Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The Ismaili community around the world is celebrating the golden jubilee of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s ascension to the throne of the Imamat on July 11, 1957, at age 21 while a student at Harvard University. His grandfather Sir Sultan Mohammad Shah or Aga Khan III preceded him.

He was chosen because his grandfather wanted to be succeeded by somebody young who had grown up during a new age and who could provide a new outlook during his time as Imam.

July 2007-2008 has been declared the jubilee year during which new plans will be announced as a tribute to the Aga Khan’s humanitarian work. Over the last 50 years, the Aga Khan’s Development Network’s contribution to international development in developing countries is well known.

He is also a promoter of education and a lover of architecture. He founded Pakistan’s first private university in 1983, the Aga Khan University. The Aga Khan University Hospital was inaugurated in Karachi in 1985. In 1977 he set up the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the world’s largest architecture award totalling US$500,000. It was set up to enhance understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture.