairobi, Kenya - H.H. The Aga Khan arrived at JKIA Airport in Nairobi this afternoon and had a meeting at the VIP lounge of the airport with President Kibaki who also returned from Arusha. On November 29th, this Thursday, He is expected to tour City Park for which A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April 2012 between the Government of Kenya, the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture, the City Council of Nairobi and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to collaborate in the rehabilitation and restoration of the Nairobi City Park to international standards in terms of architecture, landscape and horticulture. Later that day, he is also expected to attend at around 11am with Prime Minister Raila Odinga to sign the agreement to rehabilitate the Park at the Nairobi National Museum.. [More]
2012, November 27: Arusha, Tanzania - H.H. The Aga Khan who signed an agreement with the East African Community in July 2012 arrived in Tanzania today and attended the opening of the East African Community Headquarters in Arushah with the presidents of the five member states of the East African Community. The host country’s head of state, Mr Jakaya Kikwete, lead his four regional counterparts--the Ugandan leader, President Yoweri Museveni, Burundi President, Pierre Nkurunzinza and Rwandan leader, Paul Kagame (represented), Kenya President Mwai Kibaki in the inaugural ceremony. PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI - [More here]
2012, October 24: Edmonton, Canada - Edmonton Journal: On a day Premier Alison Redford said “she would remember for the rest of (her) life, the premier and His Highness the Aga Khan signed an agreement of co-operation Wednesday at Government House. The agreement signals a symbolic partnership between the province with the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims. By signing it, the two parties pledged to work together on issues such as health sciences, education, economic development and culture both in Alberta and in countries served by the Aga Khan Development Network, a charitable organization the Aga Khan founded that works to improve the lives of people in the developing world.. “It’s an exciting day because we have the opportunity to sign a memorandum of understanding that is going to allow us to share and learn together, not only for the benefit of people in our province, but more importantly, I believe, for people around the world,” Redford said. Alberta is the first province to sign such an agreement with the Ismaili Imamat, the office of the Aga Khan. The Aga Khan said the signing of the partnership made him feel he has another ally in the world. This day “gives you a sense of hope, a sense of confidence, a sense of not being alone in trying to achieve the goals that one sets oneself as an individual or as an institution.”[News, Photos and link to Agreement here]
2012, October 22: London, UK - As part of the Synergos Institute's University for a Night series, His Highness the Aga Khan was awarded the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award at a ceremony in London. [more] or [here]
2012, October 20: Aga Khan inaugurate Construction of Obstetrics Facility in Kabul. By Sajad - Khaama Press. The Foundation Ceremony of the new Women’s Wing at the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) today, marked the start of construction for a new obstetrics and gynaecology wing on the hospital premises that will provide high quality care for mothers and newborns in Afghanistan. The building, which will take 24 months to complete, will offer 52 additional beds for obstetric and gynecologic care and a 14-bed neonatal intensive care unit — the first in Afghanistan. His Excellency Karim Khalili vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, and His Excellency Laurent Fabius Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic were the guest for the occasion. In a speech at the ceremony the Aga Khan hailed the FMIC’s standards of excellence and said the facility was making Afghanistan’s health care system more self-reliant. “What all of this means for Afghanistan, quite simply, is that people here no longer need to feel they must venture outside the country in order to get quality health care,” he said adding that he regarded the FMIC and its expansion as part of broader effort to bring quality medical care not only to Afghanistan but also the neighbouring areas. He also announced longer-term plans to build on a plot adjacent to the hospital an international medical centre serving the entire region. [More]
2012, October 19: His Excellency Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan officially opened the restored mausoleum of Timur Shah today. The historic monument, which had fallen into disrepair during decades of civil war, has been restored as part of an on-going programme undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to preserve the cultural heritage of Afghanistan. The work, which began in 2003, encompassed the mausoleum and the rehabilitation of the one hectare park surrounding the building. Timur Shah was the Durrani King who made Kabul the capital of the modern Afghan State. [More]
2012, October 18: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - The Aga Khan School – the first private school in Osh - today celebrated its 10th Anniversary in the presence of Princess Zahra Aga Khan. [More]
2012, October 17: Bishkek, / Kabar / Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network. Vice Speaker of the Kyrgyz Parliament Asiya Sasykbaeva met with Princess Zahra Aga Khan. A. Sasykbaeva noted that the Aga Khan Development Network provides assistance to projects in social sector, particularly in education and health care. In turn, Princess Zahra Aga Khan told about the purpose of her visit to Kyrgyzstan and also touched upon the ongoing projects of the Aga Khan Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, including the construction of the University of Central Asia in Naryn. At the meeting it was noted that these days the 10th anniversary of the Aga Khan School in Osh will be celebrated. MP Kanybek Imanaliev, who attended the meeting proposed to open a similar school in Batken oblast. [more]
2012, october 15: KABUL, Afghanistan /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider [AKDN is one of the partners], today announced it was the recipient of three awards at the Ninth Annual International Business Awards in Seoul, South Korea. More than 3,200 entries from organizations and individuals across the world vied for the prestigious Stevie awards.
2012, October 12: World-renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki is to design a Muslim cultural centre and university on the 67-acre King’s Cross development for the Aga Khan. The 84-year-old Pritzker prizewinner has been appointed to draw up plans for the two buildings by the Aga Khan Development Network, an 80,000-strong organisation headed by the leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims. The cultural centre of more than 100,000 square feet is likely to be built on a plot to the north of, and across an open square from, the University of the Arts. A university of similar size will be built on nearby land, currently reserved for offices. The two projects are among five, totalling half a million square feet, now being commissioned by the Network at King’s Cross. [More
2012, October 8: H.H. has arrived in Uganda for the opening of the $900 Million Bujagali hydropower project. The project has been officially inaugurated by President Museveni today at as part of the activities to celebrate 50 years of independence in the presence of H.H. The Aga Khan, South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Burundi leader Pierre Nkurunziza as well as other dignitaries. The Aga Khan said in his speech that this occasion is of great significance, and is an inspiring model on how such change can be achieved. The Aga Khan acknowledged the community around the project, the scientists and engineers, as well as the government of President Museveni. He says Bujagali is a Ugandan success story. He says the project won’t stop delivering electricity but would continue to improve on the lives of the community. [More Bujagali opening news and photos] [Minute by minute live news of opening]
2012, October 7: The Aga Khan's Ridasiyna rallied from well off the pace to collar Izzi Top in the final 200 meters and score a clear win the Qatar Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp. [Photos and news]
2012, September 26: CA-NEWS (TJ) - Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Hamrohon Zarifi met with Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on Tuesday in New York, reported Foreign Ministry. "During the meeting, sides discussed issues and perspectives of programs and projects of Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan," said in a statement. The Foreign Ministry notes that "the meeting was held in an atmosphere of constructive and fruitful exchange of views." [Photo and more news]
2012, September 4: Tehran, Iran. Kofi Annan arrived in Tehran in H.H. The Aga Khan's plane to take part in the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which provided world leaders an opportunity to come together and address pressing global issues. Photo Credit: MEHR. [More]
2012, October 01: NEW BOOK:" The Aga Khan Case - Religion and Identity in Colonial India." To be released in October 2012. Authored by Teena Purohit and published by Harvard University Press. The Aga Khan Case focuses on a nineteenth-century court case in Bombay that influenced how religious identity was defined in India and subsequently the British Empire. The case arose when a group of Indians known as the Khojas refused to pay tithes to the Aga Khan, a Persian nobleman and hereditary spiritual leader of the Ismailis. Hardcover, 198 pages, $45. ISBN 9780674066397
- 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches
2012-September 17: NEW BOOK - "The Children of Time: The Aga Khan and the Ismailis" by Malise Ruthven and Gerald Wilkinson. I. B. Tauris - Chapters on Ismaili history and theology explain how Ismaili interpretations of Islam under the Fatimid Caliphs (909-1171) and their immediate successors laid the intellectual foundations for the reforms instituted by the present Imam and his immediate predecessor Aga Khan III (1885-1957), the international statesman and leader of India’s Muslims prior to World War II. Chapters on the Imamat of Aga Khan IV focus on achievements in architecture, conservation, health, education, rural development, and economic development, showing how his vision for the community and the network it sustains through charitable contributions is providing concrete, constructive solutions to problems of poverty, illiteracy, the status of women, and institutional under-development in Africa and Asia, including regions devastated by war, drought, malnutrition, government instability and high levels of seismic activity. The first study of the contemporary Ismaili community to have been authorized by the Harvard-educated Aga Khan, this book shows how a religious tradition rooted in a medieval - ISBN-10: 1845117220 - 408 pages - CDN$ 41.57.
2012, July 18: Singapore – “Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum: Architecture in the Islamic World” was opened today by Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore’s Minster for Information, Communications and the Arts, and Prince Amyn Aga Khan, at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore. The exhibition will run from 19 July to 28 October 2012.
2012. July 17: H.H. The Aga Khan arived in Dar es Salam, Tanzania for AKDN work and official givernment meetings. He will be visiting Arusha also where the AKU will have its East African main campus. [More photos and news here] [Video]
2012, July 17: Mumbai, India - Development Credit Bank's (DCB) new corporate office was inaugurated by Mr P. Vijaya Bhaskar, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India. The new premises are located on the sixth floor of Peninsula Business Park in Lower Parel, Mumbai. Prince Rahim Aga Khan from Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development graced the ocassion.
2012, July 2: Dushanbe, Tajikistan - Prince Husain Aga khan arived today for a for 3 days visit to Tajikistan. During his visit, Prince Hussain will review the progress of current and planned activities of the Aga Khan Development Network in the country. Prince Hussain is involved in projects and initiatives related to culture and the environment. [More]
2012, June 30: GENEVA, June 30 (Itar-Tass) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met H.H. The Aga Khan in Geneva on Saturday at the Russian permanent mission at the United Nations. [link
2012, June 17: Chantilly, France - Seventh heaven: Aga Khan won the French Oaks for record seventh time on Sunday Photo: JOHN TAYLOR. - Shock winner Valyra earns the Aga Khan record seventh win in the French Oaks
The Aga Khan landed the Prix de Diane at Chantilly for a record seventh time when Valyra, the 28-1 outsider of his three runners, finished strongly down the outside under a fine ride from Johnny Murtagh to overhaul favourite Beauty Parlour in the closing stages of Sunday's fillies’ Classic. [More from the Telegraph and exclusive photos]
2012, May 28: Ottawa, Canada - H.H. The Aga Khan giving introductory speech at Global Centre for Pluralism’s inaugural lecture. Event reported by Mr. Costas Menegakis (Richmond Hill, CPC) to Canadian Parliament next day as follow: "Mr. Speaker, last night His Highness the Aga Khan hosted Her Excellency Roza Otunbayeva for a speech at the Global Centre for Pluralism. Several Conservative ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, were in attendance. They later joined Ms. Otunbayeva and the Aga Khan for dinner. In her public lecture, Ms. Otunbayeva spoke eloquently about the challenges of promoting pluralism in the Kyrgyz Republic. Following unrest in 2010, Ms. Otunbayeva provided strong, stable leadership in challenging times. In many ways, Ms. Otunbayeva is the Margaret Thatcher of central Asia. She helped usher in parliamentary elections and a peaceful transition of power following her interim presidency. A video of her lecture will be posted on the Global Centre for Pluralism website, and I encourage all Canadians to watch her speech. Our Conservative government has invested millions of dollars in the Global Centre for Pluralism and supports what His Highness is doing. Our Conservative government has also welcomed Ismaili refugees to Canada from central Asia, and our government looks forward to collaborating with His Highness the Aga Khan in the future." (Hansard 129 of 29 may 2012, 41 Parliament - 1st session)
2012 May 20: Ottawa, Canada - His Highness The Aga Khan has arrived in Ottawa this Sunday. His car arrived at The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive from the airport around 4:30pm and the Imam waved to the 25-30 Ismailis who were waiting for his arrival. The visit is scheduled to last 10 days in Canada for appointments, Pluralism and other official work.
2012, May 8: Aga Khan building wins Governor General’s Medal - OTTAWA — The Aga Khan’s white building at 199 Sussex Drive “puts Canadian architecture firmly on the world stage,” says the jury for the Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, by Maki and Associates of Japan with Moriyama & Teshima Architects of Toronto, was one of 12 medal recipients announced Tuesday. The award recognizes outstanding design in recent projects by Canadian architects. “This is a significant addition to Ottawa’s repertoire of diplomatic buildings,” wrote the five-member jury of architects. Calling it “delicate and sensual” the panel praised the “outstanding” quality of materials and detailing. “Impressively monumental in scale, the project combines a powerful civic presence with a remarkable level of sophistication,” the jury wrote. “Its integration of traditional Islamic motifs, such as specially crafted screens and a lush courtyard garden, is choreographed with assurance and sensitivity.” Opened in 2008, the $54-million building is the first in the world to represent Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. [Ottawa Citizen] [CBC]
2012, April 28: - By The Citizen Reporter - Dar es Salaam. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture would be doubled to $1 million (Sh1.6bn), it has been learnt. According to a statement released by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his Highness the Aga Khan said doubling of the Award was meant to assist and support the recipients, many of whom are not well-known or well-funded architects or urban planners. “One of key aspects of the Award is that winners should be able to reposition their future with the support they get from the Award, both professionally and institutionally,” said the Agha Khan on the occasion of the announcement.
2012, April 27: US Special Envoy Rashad Hussain Met Afghan Ismailis Leader. Rashad Hussain US special envoy for president Barack Obama to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Friday met with Alhaj Sayed Mansoor Naderi leader of the Shia Ismailies for Afghanistan at Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Cultural Center. During his meeting with Alhaj Syed Mansoor Naderi Mr. Rashad Hussain said he was delighted to meet with Naderi and other political leaders and religious clerics. Alhaj Syed Mansoor Naderi welcomed Rashad Hussain and emphasized for strong relations between the two nations and specially Muslims of the two countries. US special envoy for president Barack Obama to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Rashad Hussain also took a tour of the Hakim Nasir Balkhi Cultural Center and signed the memorial book of the Cultural Center after visiting the world’s largest hand written Holy Quran, Public Library and the arts and drawings exhibition of Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Journeys (Safarnama). [Source: http://www.khaama.com/us-special-envoy-rashad-hussain-met-afghan-ismailis-leader-786]
2012, April 17: Nairobi, Kenya. Published on Apr 17, 2012 by NTVKenya - http://www.ntv.co.ke - Residents of Nairobi will continue enjoying the ambience at the Nairobi City Park thanks to a rehabilitation programme that will be initiated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in collaboration with the Government. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture, The City Council of Nairobi and the Aga Khan Trust For Culture so as to collaborate in the rehabilitation and restoration of the City Park to international standards. Signatories to the MoU include Prince Hussain Aga Khan on behalf of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Town Clerk Philip Kisia, and Professor Karega Mutahi who is the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister among other representatives from government. The agreement foresees collaboration through environmental improvements, landscape architectural conservation and enhancement and creation of new facilities.
2012, April 4:DUSHANBE, Tajikistan -- Prince Karim Aga Khan has said that an Ismaili center has been officially registered in Dushanbe under Tajikistan's law on religion. The Aga Khan, who runs a development network bearing his name, said his talks with Tajikistan's president on April 4 focused on difficult living conditions for many residents of the country after a long, harsh winter: "With regard to the discussions with His Excellency the President we reviewed the situation in the region," he said. "And we spent some time looking at the questions concerning national infrastructure in Tajikistan -- because like many countries which are an integral part of a regional process, the way in which each country functions is very important indeed." The Aga Khan told reporters after his talks with Rahmon that he will continue to invest in water, road, energy, and communications projects in Tajikistan. His network has already financed five key bridges in the country and a five-star hotel in Dushanbe as well as agriculture and education projects. [More]
2012 April 4:Urumxi, China - In his first visit in China since 1981, H.H. The Aga Khan returned to Urumxi, China at the invitation of the Governor of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Mr Nur Bekri, to discuss AKDN projects to be undertaken in collaboration with Government of Xinjiang. The China visit will be immediately followed by a Tajik visit. [Photo: Mawlana Hazar Imam and Mr Nur Bekri, Governor of Xinjiang. Photo: Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office]
2012, March 28 - Paris, France - Signature d’une convention entre le Quai d’Orsay et l’Academie diplomatique internationale - Alain Juppé, ministre d’Etat, ministre des Affaires étrangères et européennes signera une convention avec le président de l’Académie diplomatique internationale, Son Altesse l’Aga Khan, relative à la coopération entre le Quai d’Orsay et cette institution le mercredi 28 mars, au Quai d’Orsay. [More]
2012 March 30: SINGAPORE, (Bernama) - The Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili community, is on a four-day working visit to Singapore, beginning today.
While in Singapore, the Aga Khan will call on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and will be hosted to lunch by Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. [More] [in Forum] [Testimony]
2012. March 30: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Launch of "Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum: Architecture in Islamic World", a travelling exhibition of objects and art from the Aga Khan Museum. The Exhibition will last 3 months. The exhibition is divided into six sections: “Sacred Typographies”, which explores the sites and monuments of Islamic pilgrimage through paintings and drawings; “Religious and Funerary Architecture”, which examines mosques and commemorative shrines; “The Fortress and the City”, which encompasses forts and fortified towns; “The Palace”, which looks at the residences of royal families; “Gardens, Pavilions and Tents”, which discusses the arts of shelter; and “Architecture and the Written Word”, which focuses on architectural spaces contained in miniature painting. [Exclusive Photo Gallery of H.H. The Aga Khan at the Launch of the Exhibition in Malaysia 2012] [Video]
2012, Mars 30: Devonian to incorporate Islamic garden - By Brandi Morin - University of Alberta Devonian Gardens incorporating new and innovative attractions, is about to be put on the worldwide map. An Islamic garden, the first of its kind, is now in the design and planning stages. The garden was a multi-million-dollar gift from his Highness Aga Khan, the global leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. To date Khan has planted similar types of gardens, symbolizing peace and harmony all over the world. [More]
2012 March 19: The first phase of AKU’s new campus will cost $500 million and will include an academic building spread over 200 acres. The entire campus will take up about 1,200 acres, with 560 of them for the academic campus and about the same space for the university residential village. [Read More here]
2012, February 25:RFI Radio France - Clare Sharkey - The Nation Media Group was founded by his Highness the Aga Khan in 1959 and has become the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa. It includes papers such as The Nation in Kenya, and has been quoted on the Nairobi Stock Exchange since the early 1970s. Since 1992, it controls the Ugandan-based The Monitor and is a major shareholder in several Tanzanian papers. But the group faces perhaps its largest challenges in expanding into Rwanda and South Sudan. Tom Mshindi, Managing Director of the Newspaper division, spoke to RFI. [Interview and more].
2012, February 20th Mumbay, India - Princess Zahra Aga Khan arrived in Mumbai on 19 February to visit the Prince Aly Khan Hospital (PAKH). The hospital is undergoing an expansion of its facilities, and Princess Zahra is the Chair of the Steering Committee for its redevelopment. The new vision for the hospital will see it match the highest international standards of healthcare, research and medical education. Its new capacity will enable it to deliver increased access to high quality medical care for members of the Jamat and the wider community. As Head of the Social Welfare Department at Aiglemont, Princess Zahra oversees the work of the Aga Khan Health Services, the Aga Khan Education Services and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services. Together with members of the Steering Committee, she visited the Prince Aly Khan Hospital on the morning of 20 February 2012[News and Photos of the Hospital visit by Princes Zahra Aga Khan]
2012, January 31st Paris, France - His Highness the Aga Khan Urges "Impact Investing" at ULI Europe Conference. -- H.H. the Aga Khan urged guests at the ULI Europe Annual Conference in Paris to consider the social and environmental impacts of investment decisions. His Highness the Aga Khan was recently named 2011 Laureate of the ULI J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development for his strong leadership of a stunning variety of development and philanthropic endeavors largely benefiting poor and marginalized communities in Asia and Africa. In his speeach he said that the industry would benefit from “a great deal” of upside potential if it made investment decisions that pursued a balanced mixed of financial, social, economic and environment goals. [More on ULI web site] [Speech and more]
2012: January 31st and February 1st:Paris, France - His Highness the Aga Khan to Speak at 2012 Europe Annual Conference.
2012, January 13th, Ottawa, Canada - H.H. The Aga Khan received an Honorary Degree from University of Ottawa. The special Convocation ceremony to award an honorary doctorate to His Highness the Aga Khan was held at 11am at the Desmarais Building, Room 4101. His HIghness came around 9:45am and left at 2pm. A crowd of about 70 Ismailis gathered in the lobby to get a glimpse as he walked to the car. [More photos.] [related News] [Speech]
2012, January 3: H.H. The Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan were at the British Virgin Islands to attend the Official Grand Opening of the YCCS Virgin Gorda Clubhouse. Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Virgin Gorda, North Sound, His Highness stated that the “Government of the BVI is doing something that we have aspired to see in many countries, in my official role the Chairman on the Aga Khan Fund for economic development, which is an impact investor in the developing world, we have invested massively in the leisure industry in Africa, Central Asia, western Asia and I must tell you the most important thing that we look for is an enabling environment.” “I want to thank the Premier [Dr. D Orlando Smith] and his Government for making it possible for people to commit to tourism in this part of the world,” His Highness told over 300 guests, who were in attendance. His Highness and David Johnson of Victor International have reportedly injected some $100M for the development of Oil Nut Bay, the marina and the Club House. Cutting the ribbon for the clubhouse [from left to right] Governor Boyd McCLeary; His Highness the Aga Khan; David Johnson of Victor International and Premier Dr. D Orlando Smith, OBE. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO - [More]
2011, December 5:Bonn, Germany - Germany's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Michael Steiner (C) speaks with Prince Aga Khan (R) during the 10th annual international Afghanistan conference on December 5, 2011 in Bonn, Germany. Representatives from a variety of countries are meeting to discuss the future of Afghanistan, despite the absence of delegates from Pakistan following an incident in which NATO forces killed 24 Pakistani border guards recently. In a recent interview Karzai stated that his country will need foreign assistance for at least another decade once NATO troops leave. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images)
2011, December 2: In 2005, the Aga Khan created the Foundation for the protection and development of the Domaine de Chantilly, the objective of which is restoring the estate by the year 2025. According to the ICOMOS web site, "Evening receptions are planned among other at the Cité de l’architecture and His Highness the Aga Khan makes us the honour of welcoming the ICOMOS membership at the Domaine de Chantilly, owned by the Institut de France, for a private visit. " [More]
2011, December 1: By Apolinari Tairo, eTN Tanzania | TANZANIA (eTN) - East Africa’s leading tourist hotel chain, Serena Hotels, has officially taken over Tanzania’s biggest hotel, the Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel, in the Indian Ocean city of Dar es Salaam. Previously managed by Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts, the Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel has been rebranded to the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel effective December 1, 2011 with a new management team. The 230-room, five-star hotel located at the central business district in Tanzania's commercial city is now under the ownership and management of the Serena Hotels chain which has a leading stake in the East African hospitality sector, operating hotels, lodges, and luxury tourist camps in key wildlife parks in East Africa.
2011, December 1: Bishkek, Kirgyzstan / Kabar NEWS/. H.H. The Aga Khan has arrived in Kyrgyzstan to attend the inauguration of the President-elect of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambaev at the official invitation of President Roza Otunbaeva. During the visit the Aga Khan will meet President Atambaev, former President Otunbaeva, and Speaker Keldibekov to discuss AKDN’s current and future partnerships with the Kyrgyz Republic supporting institution building, creating economic opportunities and enhancing regional stability. The meetings will also focus on AKDN’s expanding presence in Kyrgyzstan including in the areas of high-quality education and critical infrastructure development. [More from AKDN]
2011, November 24: BUILDING THE FUTURE: The Aga Khan Museum - The first of its kind in the Western world - Construction is underway on the future site of the Ismaili Centre Toronto and the Aga Khan Museum on Wynford Drive. Come 2013, a $300-million Ismaili project will come to life on Wynford Drive. Ground was broken on the project during a May 2010 ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Aga Khan. The 17-acre development in the Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue area will be made up of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the Aga Khan Museum and a park. [ More]
2011, November 6:TANZANIA (eTN) - East Africa's leading hotel chain, Serena Hotels, has taken over the business of the Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar es Salaam. Acquisition of Movepick Hotel brings to 10 Serena luxury hotels, lodges, and camps in Tanzania. The Serena chain entered Tanzania in mid-1996 when former Tanzania President Mr. Benjamin Mkapa and His Highness The Aga Khan cut a ribbon to open two lodges and a hotel in northern Tanzania wildlife parks, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge, and Lake Manyara Serena Hotel. [More]
2011, November 5:LOUISVILLE, KY - Churchill Downs: this weekend, The Aga Khan's owned horse Sarafina is favourite at the annual Breeders Cup meeting. The Grade I contest is run over a mile and a half, and features a prize pool of $3million. Sarafina went off as favourite for the Arc de Triomphe last month though did not win that race.
2011, November 4: In Chicago at the invitation of Illinois State Governor Patrick Quinn, The Aga Khan signed an Agreement of Cooperation. The Agreement of Cooperation establishes a basis for long term collaborative programmes in the fields of education, environmental stewardship and management, health sciences, library and information sciences, infrastructure development, agricultural sustainability, and culture.
2001, November 2:Ottawa, Canada - H.H. The Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan arrived Wednesday night for a 2 days visit in Ottawa. On Thursday H.H. the Aga Khan had meetings the whole day at the prestigious Delegation of Ismaili Imamat building with various people including International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda. Thursday night The Aga Khan hosted a dinner for a dozen high profile guests including previous United Nation Secretary-General Kofi Annan (who was also Nobel Peace Prize 2001) and ex Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson. The registration for the Multiculturalism meeting was held during the day at Chateau Laurier Wednesday where most of the delegates are staying. The Aga Khan and Princess Zahra's flights may both leave Ottawa early afternoon Friday.
30 October 2011 — Dushanbe, Tajikistan - H.H. The Aga Khan arrived in Tajikistan today accompagnied with Prince Rahim and Prince Amyn for the inauguration of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. On October 31, His Highness the Aga Khan and President Emomali Rahmon will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a new Tajik-Afghan bridge over the Panj River in Shouroobod district.
2011, October 30Kabul — Leaving India for Tajikistan, H.H. The Aga Khan made a stop in Kabul, where he met with His Excellency President Hamid Karzai to discuss the progress of AKDN activities in Afghanistan. The Government of Aghanistan accorded His Highness a full state welcome, including a guard of honour.LPresident Hamid Karzai and Prince Karim Aga Khan in their meeting emphasized on acceleration of the infrastructure projects ater in the day, H.H. The Aga Khan departed Kabul for Dushanbe. [More]
2011, October 29: Delhi, India — H.H. The Aga Khan arrived in India to review progress on the restoration of Humayun's Tomb and the work at Sunder Nursery in the capital region of Delhi. The projects are part of a larger initiative that also aims to preserve and rehabilitate landmark buildings in Nizamuddin Basti, while improving the quality of life for inhabitants of the area. [More to come]
2011, October 27: LOS ANGELES / PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- An unparalleled leader in development, cultural preservation and philanthropy, largely benefiting poor and marginalized communities in Asia and Africa, is being honored with the 2011 Urban Land Institute (ULI) J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and leader of the nondenominational Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was named the 2011 Nichols Laureate today at ULI's Annual Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo in Los Angeles. [More]
2011, October 25DUSHANBE/KULOB, October 25, 2011 Asia-Plus -- His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is expected to arrive in Tajikistan on October 30 for a two-day visit. On October 31, His Highness the Aga Khan and President Emomali Rahmon will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a new Tajik-Afghan bridge over the Panj River in Shouroobod district, Khatlon province. We will recall that the Vanj Bridge, the fourth in a series of bridges funded by the Aga Khan Development Network, was inaugurated on August 16. The bridge connects Tajikistan’s Vanj District with Mohi-May Vulusvoli in Afghanistan and is expected to enhance cross-border humanitarian assistance delivery, infrastructure development, socio-economic exchange, tourism and trade between the two countries. [More]
2011, October 19: Nairobi, Kenya - Speech by Prince Hussain Aga Khan at the Launch of Lions Clubs International-AKDN Tree Planting Initiative in Nairobi City Park [Speech] [Photos]
2011, October 17: HERAT, Afghanistan - Hundreds of Afghan craftsmen worked to restore the ruins' past glory with help from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and about $2.4 million from the U.S. and German governments. The U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker, was among the tourists drawn to Herat decades ago, and on Sunday he celebrated the citadel's restoration and the opening of a new museum of Afghan artifacts at the site. [Herat Citadel - more]
2011, October 3: Le Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe n'a pas usurpé, dimanche 2 octobre 2011, sa renommée d'épreuve reine du plat, offrant sur l'hippodrome de Longchamp un scénario à grand frisson au dénouement sensationnel. L'Aga Khan avec sa fille Zahra et en famille lors de l'édition 2011 du Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, qui a vu dimanche 2 octobre le sacre inattendu de la pouliche allemande Danedream, auteure du nouveau record de l'épreuve. Un scénario explosif auquel célébrités et turfistes ont assisté à Longchamp. Source: animal - people france - people international - sport - actu people
[Superb photos here!] [More-1] [More-2] [More-3]
[Many more photos here]
2011, September 19 (The Citizen Reporter) Zanzibar. The Ismailia community in Tanzania has extended assistance totalling Sh40 million to survivors of the recent ferry disaster in Zanzibar.The Aga Khan institutions which contributed the funds included Serena Hotel, Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania Limited, Jubilee Insurance Company, Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), Industrial Promotion Services, Aga Khan Health Service Tanzania and Air Uganda. [More]
2011, September 2: Paris, France - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird meets with His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, in Paris on September 2, 2011. They met to discuss the issue of combating religious intolerance and Canada’s commitment to create the Office of Religious Freedom. Minister Baird and the Aga Khan also took the opportunity to discuss the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.
2011, August 26: Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan, is arriving in Tajikistan on August 27 for a three-day visit, according to the Tajik MFA information department, Asia-Plus reported. During his stay in Dushanbe, His Highness will hold talks with a number of high-ranking Tajik state officials and will review some programs of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan, the source said. [Full Article]
2011, August 10: The Texas governor has had surprisingly warm, constructive relations with at least one group of Muslims over the years. Perry is a friend of the Aga Khan, the religious leader of the Ismailis, a sect of Shia Islam that claims a reported 15 to 20 million adherents worldwide. Sprouting from that friendship are at least two cooperation agreements between the state of Texas and Ismaili institutions, including a far-reaching program to educate Texas schoolchildren about Islam. [Full article here]
2011, July 30: EAC for closer ties with Aga Khan Development Network (IPP Media) - East African Community secretary general Dr. Richard Sezibera has called on the Community to work closely with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the areas of education, research and health care. Dr. Sezibera hailed the Aga Khan for conceptualizing the University of East Africa campus in Arusha which, he said, would contribute to the creation of an East African identity. “Your vision is very exciting and compelling and we [the East African Community] support these noble objectives meant to develop the region as a unit,” he said. [Photos and article here]
2011, July 27: A new graduate school that will offer postgraduate media and communication training was launched in Nairobi on Wednesday. The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications seeks to provide quality journalism training and promote media research and entrepreneurship. The first batch of students will be admitted in 2014. Prime Minister Raila Odinga presided over the foundation ceremony in Westlands, Nairobi’, on Wednesday. He was with the The Aga Khan, the chancellor of the university. The media school will lay emphasis on multi-media integration and innovation, media management, specialised reporting and research. It will also have a centre for media entrepreneurship. The courses will focus on ethics and independence, professionalism and social responsibility. The Aga Khan said the school will offer journalists skills to project stories correctly and reflect the true image of Africa. [This story from The Nation and more on the School of Media, click here] (New Photos added!)
2011, July 25: Aga Khan opens cancer treatment centre (Business daily, Nairobi) - Heart and cancer patients can now access quality treatment locally at reduced cost after Nairobi’s Aga Khan University Hospital opened Monday a state-of-the-art centre for both diseases. Built at a cost Sh4.25 billion ($50 million), the Heart and Cancer Treatment Centre is also hiring Kenyan specialists working elsewhere in the world to help reverse the migration of medical professionals abroad. “With this facility, we are offering a solid foundation for building an expanded corps of accomplished medical professionals in East Africa,” said His Highness the Aga Khan, during yesterday’s official opening of the unit. “Let us put behind us the days when young Africans had to go to other parts of the world for quality medical education - and too often stayed there,” he said. “Similarly, let us also forget the days when African patients had to travel to other parts of the world for quality medical care.” [ all Articles on Aga Khan Heart and Cancer Center] (new photos just added)
2011-07-22 - Nairobi, Kenya: [Photo: Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki meets His Highness the Aga Khan at Harambee House office, Nairobi July 22, 2011. PHOTO | PPS] The second part of the Kenya Visit of H.H. has started - Speaking Friday at his Harambee House office during a meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan, President Kibaki noted that no significant development could be achieved without adequate education and proper healthcare. In regard, the Head of State welcomed the Aga Khan University Hospital's move to establish an ultra-modern Heart and Cancer ( H&C) Centre in Nairobi. The $50 Million H&C is forecasted to open on Monday 25th July 2011 and though attended by a small number of guests, the ceremony will be broadcasted live to the Community at the Parklands Complex.
2011-07-14 - Nairobi, Kenya: The Aga Khan was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and senior government officials. During his visit, the Aga Khan will preside over the opening of the Aga Khan University Hospital’s state-of the-art Heart and Cancer Centre. The unit, built at a cost of $50 million, is one of the best cancer and heart treatment centres in the region and comparable to any in developed countries. He will also preside over the ground-breaking ceremony of the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media. [More on this]
2011-07-14 - Nairobi, Kenya: TPS Serena has announced a Sh4 billion plan to upgrade the Nairobi Serena hotel as competition intensifies in Kenya’s hospitality industry The revamp will see the hotel chain establish a separate wing adjacent to the Nairobi hotel that will have a 300-seat conference centre, a car park, 40 new rooms and refurbished public areas. The annex will be built on a piece of land that is currently used as a car park by hotel guests. [More]
2011-07-13 - New Vision, Kampala - President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with The Aga Khan during a meeting at State House, Entebbe yesterday.The Aga Khan is on a two-day private visit to Uganda to review projects undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network.During his stay, The Aga Khan will meet members of the Ismaili community and inspect the construction works of the Bujagali hydro-electric power dam. [More]
2011, July 09: H.H. The Aga Khan or his representative attended in Juba to the ceremony of signing of the New Constitution of Southern Sudan which was held in the presence of international Heads of States and dignitaries. Photo: The Aga Khan's plane at the Juba Airport.
: H.H. The Aga Khan has arrived on 4th July in Dar es Salam for a 4 days of religious ceremonies with his community starting 5th July 2011 and culminating in a grand Darbar on 8th July 2011. The Tanzanian visit ended today 8 July with the departure of Mowlana Hazar Imam for Arusha. The Uganda visit is for 12 and 13 July and will be followed by similar visit to Kenya where His Highness will also attend to official functions which are expected to cover various development projects, either at the stage of foundation or completion such as the AKU Heart and Cancer centre, the Faculty of Media, the new AKDN building in Nairobi on General Mathenge Road, the City Park project etc...
CONFIRMED DIDAR DATES ARE: Dar es Salaam from 5 to 8 July, Kampala: 12 and 13 July - NAIROBI: 23 July Darbar, NAIROBI (in JK for local Jamats) : July 14,15 and 16 July - MOMBASA: July 21 For details of the visits, messages, celebrations, anecdotes etc [ click here!]
PHOTO:2011, July 1st; Prince Aga Khan arrives for the wedding mass of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene in the Main Courtyard of the Prince's Palace in Monaco, 02 July 2011. Some 850 guests will attend the mass in the Main Courtyard. The ceremony will be broadcasted on giant screens in the Palace Square for about 3,500 Monegasques. EPA/EMMA FOSTER/POOL POOL AP REUTERS EPA [More]
2011, June 2: H.H. The Aga Khan at Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. [Photo]
2008, June 23, 2011 (by Edward Skira) The Aga Khan has been in Toronto the past few days. Yesterday he spent part of the afternoon touring the new Aga Khan Museum + Ismaili Centre. [More
2011, June 18: Princess Zahra Aga Khan accepted the Ashden Sustainable Energy Award on behalf of the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service (AKPBS) at a VIP ceremony here at the Royal Geographical Society. [More on this]
2011, May 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Prince Hussain Aga Khan, second son of His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Isamili Muslims, will pay a visit to Tajikistan from June 2 to June 5, according to the Tajik MFA information department.
2011, May 26: A Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education will be launched at a high level forum to be held at UNESCO Headquarters on Thursday 26 May (13:30h Room I). UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova will welcome participants to the event, followed by opening remarks from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The keynote speech for the Forum will be made by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikha Hasina. Prime Minister of Mali Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, the Aga Khan, founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network Foundation, and representatives of several corporate giants participating in the partnership including Nokia, Procter and Gamble, GEMS Education, Microsoft and the Packard Foundation, will also participate. (Source: Unesco)
2011, May 19: Ireland - The Aga Khan has flown to Ireland with members of his family to meet the Queen and will host a a private lunch in her honour after a tour of the stud farm. The Queen has taken a detour from her official itinerary to meet Sea The Stars at the Aga Khan's Gilltown stud in Kilcullen, Co Kildare this Thursday 19th May 2011 [Various news-clips for the Aga Khan's meeting with Queen Elizabeth II]
2011, May 16: Princess Zahra Aga Khan christens the new Azzurra – Jrenedo, Azzurra pic. Monday 16th May an important day for the team which represents the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), as the official naming ceremony of the new TP52 Azzurra takes place. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, President of the Board of Directors of the YCCS, will be present to act as godmother. From Tuesday 17th to Sunday 22nd May these grand prix racing yachts will do battle on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean before returning to the Mediterranean for a further four legs of the Audi MedCup circuit, currently the top professional circuit in existence. Azzurra will close the season on her home ground at the Audi TP52 World Championship, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo from second to October 8th. [Article here]
2011,May 4: Paris, France (APP) - Prince Karim hosts dinner for PM Gilani in Paris Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday attended a dinner hosted by Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Aga Khan community.The Prime Minister arrived at Aiglemont - the estate of Prince Aga Khan, which is situated in the north of Paris.The dinner was also attended by Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Advisor to PM on Minorities Affairs Dr. Paul Jacob Bhatti.
NEW! 2011, April 28: H.H. The Aga Khan has been awarded UCSF Medal 2011, University of California, San Francisco. Awarded annually, the UCSF Medal replaces the granting of honorary degrees and is bestowed on individuals who have attained preeminence in an area that is in support of UCSF's mission. “In developing civil society, education and health care are absolutely critical,” said the Aga Khan as he accepted the UCSF Medal. “And in developing civil society, we are not trying to bring mediocrity to the developing world. “We are trying to do exactly what UCSF is doing, which is to bring quality and excellence. And we cannot do that without partners. At the same time, UCSF needs to reach out to the world at large. I hope that the Aga Khan Development Network will be one of your partners.” [AKDN article and photos] [UCS articles and more]
2011, April 5: DUSHANBE, Asia-Plus -- Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan—founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Dushanbe today. According to AKDN Tajikistan, during his one-day visit, Prince Amyn is reviewing progress of AKDN projects in the country, including the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. [Prince Amyn - More]
2011, March 30: Nairobi, Kenya - Needy pupils at 800 non-formal schools will benefit from a four-year multi-million shilling project to boost the quality of learning. The scheme, part of an Sh800 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) and the Aga Khan Foundation, will be launched on Friday.
More than 200,000 pupils in slum areas in Nairobi, Mombasa and other areas will benefit annually. [USAid/AKF more]
2011 March 13th: Kampala, Uganda - When one talks about philanthropy, our minds might run straight to Hollywood celebrities, but the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims has a special niche in that category, writes Edwin Nuwagaba of the Daily Mirror. "His other investments in Uganda include Industrial Promotion Services, Kampala Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd, Leather Industries of Uganda Ltd, Uganda Fishnet Manufacturers Ltd, West Nile rural Electrification Co., Diamond Jubilee Investment Trust, Diamond Trust Bank, The Jubilee Insurance Company, The Monitor Publications Ltd, Aga Han Hospital Kampala, Aga Khan schools, and Tourism Promotion Services (Uganda) Ltd (Serena hotels and resorts) among others. Yes, all this may sound like straight business, but the Aga Khan does it differently from popular tycoons. He makes money, but it is not his topmost priority." [Uganda Aga Khan projects - more on this article here]
2011 February 20: ISLAMABAD: The government of Japan has decided to grant financial support of $203,671 (Rs17 million) to the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) for two projects in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. The agreements for the projects were signed on Thursday by Chihiro Atsumi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Akbarali Pesnani, Chairman of the AKCSP, at Atsumi’s residence. [More on AKRSP & Japan Grant]
2010, December 21: Buganda seeks to emulate Aga Khan - There is a lot Buganda Kingdom can learn from the successes registered by the Aga Khan Foundation in the fight against poverty within the Ismaili and other communities. This is the key proposition made to the attendees of the Third Buganda Conference. [Complete article in The Independant]
2010, December 15 - Maputo, Mozambique, H.H. The Aga Khan arrived in Maputo on a two-day visit during which he will participate in the inauguration of the Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo, together with His Excellency President Armando Guebuza and Prince Amyn Aga Khan. [Polana Serena Opening, updates here!]
Aga Khan Award for Architecture - TODAY!: 2010, November 24 - By CHURCHILL OTIENO in Doha, Qatar -The winners of the 2010 Aga Khan Award of Architecture will be announced in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. A grand jury has selected the winners from a shortlist of 19 building projects out of 401 entrants from across the globe, according to the organisers. The award, now in its eleventh cycle since its launch 33 years ago, rewards buildings that are environmentally friendly, recognises local culture and espouses a historical context. The winners will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, presided over by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and the Aga Khan. Three African buildings are in the running. They are a CBF Women’s Health Centre set in a poor neighbourhood in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; a project that seeks to revitalise the heritage of Tunis, Tunisia; and the rehabilitation of the Al-Qaraouiyine Mosque by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Morocco. Others in the race are projects in Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Qatar, Albania, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. The award is given every three years since 1977 and was started by the Aga Khan, the hereditary leader of Ismailia Muslims. [Nation Media]
[AKAA in Doha - more coverage]
2010, November 18: H.H. The Aga Khan in London from today. H.H. received Prince Charles at the Ismaili Centre in London this afternoon to participate in the celebration of 25 years of the Ismaili Centre.
Image: 2010, October 15: The Aga Khan, second from right, chats to former governor-general Adrienne Clarkson at Koerner Hall in Toronto Friday night at the Lafontainr Baldwin Lecture. Peter Simon, president of the Royal Conservatory of Music is on Clarkson's left, and John Ralston Saul is on the Aga Khan's right. Source: RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR
2010, October 27:www2.macleans.ca - by John Geddes - If the Aga Khan’s link to Canada began with a personal bond and an urgent need, the connection has deepened. “What the Canadian experience suggests to me is that identity itself can be pluralistic,” he said in Toronto. [A holy man with an eye for connections]
2010, October 15: Toronto - Canada. La Fontaine-Baldwin Lectures: His Highness the Aga Khan Friday October 15, 2010 @ 7:30 PM Koerner Hall RCM. The tenth annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Lectures - The lecture will be streamed live. He will also attend in Ottawa the first Board meeting of the Centre for Pluralism of which he is the Chairman. [More]
2010, October 7 - Media Advisory: Governor General Welcomes His Highness the Aga Khan at Rideau Hall. OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 7, 2010) - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will welcome His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. His Highness is in Ottawa on the occasion of the inaugural board meeting of the Global Centre for Pluralism. His Excellency will welcome the Aga Khan in the Reception Room at Rideau Hall on Thursday, October 7, 2010, at 7 p.m. There will be a media opportunity upon arrival. Accredited media who wish to cover the greetings must contact the Rideau Hall Press Office and arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance by 6:50 p.m. [ More on H.H. The Aga Kan's visit to Canada October 2010]
2010, September 27 Monday: H.H. The Aga Khan to have working lunch with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner at 1:00pm
FLASH!: 2010, September 25: As the Silk Road festival is launched in Aleppo, Prince Rahim Aga Khan meets with Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari Syria. Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari on Friday reviewed with the French President's General Secretary Claude Gueant the development of economic relations between Syria and France and means of boosting them. The two sides discussed all projects and cooperation plans between Syria and France, particularly in the field of infrastructure, energy, tourism and transport. In the same context, al-Dardari met Prince Rahim Aga Khan and heads of health, education, drinking water, tourism and culture departments at the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The two sides discussed projects the AKDN intends to carry out in Syria, reaching an agreement on developing cooperation between Syria and the AKDN. [Prince Rahim in Syria]
2010, September 20:Mali - H.H. The Aga Khan landed this Monday afternoon in Bamako with Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya for the festivities of the 50 years of Mali independance. (Bamako Urban Park first phase of 50 acres from a total forecasted of 103 acres completion of the work by AKTC to coincide with Mali Independance Jubilee Celebrations) 22 September 2010. More here.
2010, August 23: Aga Khan Museum - TORONTO. Michael Brand, the former J. Paul Getty Museum director who stepped down at the Los Angeles institution earlier this year, has been appointed to a consultancy post at the Aga Khan Development Network. The position places Brand — an expert in Asian art — in line to assume the directorship of the Islamic art and culture museum when it opens in a Fumihiko Maki-designed building in 2013. [More on Aga Khan Museum]
2010, July 20: Prince Amyn Aga Khan, center, arrives at the Kabul International Airport.. Afghanistan opened on Tuesday an international conference on the future of Afghanistan where representatives of 70 nations and organizations were endorsing a plan for how Afghan security forces would eventually take charge, but it's still unclear when the transition would actually begin.(AP Photo/Massoud HOSSAINI, Pool)
SPEECH- July 20, 2010: Kabul. - Afghanistan opened a landmark international conference in Kabul on July 20, aiming to chart a future of peace and development and show supporters the war-torn country is acting on past pledges.: "Afghanistan is recognised as a regional land bridge, east to west, north to south. However, few tangible projects as yet speak to the realisation of this regional potential. The AKDN, in partnership with the Governments of Afghanistan and Tajikistan and the provincial governments of the Badakhshans of the two countries, has taken a regional approach to health, education, tourism, trade, energy and infrastructure, which has begun to yield tangible improvements in the lives of the local communities. Surely connecting Kabul to China through Tajikistan should open new trade corridors and multiply social and economic fallout benefits for the communities of those areas and thereby for the country as a whole. said a Statement of H.H. The Aga Khan read by His brother Prince Amyn Aga Khan [Statement by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Kabul Conference on Afghanistan]
July 19, 2010: Copyright Lawsuit Allegedly by Aga Khan: Motions and replies have all been filed. After reviewing all materials, the following article lists some of the main reasons why there is complete doubt on the authenticity of the Copyright Lawsuit. The article also links to new documents such as additional Affidavits, and the expert report on the handwritten lines of the second letter allegedly by Aga Khan.
[Authenticity of Copyright Lawsuit Allegedly by Aga Khan, Questioned!]
2010, July 8: Prince Amyn in Syria. Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri on Thursday reviewed with prince Amin Aga Khan cooperation relations between Syria and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and spheres of bolstering them in cultural, social and health fields. Talks also dealt with the projects carried out by the AKDN in Syria in the construction's development, restoration and rehabilitation of archeological building and sites and financing the micro and medium-sized projects regarding the agricultural, tourist and cultural industries.
June 21, 2010: Toronto - Copyright Lawsuit: The Defendants filed a motion for an order granting summary judgment dismissing the plaintiff's action. The Motion introduces new evidence of forgery and says: "The activities complained of are not infringing the rights of the Aga Khan, who it appears from the forged signatures, has not authorized this action." The motion will be argued 12-JUL-2010 to begin at 09:30, and an affidavit of reply is due from the plaintiff 10 days before this date. The coverage will be shortly updated with copy of Motion, Affidavits and Exhibits from Court. [Expert says NOTARIZED AFFIRMATION is a FAKE!] [Defendants Move for Dismissal of the lawsuit] [Full Coverage of the motion for dismissal] [View All Comments on the Case] [New delay tactics] [Exhibits] [Affidavits. Update: Because of the delays created by the Motion presented under the name of the Plaintiff , the resolution of this case will go to next year. Only cross-examination will happen in August this year.
June 7, 2010: Islamabad: Due to its sustainable initiatives to improve living conditions of more than 200 villages in Pakistan, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Service Pakistan’s (AKPBS-P) Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP) was recently awarded with the National Energy Globe Award. [AKPBS wins Energy Globe Award]
June 2, 2010: According to Property Week, the Aga Khan, the hereditary leader of the largest group of Ismaili followers of the Shia faith, is in talks with King's Cross Central is finalising details for opening an Ismaili studies and cultural affairs centre at one of its premises. [Section on King's Cross news]
May 28, 2010 INTERVIEW: H.H. The Aga Khan spoke to The Globe and Mail in a conversation that ranged from the prospects for Afghanistan to his profound admiration of Canadian pluralism. [Interview Transcript]
May 26, 2010 : H.H.The Aga Khan and Prince Amyn Aga Khan arrived in Ottawa for a 3 days visit. /CNW Telbec/ Friday, May 28, 2010, His Highness the Aga Khan will participate in the Foundation Ceremony with several members of his family: Prince Amyn, Prince Rahim, Prince Husayn, Princess Khaliya, to mark the beginning of the development of the Ismaili Centre, the first-ever Aga Khan Museum for Islamic Art and Culture, and their Park, in Toronto's Don Mills area. [Wynford Complex Album] [Event Album] [Full Coverage]
May 23, 2010 : The shortlist of 19 nominees for the 2010 cycle of Aga Khan Award for Architecture was recently announced by the Master Jury. The final Award recipients will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar in October 2010. The range from a textile factory in Turkey to a school built on a bridge in China. [More]
October 15, 2010 : The 10th annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium - The landmark speaker in this year’s series of lectures and master classes will be the Aga Khan, who will deliver the LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture in October, presented by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. [More]
April 29, 2010 : Copyright Lawsuit: Defences Glorifying the Aga Khan filed in federal Court. In a surprisingly rapid twist of events, both Mr Tajdin and Mr Jiwa have filed their respective statements of Defense this 29th of April 2010. They affirm to being devoted followers who will unconditionally abide by the wishes of the Aga Khan, whom they glorify in their defense. They also set out to establish that this lawsuit is not actually filed by the Aga Khan. [More here]. Several exclusive documents have been received and this section is updated every other day. You can also follow the discussions on this subject here!
April 27, 2010 : Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada and the Ismaili community are bonded by shared values of tolerance, compassion, community service and, especially devotion to pluralism. His comments are contained in a special message to the Arusha Ismaili reunion taking place in Toronto from July 30 to August 1 this year. [More]
2010, April 20: THE Serena Group has set up a second hotel in the country, the Lake Victoria Serena Resort. The resort, which is part of the Aga Khan economic empire, lies on an expansive piece of land measuring 275 acres on the shores of Lake Victoria. The land belonged to the Ranch on the Lake Hotel until about four years ago when Serena Group bought it and built a new hotel. The facility has so far cost $20m (about sh40b). Another $30m (sh60b) is earmarked to complete the construction.
2010, April 4: Aga Khan Helps Ravaged Syrian City Aleppo Regain Ancient Glory - (Bloomberg) -- It’s hard to know which of history’s episodes was worse for Aleppo, an ancient fortress city in Syria’s north. Perhaps it was in the year 1400, when Tamerlane, the invading Mongol-Turkic chieftain, piled thousands of skulls at the town gates to persuade inhabitants to give up. Or maybe the earthquake of 1136 that killed tens of thousands of inhabitants, or the massacre of Muslims by more Mongol invaders in 1260 or the 19th-century assaults by cholera and plague. [More]
2010, March 18 - 19: Heritage Photo: Media Conference, Nairobi March 2010: The Aga Khan in talk with Nobel laureat Wangari Mathaai and Princess Kabakumba Labwoni Masiko, Ugandan Minister of Information. at the KICC, Nairobi. "I am pleased to tell you that The Aga Khan University is planning to establish a new Graduate School of Media and Communications, based in East Africa" anounced H.H. The Aga Khan at the Pan Africa Media Conference. The first batch of about 100 exclusive photos taken by the Heritage staff at the Pan Africa Media Conference is now in the New Heritage. [Page 1] [page 2] [page 3] [Full news coverage] 84 more photos from various sources. [Album 4] [Album 5] [Album 6] [Album 7]
2010, March 17: President Mwai Kibaki hold talks with His Highness The Aga Khan who called on him at his Harambee House office, Nairobi. President Kibaki gave the assurance when he met and held discussions with The Aga Khan who paid a courtesy call at his Harambee House Office. The President said the Government recognises and appreciates the substantial economic impact created by diverse programmes implemented in various parts of the country under the Aga Khan Development Network [More]
2010, March 16: H.H. The Aga Khan arrived in Nairobi for a 3 days visit this evening. He will attend the 50 years Jubilee celebration of the Nation newspaper and the Pan Africa Media Conference organised to coincide with this occasion.
2010, March 18-19:The Pan Africa media conference , in Nairobi, will bring together prominent personalities in media, business, governments, civil society, and academia across the world. Some of the 40 eminent guests lined up to grace the event include the Aga Khan, Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai, former South Africa’s president Thabo Mbeki, telecom investor Mo Ibrahim, and former UN secretary general Kofi Annan. The conference key theme is Reflections on the past, present, and prospects for the future. Thursday 18th March 2010 - 8.30 am – 9.45am - Opening Ceremony Programme - H.H. the Aga Khan Keynote Address – “Media and the Africa Promise” -Lessons learnt in the last 50 years for NMG and modern journalism in Africa, and the voices that have been locked out and need to be heard. [More]
2010, March 4-5: Photo of H.H. The Aga Khan and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner By: BERTRAND GUAY AFP. His Highness the Aga Khan to speak at March 4-5 conference in Paris. The Marketplace on Innovative Financial Solutions for Development, organized by the Agence Française deDéveloppement (AFD), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, andthe World Bank, will be held March 4-5, 2010 in the Cité des Sciences et del’Industrie in la Villette, Paris. The goal of this international eventis to foster the creation of newfinancial mechanisms to better address development challenges at the global, regional, or local levels. The event, to beopened by Christine Lagarde, French Minister of Economy, Industry, and Employment, will bring together leading experts on these issues. The speakers will include:Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Managing Director,The World BankGroup), Jean-Michel Severino(Director General, Agence Française de Développement), Geoffrey Lamb (Managing Director, Public PolicyOperations, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Philippe Douste Blazy (Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Special Adviserto the Secretary General on Innovative Financing for Development, Chair of the Board of UNITAID), Rachel Kyte (Vice President, InternationalFinance Corporation), Eckhard Deutscher (Development AssistanceCommittee Chair, OECD), and His Highness the Aga Khan. [More]
2010, February 2-4: Paris, France - Prince Karim Aga Khan attends the International 'Global Zero' Summit Against Nuclear Weapons. 2010 PARIS SUMMIT - The Global Zero Summit in Paris will bring together 200 international political, military, business, and faith leaders for strategy talks on the phased elimination of all nuclear weapons and for the launch of the next phase of the global campaign to build public and political support for this agenda. The Summit will take place at the Le Grand InterContinental Hotel in Paris, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2nd and concluding at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4th. Photos and text to follow. [More here]
2010, January 28 - London, UK: "Results change minds, not rhetoric." His Highness the Aga Khan's Statement at the London Conference on Afghanistan today. International conference on Afghanistan begins in London Foreign ministers of over 70 countries gathered at a conference in London to discuss the current situation and future of Afghanistan.[More]
2008, january 20: The Aga Khan University Hospital plans to set up a heart and cancer centre in Kenya by the end of the year. The centre, the first of its kind in the region, will provide medical treatment for heart ailments and cancers, the university’s president, Mr Firoz Rasul, announced on Wednesday. This is only part of their expansion agenda, which Mr Rasul said, is expected to cost more than $700 million (Sh52.5 billion). Besides offering treatment, Mr Rasul said the centre would also train specialists in cardiac diseases and cancer. “This expansion will directly impact on the services we offer the communities we serve and contribute to the development of the East African region,” he said. He was speaking during the sixth graduation ceremony of the university hospital, located in Parklands, Nairobi. Mr Rasul told the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, that the project, will create 6,000 jobs for East Africans. During the occasion, 82 graduands were awarded degrees and diplomas. Mr Musyoka said that the government attached great importance to education as evidenced by the large budgetary allocation over the years. [Nation, KBC etc - More on Kenya Graduation, More on Uganda Graduation]
NEW!2010, Janvier 07: Le nouvel Economiste — N°1503 - Rendez-vous a l'Hotel - Le Prince Karim Aga Khan. More
NEW!2009, Decembre 17: Le nouvel Economiste du 17 décembre 2009 — N°1502 - Karim Aga Khan - Entrepreneur philantropique de l'année 2009. More
2009, November 19: Kabul, Afghanistan - Afghan President Hamid Karzai took his oath of office today for his second term in a stately inauguration ceremony at the presidential palace in Kabul. The first few rows, occupied by besuited foreign dignitaries, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, the Aga Khan, and Pakistani President Asif Zardari, rounded out the guest list.
2009, November 8: Ottawa, Canada 11:15 AM Minister Kenney meets with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to discuss the joint-appointment of the Board of Directors of the Global Center for Pluralism by the Government of Canada and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on 199 Sussex Drive, Ottawa , ON. 12:30 PM Minister holds private luncheon with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and other senior government officials and representatives of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and AKDN to discuss matters of mutual interest. Same place.
Austin, Texas, 30 October 2009 — Governor Rick Perry of Texas and His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, today signed a historic agreement to expand collaboration in the areas of education, health sciences, natural disaster preparedness and recovery, culture and the environment. [More]
2009, October 30: Prince Rahim Aga Khan delivered a speech during the Public Private Partnership Conference that took place in Syria between 30 October and 1st November 2009. The conference is organized by the British-Syrian Association in cooperation with the Office of Deputy Prime Minister. According to conference programme, Prince Rahim delivered his keynote address around 9:00am on Saturday 31st October. According to SANA [Syrian arab News Agency] The representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Rahim Aga Khan, affirmed that the conference is an important step for promoting public-private partnership, and that the Aga Khan Development Network will continue to support the development process in Syria. [More]
2009, October 28 - This wednesday TV program on France 3 - 20:35 Des Racines et des Ailes with special guest: H.H. The Aga Khan and Erik Orsenna. They are going to have more programs including one on Forodhani Parc and other projects of AKDN in Zanzibar. More on France 3
2009, October 19 - Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga has arrived in Paris, France for a three-day official visit that will see him hold meetings with senior French Government officials and Kenyans living in the country. The PM will on Tuesday hold discussions with Mr Jean-Michel Severino, the director general of the French Agency for Development. He will also hold talks with Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
2009, October 14: Aga Khan arrives in Islamabad, Pakistan - Prince Karim Aga Khan, founder of the Aga Khan Development Network and spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived here Tuesday. He was received by the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira.The Aga Khan is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss matters of mutual interest including economic and social development of the country. [More on this visit]
2009, October 12: H.H. the Aga Khan arrives in Kyrgyzstan today from Tajikistan. The Aga Khan's visit to the Kyrgyz Republic will focus on new initiatives in financial services, poverty alleviation, education and culture. While in Kyrgyzstan the highest guest is expected to meet with President Kurmanbek Bakiev, Prime Minister Igor Chudinov, Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev and Finance Minister Marat Sultanov to discuss the impact of the global recession on local economies as well as issues of regional stability, in particular, Afghanistan. [More on this visit]
2009, October 12: DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmon and His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, officially opened The Ismaili Center in Dushanbe today afternoon. The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking Tajik state officials. [More on this visit]
Heritage photo: 2009, July 30: Zanzibar, Tanzania - H.H. The Aga Khan and President Amani Karume opened the Forodhani Park. - The US$ 2.4 million restoration of Forodhani Park in Zanzibar’s Historic Stone Town has been completed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). [News] [Photo Galery]
2009, July 26: Nairobi – Kenya. H.H. The Aga Khan and Princess Zahra visited the AKUH this afternoon as part of a working visit in the region for AKDN projects. Several hundreds people were standing for hours on 3rd Parklands to welcome him. To their surprise, His Highness, accompanied with Princess Zahra, Ambassador Dehlavi of the Board of Trustee, Dr. Firoz Rasul, Asmita Gilani and other high level AKU staff walked on 3rd Parklands street. The Imam waved continuously at the Jamat up to the time he reached the gate. [More Heritage Photo]
2009, July 25: H.H.The Aga Khan arrived in Mombasa on 22nd July for AKDN work, meetings with government officials in the East Africa region. He landed in Nairobi on 25th and will be visiting the AKUH the next day leaving on 28th for Dar es Salaam and then heading to Zanzibar for the opening of the Forodhani Park on 30th. Princess Zahra is presently in Nairobi since 20th July for AKU Board of Trustees meetings.
2009, July 24: The restoration of Forodhani Park in Zanzibar's historic stone town has been completed, thanks to a $2.4 million (over Sh3 billion) funding by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).The popular outing place, one of the attractive features in the Isles will be inaugurated later this month. The restoration project has transformed the historic park - one of the last open spaces in the densely populated world heritage site - and upgraded its social and recreational amenities. Works carried out include the restoration of walk ways, landscape, infrastructure upgrading incorporating lighting, sewerage drainage and civic amenities and the rehabilitation of the seawall fronting the park. [the Citizen]
2009, June 09: Edmonton, Canada. H.H. The Aga Khan met with Premier Ed Stelmach and University of Alberta President, Dr. Indira Samarasekera to witness the signing of an agreement to enhance collaboration with the University of Alberta. The Aga Khan also received from U of Alberta an honorary degree at 3pm Edmonton time. Copy of Telecast available here:[Edmonton Ceremony] [More. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that The Aga Khan will receive the rare award of honorary Canadian citizenship to recognize his efforts in working toward Improving the quality of life for people around the world [News here!]. Honorary Canadian citizenship is bestowed by the governor general and requires the unanimous approval of all voting MPs.This rare distinction has only been bestowed to four other eminnent persons todate. [Photo gallery]
2009, June 12:Cambridge, U.K. Prince Aga Khan was recognised with the distinction of Doctor of Divinity for his work in promoting healthcare and education in developing countries at the Cambridge University.
2009, June 4: Madrid, Spain - Masterpieces of Islamic Art from the Collection of the Aga Khan Museum exhibition that is to be held at the Caixa Foundation in Madrid, Spain. [12.00 horas: S.M. El Rey y el Aga Khan inauguran la exposición "Los mundos del islam en la Colección del Museo Aga Khan", en CaixaFórum del Paseo del Prado, 36. Asistirá Beatriz Corredor.] [More]
June 1, 2009: Dushanbe, Tajikistan - Asia-Plus -- Prince Rahim Aga Khan, first son of His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, is arriving in Tajikistan tomorrow on a three-working visit. Read the news [here] [Photos]
2009, May 28:Paris, France - Christine Albanel, ministre de la Culture et de la Communication, a remis, le jeudi 28 mai 2009, les distinctions de “Grand Mécène” et de “Grand Donateur” du Ministère de la Culture à Son Altesse l’Aga Khan IV. [English] [Francais]
Berlin, Germany, 15 May 2009 - His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Berlin yesterday for a two-day official visit to hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul. More
Thursday, 7 May 2009 -Lisbon, Portugal: Prince Aga Khan coming in Portugal for meeting with the Foreign Minister Luis Amado and the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, D. José Policarpo. On this occasion an agreement will be signed on religion, education and culture, to be followed by a working lunch. In the afternoon, Prince Aga Khan will be honored at the Academy of Sciences. mne.gov.pt – aeiou.expresso.pt [More]
2009, April 30:Aleppo, Syria: (SANA)-Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Ottri discussed Thursday with Prince Rahim Karem Agha Khan cooperation between the Syrian government and Agha Khan Development Network, and the importance of its developmental and social projects in Syria. Both sides reviewed the situation and stages of the projects being implemented by the Network in Aleppo and their positive impact on boosting social and tourist development in the Syrian second city.
During the meeting held at Aleppo Governorate building, the two sides underlined the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in the rural development and small village projects. Mazen Eyon [More]
2009 April 23: 8:00pm Special Address - His Highness the Aga Khan at the 8th Annual Global Philanthropy Forum Conference [April 22-24, 2009] Washington, D.C. [Speech]. Photo: His Highness the Aga Khan meeting with The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Secretary of State, at the State Department. [More] [More on New Heritage]
2009 April 9: Muslim leader Aga Khan to receive U of A honorary degree - By Keith Gerein, edmontonjournal.com -
EDMONTON — The spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims, and a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights are among 12 leaders set to receive honorary degrees from the University of Alberta. The special honours will be bestowed June 3 - 11, when the recipients will speak to graduating classes during the U of A’s spring convocation ceremonies. One of the most anticipated speeches will come from the Aga Khan, the Ismaili leader and founder of an international development agency working to help people living in poverty. The Aga Khan, who was last in Western Canada in November, will speak on June 9.
2009, April 2nd - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Ceremony of the Publication launch of Madrasa Early Chilhood Program on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of that program. [Click here]
2009, february 11: Cambridge Honorary Degrees 2009 - The University of Cambridge has today announced the names of 12 distinguished people, to be submitted for approval to the Regent House for the conferment of honorary degrees. Among those submitted are: His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussayni, the Aga Khan (Doctor of Divinity). It is expected that that the honorary doctorates will be conferred at a Congregation to be held on Friday, 12 June.
2009, January 22: AKU Dental Clinic - His Excellency, Ross Hynes, the Canadian High Commissioner in Nairobi, officially opened the new dental clinic in the Doctors Plaza of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. He stated with satisfaction that donors in Canada had funded the "state of the art" equipment for the dental clinic. [More Photos here]
2009, January 21: Aga Khan University held its 5th Graduation ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the graduation of 185 students in the fields of Medecine and Nursing. [Photo Heritage] Dr Firoz Rassul, the president of AKU together with the guest of honour, Mr. Joseph G. M. Massaqoi, Director UNESCO warmly congratulated the graduants. AKU is planning to establish a new Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Arusha, Tanzania along with a second Faculty of Health Sciences in Nairobi, Kenya. This will be the first private sector university in East Africa to create a full fledged Faculty of Health Sciences offering undergraduate and post graduate degrees in Medecine, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. [Nation article] [Photo Gallery]
2009, January 18: Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo and His Highness the Aga Khan. (PHOTO: MFA) - Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo was hosted to lunch by His Highness the Aga Khan at the latter's residence in Paris on 18 January 2009. It was a follow-up to their earlier meeting in December 2008 when the Aga Khan visited Singapore as part of his Golden Jubilee celebrations. During the lunch, His Highness conveyed his decision to establish an Ismaili Centre and regional representative office of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Singapore. Minister Yeo warmly welcomed this decision and assured the Aga Khan of Singapore's support for this initiative. Minister Yeo and His Highness also discussed ways to strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration between Singapore and the AKDN. The Aga Khan also took the opportunity to thank Singapore for its contribution of the SAF Dental Team to the Bamiyan Provincial Hospital in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, which is funded by the AKDN.
2008, December 8 - 9: H.H. The Aga Khan attended A Mystical Journey: Musique Soufie et Autres Expressions de Dévotion en Islam at Théâtre Mogador in Paris. Hazar Imam was joined by Princess Zahra, Prince Hussain, leaders from the Government of France and members of French society, as well as senior Jamati leaders from France and abroad. Bernard Kouchner and Prince Aga Khan signed on December 9, 2008 a partnership agreement between France and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which includes a dozen private development agencies. For Paris visit, Didar, testimonies, news etc. click here
2008, December 6: - . Ottawa, Canada - Opening of the Delegation Building by Prime Minister Harper. Exclusive Photo Gallery here!
2008, December 6: The finishing touches are being applied to the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, situated at 199 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. The building is established by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader, of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This new building has been officially inaugurated on Saturday, December 6, 2008. More news here! - Speech by PM Harper [audio] here!.
2008, December: SINGAPORE VISIT - Mowlana Hazar Imam blessed the Jamat of Singapore with His Holy Deedar from December 1st to December 4th, 2008. More information
2008, November 30: ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad and he will meet President Zardari and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The president's spokesman, Mr Farhatullah Babar, told Dawn that "the matter of regional security will also come under discussion" during the meeting between the Aga Khan and Mr Zardari on Monday. [More]
2008, November 22: CANADA VISIT - . The Aga Khan presided with Honourable Beverly J. Oda over the signing in Toronto of a Memorandum of Understanding between McMaster University and the Aga Khan University (AKU), which has campuses and programmes in eight countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Mr Firoz Rasul and Dr Peter George signed on behalf of their respective institutions. [Photo]. Later that morning, The Aga Khan meet with The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario [Photo]. A special meeting was held in the afternoon of 22nd and 23rd November at the Rogers Center with his community comprising of members from 36 countries. [MORE]
2008, November 19: CANADA VISIT - OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, officially welcomed His Highness The Aga Khan who is visiting Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The meeting took place on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, around 4:30 p.m at Rideau Hall.. Photo Credit: MCpl Jean-François Néron, Rideau Hall [Photo1]
2008, November 18: CANADA VISIT - Ottawa and surrounding Jamats gathered at Ottawa Civic Center and Mowlana Hazar Imam directly came from the airport to the parking area of the Civic Center in Ottawa to see the Jamat waving the Canadian and MyFlag as Hazar Imam's motorcade passed slowly and though the temperature was a chilling minus 8c, The Imam opened his window and blessed the Jamat. More Information.
2008, November 17: Aga Khan Pays Tribute to Zarkava at the 2008 Cartier Racing Awards 18/11/08 - The Aga Khan last night (Monday, November 17) elaborated on why Zarkava meant so much to him when collecting the filly’s prizes as Cartier Horse Of The Year and Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Filly at the 2008 Cartier Racing Awards in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The daughter of Zamindar was unbeaten in seven starts, culminating in a brilliant Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory last month, and the Aga Khan revealed that the filly’s great, great grand dam had been named after his daughter Princess Zahra, who also attended the 2008 Cartier Awards. [More]
2008, November 17: Prince Karim Aga Khan, delivered a speech on November 17, 2008 at the Palais des Papes in Avignon, southern France during a forum on the topic "Culture, a growth factor" to be held until November 18. The Forum brings together 250 key players from the economic, cultural and media sectors, along with public authoritiy representatives of different countries .
2008, November 6. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Igor Chudinov and Prince Aga Khan have arrived in Naryn town. The goal of their visits is to familiarize with construction process of the University of Central Asia. The Prince Aga Khan arrived in Kyrgyzstan on three-day visit at the invitation of the republic's government. He had already visited Kazakhstan and Tajikistan within the framework of his tour to Central Asia. The University of Central Asia was established in 2000 within the framework of the agreement between the governments of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and High Highness the Aga Khan. [http://en.kabar.kg/index.php?area=1&p=news&newsid=31645 ]
2008, November 6. Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister Ednan Karabaev met with Prince Aga Khan.
During the meeting, E.Karabaev welcomed him on behalf of President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev and thanked the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for rendering material assistance to quake victims in the republic' south. The parties discussed the results of implemented projects and perspectives of cooperation between AKDN and Kyrgyzstan. It was also raised issues about projects, which reflect tasks that set by the President of Kyrgyzstan in his message to the people of Kyrgyzstan.
It was pointed out priority directions of cooperation in the field of energy, water resources, work in rural area. The AKDN is interested in construction of small hydroelectric power stations. Issues of building air grounds for development of small aviation were raised during the meeting. The minister said the necessity of setting up mini air grounds and building hangars for helicopters in remote regions of Kyrgyzstan. http://en.kabar.kg/index.php?area=1&p=news&newsid=31644
November 4, 2008, Asia-Plus - On Monday November 3, His Highness the Aga Khan attended the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Ismaili Cultural-Educational Center, Jamatkhana, in Khorog, Gorno Badakhshan. Speaking at the ceremony, the Aga Khan said that the Center should promote combining efforts to develop mutual understanding and stability in the region. In cooperation with and with support of the Government of Tajikistan and President Emomali Rahmon we are taking measures to transform Khorog into the gem of the Pamirs and one of cultural-educational centers of the region, His Highness the Aga Khan said. With that end in view we began constructing this Center, the University of Central Asia (UCA) and hotels, rehabilitate central parks and implement different projects aimed at development of education and health sectors and preservation of cultural relics in the region, His Highness stressed. [More]
2008, November 2. Prince Aga Khan Prince arrived to Tajikistan on October 31 at the invitation of the Tajik Government.
On November 5 Prince Aga Khan will arrive in Kyrgyzstan to visit construction of Aga Khan University in Naryn oblast. kabar.kg
2008, October 30: Prince Aga Khan pays visit to Kazakhstan - One of the World famous patrons of art, Prince Karim Aga Khan VI has paid a visit to Kazakhstan. He is one of the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed and he is also the Imam of the Muslim and Shiite community of the Ismaili. His Excellency was welcomed to the Ak Orda residence by Nursultan Nazarbayev. The Prince is also the founder and one of the sponsors of many charity projects carried out in many countries including the CIS and some Central Asian states. In particular, in 2000, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as the Aga Khan VI fund established the Central Asian University. The University headquarters is situated in Bishkek with the educational institution's representations to be constructed in the Kazakh town of Tekeli, the Kyrgyz populated area of Naryn and the Tajik town of Khoros. Straight from Astana, his Excellency is set to go to Tekeli to take part in an official ceremony to lay the first brick of the future university. The Prince's ten-day working trip around Central Asia began in Kazakhstan. Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, iman of Ismaili commune: - I have come here to see how our university is developing. During the talks with the President, we also spoke about the effect the global economic recession has on Central Asia. I expressed the hope of further expansion of cooperation with your country in all possible areas. [http://www.khabar.kz/index.cfm?id=68405] Photo: mbdartz
2008, October 29: President Nazarbayev, Prince Karim Aga Khan meet. ASTANA. October 29. KAZINFORM. /Aigul Tulekbayeva/ The AKDN plans to continue its cooperation with Kazakhstan. Prince Karim Aga Khan, arriving in Astana, said at a briefing. This visit opens his 10-day Central Asian tour. “We discussed development of the Central Asian universities and issues regarding economic recession with the Kazakh President. I expressed hope for further cooperation with Kazakhstan in all spheres”, the Prince said. The visit is being held in the framework of the gold jubilee – 50th anniversary of his inauguration. As the Kazakh MFA earlier reported, the visit aims at expansion of the Kazakh cooperation with the AKDN in the
sphere of human resources, regional stability, promotion of pluralism and intercivilizational understanding. In the framework of the trip the Prince will visit Tekeli town of the Almaty oblast for laying the cornerstone of an affiliate of the Central Asian University. On October 31, Aga Khan IV will go to Tajikistan, then to Kyrgyzstan.
2008, Ocober 23: : Kazakhstan General Newswire - Astana. October 23. Interfax-Kazakhstan - Prince Aga Khan IV, visits Kazakhstan on October 28-31, according to the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan. The prince plans to meet with leaders of Kazakhstan, the ministry said in a Thursday. According to the statement, Aga Khan will attend a groundbreaking ceremony that marks start of construction of a branch of Central Asian University in Tekeli (in Almaty oblast, southeast Kazakhstan).
2008, October 22: Asia-Plus - His Highness the Aga Khan, will arrive in Tajikistan on October 31 for a five-day visit. The visit will come in response to an invitation from Tajikistan's Government, and within the context of His Highness' Golden Jubilee - the Aga Khan is visiting some 30 countries around the world which have long-standing and close relations with the Imamat to express his gratitude and friendship with governments, leaders, and other partners of the AKDN.During his five-day visit to Tajikistan, His Highness the Aga Khan will hold talks with a number of high-ranking Tajik state officials.
October 21, 2008, Asia-Plus -- Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan, is arriving in Dushanbe today afternoon for a short visit, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Dushanbe Office. During his stay in Dushanbe, Prince Amyn Aga Khan is expected to review AKDN programs in Tajikistan, including project for construction of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel. http://www.asiaplus.tj/en/news/16/40764.html [Author: Victoria Naumova]
2008, Octobre 5: Princess Zahra Aga Khan daugther of The Aga Khan owner of French horse Zarkava wave at the crowd after his horse won the 87th Arc de Triomphe horsing race ,the world's richest race on turf, at Longchamp Racecourse near Paris October 5, 2008. Photo by mbdartz - PARIS (AFP) - Zarkava produced one of the greatest performances in racing history here at Longchamp on Sunday. The Aga Khan's sensational filly Zarkava lived up to expectations by storming to victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. "It is 90 years that my family have been breeding horses and today really is a dream come to fruition," said the Aga Khan. More from [Forum]. More from [New Site]
2008 October 1: A series of 4 new Golden Jubilee stamps have been issued for Idd last week in Uganda . Photos here!.
2008, September 26 - Financial Times. "The Islamic world as an important part of our globe has really been absent from Judeo-Christian education in a strange way," he says, asking how anyone can be considered properly educated in the west when they know nothing about Islam. Click here. Scan of the article and interview in NAIROBI STAR on October 1, 2008: Page 21 and Page 22
2008, September 7: The Syrian Satellite TV showed a 30-minute interview with Mawlana Hazar Imam on Sunday 7th September 2008 at 13:40 GMT. The Syrian TV is available on these satellites: Hot bird: frequency: 12380 27500 3/4 (V) / Arab sat: frequency: 12054 27500 3/4 (V) / Nile sat: frequency:11823 27500 3/4 (V) / The interview was recorded during Hazar Imam's visit to Syria last month. Click here for full Interview!
2008, August 24th to 29th: H.H. The Aga Khan arrives in Syria, August 2008, and is received at Damascus International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism Dr. Saadullah Agha al-Qala'a and Resident Representative of AKDN in Syria Mohammad Mufdi Seifo. Dozens and dozens of buses are arriving in Salamieh from Iran to participate in the celebrations of Golden Jubilee. As Salamieh welcomes thousands of Ismailis from Iran and the other International Jamat, surrounding suburbs such as Barre and other Ismaili towns are preparing to walk 10 to 15 km to Salamieh Darbar on 26th as their traditional Hajj. Follow the discussions here!. And we are adding regularly news on the new Heritage web site at Syria Update
2008, July 16: Photo: Eric Feferberg - Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Bin Abdul aziz Al Saud, center left shakes hands with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, center right, behind the first stone of the Louvre museum's future Islamic art department on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, in Paris, during the ceremony marking the launch of the works. In the background, from left to right, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's wife, Princess Ameera, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and the Aga Khan and French Culture minister Christine Albanel. [Photo]
2008, July 14: Kenya - Hundreds of Ismaili Muslims celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Imamat Day at the Mombasa Jubilee Hall Sunday. [The Nation][Daily Nation]
2008, July 12: Notícia Manuel de Almeida/Reuters - 12 Julho 2008 - 00h51 -
EncontroJosé Sócrates recebe Aga KhanJosé Sócrates encontrou-se ontem em Lisboa com Aga Khan, líder da comunidade muçulmana ismaelita.
Portugal assinou um acordo de cooperação com a rede Aga Khan para o
2008, July 11: The Aga Khan (R), the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect, shakes hands with Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates before their meeting at San Bento palace in Lisbon July 11, 2008.
REUTERS/Nacho Doce (PORTUGAL) - [More Photos][More] [Forum section.]
2008, July 8: His Highness the Aga Khan In United Kingdom for a Golden Jubilee Visit - [More] [Forum section.] [Photo]
2008, July 2-4: His Highness the Aga Khan In United Kingdom for a Golden Jubilee Visit. The Prime Minister met with the Aga Khan, where they discussed the cooperation between the Government and the Aga Khan Development Network. The Queen personally honoured the Aga Khan with a private banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday to mark his golden jubilee as the leader of the world's 15 million Ismaeli Muslims. H. H. the Aga Khan met with followers at a Darbar confirmed on the 5th of July. [More] TESTIMONIES AND SPEECHES see our [Forum section.] [More in New Heritage Site]
2008, June 30: His Highness the Aga Khan has been honoured by the National University of Ireland (NUI), Maynooth, for his work against poverty and in promoting religious understanding. The renowned racehorse breeder and spiritual leader of the world's Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims received an honorary doctorate from the Chancellor of the NUI, Dr Garret FitzGerald. The Aga Khan, who part owns some of Europe's leading stud farms, is the first member of the Islamic community to be honoured in the history of NUI. The university said he was cited for "outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society". [Full Info and photos][More]
2008, June 23-29: 2008, June 29: : Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya attended the G.J.G. this morning as well as the Closing Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games tonight. Prince Amyn arrived in Nairobi yesterday but went to Kigali today. He did not attend the Games in Nairobi. The launching of the Games ceremony was grandiose but the closing was not as powerful. A small fireworks ended the Ceremony. Of course tons of photos uploaded every day... Our photo-exhibition entitilled "FACES of Golden Jubilee Games", featuring events, participants, champions and spectators of the Games: [First album: June 24, 2008 with 108 photos]. [Second album: June 25, 2008 with 100 photos] [More info] [Album 3] [Album 4]
2008, Juin 18: PARIS - Le prince Karim Aga Khan, chef spirituel des Ismaéliens, a fait son entrée mercredi à la prestigieuse Académie des Beaux-Arts à Paris en tant que membre associé étranger, occupant le fauteuil de l'architecte Kenzo Tange décédé en 2005. Le prince Karim Aga Khan qui, en tant que chef religieux de la communauté ismaélienne, courant de l'islam chiite, ne portait pas l'habit vert traditionnel des académiciens, a été accueilli par les solennels roulements de tambours de la Garde républicaine. [More]
2008, June 12: Prince Karim Aga Khan Aga Khan and Afghan President Hamid Karzai attended at the Kleber Center on June 12, 2008 in Paris the international donors conference to raise billions of dollars in aid for Afghanistan. [click on image for bigger picture] [More]
2008, June 12: : French President Nicolas Sarkozy, French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, US First Lady Laura Bush, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai attended at the Kleber Center on June 12, 2008 in Paris the international donors conference to raise billions of dollars in aid for Afghanistan. [News with more photos]
2008, June 10: Princesse Zahra, the Aga Khan and Princess Guillaume of Luxembourg attend a party hosted by Becca Cason Thrash, to honour The American Friends of The Louvre on June 10, 2008 in Paris. [More]
2008, June 8: H.H the Aga Khan, the owner of French horse Zarkava, and it's Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon won the 159th Prix de Diane horse racing, on June 8, 2008 in Chantilly, outside Paris. Soumillon won the race ahead of horse Gagnoa ridden by Irish jockey John Patrick Murtagh and Goldikova ridden by French jockey Olivier Peslier. [More]
2008, June 5: Prince Karim Aga Khan receives an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University at commencement ceremonies June 5, 2008, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. J.K. Rowling, who wrote the popular Harry Potter books, was the commencement speaker. (Photo by Robert Spencer/Getty Images). [Photos] [Alumni News] [More]
2008, June 1: "Celebrating his 50th year as the Aga Khan last year, the former Leverett House resident has become a bridge between East and West, traditionalism and modernity" writes NiniI S. Moorhead, Crimson Staff Writer. [More]
2008, May 23: [The New Nation] Prince Karim Aga Khan, left here yesterday afternoon for home ending his four-day visit to Bangladesh. Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury saw him off at the VVIP terminal of the Zia International Airport.Aga Khan placed a wreath at the National Monument for unknown martyrs soon after his arrival in Dhaka paying homage to their memories. He held meetings with Finance Adviser Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and Religious Affairs Adviser A F Hassan Ariff. He laid foundation stones of Aga Khan Academy and Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre at Baridhara in the city. He also met with members of the Ismaili Muslim community. [Photos, News and Testimonies here!]
2008, may 21: Prince Amyn Muhammad Aga Khan visited the future site of the Serena Hotel in Ghulkin. [Photo] [More]
Dhaka, May 20: Prince Karim Aga Khan lays the foundation of Aga Khan Academy at Baridhara in the city yesterday while Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman looks on. [Photo: STAR]
2008, May 20: Prince Rahim Aga Khan visiting Madagascar [More] [NewsClips]
2008, May 19: Prince Aga Khan,arrives Dhaka today on a four-day state visit. Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will receive him at Zia International airport. He will visit National Memorial at Savar and attend a state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon today. He will also host diplomatic reception and Imamat banquet at the same venue tomorrow. Prince Aga Khan will lay the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy at Basundhara tomorrow and the permanent Jamatkhana of the community on May 21. [Photos and News here!] Photos of H.H. The Aga Khan at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh. [Album here] [More document]
Dhaka, May 19: (bdnews24.com) — Prince Karim Aga Khan, leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Dhaka Monday by private plane to a red carpet reception and was greeted by chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at the airport. [Photo]
2008, May 19: Dhaka Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed speaks of democracy at banquet with Aga Khan.[More]
2008, May 17: Postage Stamps issued by India Post on Aga Khan Foundation on 17 May: [Stamp 1] [Stamp2]
2008, May 14:Mowlana Hazar Imam arrived at Airport at 8:30 PM, waved to Ismailis who lined up for 2 Km. Buses brought Jamats to airport, Hazar Imam leaned out and waved with his right hand. Girl guides and scouts were in the front. Jamats returning were congratulated for first Deedar of Golden Jubilee in Mumbay. Fireworks, Dandiya Raas, sherbet etc followed in JKs - For [INDIA VISIT] [Didar]
2008, May 16: H.H the Aga Khan was welcomed today at the Taj Residency Ummed in Ahmedabad. The Aga Khan is on a one-day visit to Gujarat state of Western India.
2008, May 13-16 - The Aga Khan is back in city after 16 yrs. The top spiritual leader of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims is expected to reach Mumbai on May 14 as part of an eight-day official visit to the country. [More][Photos]
May 12, 2008: Chief of India's ruling Congress party Sonia Gandhi (R) and the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, pose for photographers before their meeting in New Delhi May 12, 2008. REUTERS/Vijay Mathur (INDIA) . Photos and news: [click here!]
2008, May 8 - Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will be visiting Bangladesh from 19th to 22nd this month. The state visit of the Aga Khan is taking place at a time when Ismailish all over the world, including those in Bangladesh, are celebrating the golden jubilee of the Aga Khan's leadership. [More]
2008, May 1: H.H. The Aga Khan just left Abidjan for Senegal where he meet the president before flying that afternoon for Paris. Major News section and tons of photos / videos in preparation for the Heritage Web Site, few images and news clips are posted here now and the complete hundreds of photos gallery in a week or so. [ALBUM Mali_A] [ALBUM Abidjan_A] [ALBUM Burkina_A]
2008, May 1: Mowlana Hazar Imam gave a few minutes Mulakat to about 20 Ismailis at the Abidjan airport before departure. He thanked the Jamat for their warm welcome and told the kids to work hard in school. He talked with some members of the Jamat including kids and left for Senegal.
2008, May 1: The Canadian Ismaili Games is a National Golden Jubilee program and part of the first-ever, global Ismaili sports festival. It will be a celebration through sport for the Canadian Ismaili Community, intended to inspire the youth and next generation towards sports and physical fitness.The games, which celebrate 50 years of the Aga Khan's leadership, will take place May 2 to 5 and involve about 1,000 athletes. [More]
2008, April 29: La 14e agence de micro finance du Réseau Aga Khan (RAK) sera installée en Côte d'Ivoire. Hier mardi, une convention d'établissement de cet «outil de développement et de lutte contre la pauvreté» a été signée sous le copatronage du Chef de l'Etat Laurent Gbagbo et de Son Altesse l'Aga Khan. [More]
2008, April 28-May 1: In addition to official meetings, His Highness was in Cote d'Ivoire to launch the Première Agence de Microfinance (PAMF), which is to start operations in the areas of Boundiali and Dianra in northern Côte d’Ivoire. [More][Photos of Arrival][More Photos]
2008, April 28: Le Chef de l'Etat, Laurent Gbagbo, a eu un entretien hier après-midi avec Son Altesse l'Aga Khan. Les deux hommes d'Etat ont parlé de la situation régionale et de la reconstruction économique en Côte d'Ivoire. [More]
2008, April 23-30: H.H. The Aga Khan is starting a one week official tour of Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal up to the end of April 2008. The purpose of this visit is to meet Government officials, to discuss Cultural and Development projects and strenghten institutional capacity in the region.. For dates and events on this subject click here. H.H. The Aga Khan has arrived this 23rd April 2008 in Mali with Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya.
2008, April 25:
President Amadou Toumani Touré and His Highness the Aga Khan announced the creation of an Urban Park in Bamako. [Photos] [ALBUM Mali_A]
2008, April 24:
Discours de Son Altesse l’Aga Khan après la Cérémonie de remise
des diplômes de « Citoyen d’honneur de la Oumma islamique », de « Docteur Honoris Causa » de l’université de Sankoré et de « Citoyen d’honneur de la Commune de Tombouctou » [Discours]
2008, April 24:
Discours prononcé par Son Altesse L'Aga Khan à la Cérémonie d’inauguration de la Grande Mosquée de Mopti
: "Je suis extrêmement heureux de pouvoir inaugurer aujourd’hui la Grande Mosquée de Mopti dite de « Komoguel » nouvellement restaurée et de visiter tout à l’heure les divers travaux d’amélioration de l’environnement qui se poursuivent dans le quartier historique de Komoguel." [Discours]. Click
[here] for a photo of His Highness the Aga Khan and the President of Mali unveil the plate for the completion of the Mopti Mosque restauration. [Photos][More Photos]
2008, April 24:
Prince Karim Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader of some 20 million Muslims worldwide, stressed the importance of education in the age of globalization in Atlanta as he helped the International Baccalaureate celebrate its 40th anniversary. [More with Video]
2008, April 23:
Discours de Son Altesse l’Aga Khan au
Dîner officiel offert par le Président de la République du Mali: "Pour ce qui est de l’avenir, j’entrevois des possibilités accrues de moderniser les infrastructures d’éducation et d’améliorer la qualité de l’environnement rural pour lutter contre les problèmes préoccupants de l’urbanisation qui surgissent sous la pression démographique à travers toute l’Afrique et particulièrement dans la sous région." [Discours] [Photos]
2008, April 23: La ville de Mopti se prépare activement pour la cérémonie d'inauguration de la grande mosquée rénovée et du marché construit. L'événement, qui verra la participation du président de la République, Amadou Toumani Touré et du Prince Karim Aga Khan, aura lieu le 24 avril prochain, dans la Venise malienne où les populations et les ressortissants à Bamako sont en train de préparer une grande fête populaire et de retrouvaille autour des idéaux communs pour le développement de la localité. La capitale de la 5ème région s'apprête a accueillir l'un de ses évènements phares de l'année 2008. Il s'agit de la cérémonie d'inauguration de la grande mosquée de vendredi rénovée et du marché nouvellement construit. Les deux travaux ont été réalisés par Aga Khan Trust For Culture (AKTC) une composante du Réseau Aga Khan de Développement (AKDN). [More]
2008, April 17 - His Highness the Aga Khan Visits the Residence of the Governer of Georgia. [More here]
April 17 - The Aga Khan, head of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims, arrived at Fulton County Airport today to celebrate with his Georgia followers his 50th anniversary as their leader. A band greeted him with the Ismaili anthem and the U.S. national anthem, and a representative from Gov. Sonny Perdue's office as well as local politicians were on hand to welcome him.
[Atlanta Photo Gallery]
April 15 - (CNN) -The leaders of three world religions will be visiting the United States this week, and although the media spotlight is focused on Pope Benedict XVI and the Dalai Lama, thousands of Ismaili Muslims are celebrating a rare U.S. tour by the Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan says a "clash of ignorance" has led to friction between Islam and the West. The Aga Khan doesn't exactly fit the image that may be expected for the spiritual leader of 20 million Ismaili Muslims across the world; he usually wears a suit and tie. But his followers see him as the final authority on interpreting the Quran. One one Muslim scholar said that in that regard, "he is more powerful than the pope." [More here][Photo]
[Summary of LA Visit]
[Commemoration of LA Visit]
April 15 - The University of Texas has established a five-year exchange agreement with Aga Khan University in Pakistan. The agreement will expand UTeach-Liberal Arts' Muslim Histories and Cultures Program, a training program for Texas high school teachers.
April 14 - The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims meets with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
April 14 - The University of Texas at Austin has established a five-year exchange agreement with Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan, which has campuses in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The agreement includes research collaborations, special events and lectures, secondary teaching training programs, and faculty and student exchanges.
April 12 - On Thursday, April 17, 2008 Atlanta will welcome His Highness Prince Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. The Aga Khan, at the invitation of Governor Purdue, will visit Atlanta as a part of four city visit he is undertaking to celebrate his Golden Jubilee, the 50th year as the Imam. He will be in Atlanta for three days following his visits to San Antonio, Los Angeles and Chicago. His visit will witness the gathering of over 25,000 of his followers from over 30 countries. The first day of his visit will be dedicated to private visit with his followers at GICC.
April 12 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, and Texas Governor Rick Perry today hailed a landmark agreement between the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the University of Texas at Austin (UT) as a move towards narrowing the gap between the West and Islam and towards bridging the gulf between the industrialised countries and the developing world.
[Texas Gala Photos]
April 12 - ...As many of you know, I was studying in the United States when I succeeded my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam in 1957. My ties here thus go back to the very beginning of my Imamat...
April 12 - His Highness the Aga Khan and Texas Gov. Rick Perry met at the capitol Saturday in a display of unity and mutual respect. The University of Texas and the Aga
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Did You Know?
The Ismaili New Year, Navroz, is celebrated each year the first day of Spring, on March 21st. From a spiritual point of view, it represents the resurrection of the soul. During the time of the first 8 Fatimid Caliphs, this day was a national holiday in North Africa. There were huge processions in Cairo on that day.
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