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His Highness

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

KBE CC PV NI NPk GCC GCIH GCL GCM
آقا خان چهارم‎
Aga Khan 01 (cropped).jpg
Aga Khan in 1985
Citizenship United Kingdom
France
Switzerland
Portugal
Canada (Honorary)
Occupation Imam (spiritual leader)
Philanthropist
Businessman
Socialite
Title Aga Khan IV
49th Imam of Nizari Ismaili Islam
Tenure 11 July 1957 – 4 February 2025
Installation 19 October 1957
Predecessor Aga Khan III
Successor Aga Khan V
Born Shāh Karim al-Husayni
(1936-12-13)13 December 1936
Geneva, Switzerland
Died 4 February 2025(2025-02-04) (aged 88)
Lisbon, Portugal
Spouse
Sarah Croker Poole
​
​
(m. 1969; div. 1995)​
Gabriele Homey
​
​
(m. 1998; div. 2011)​
Issue
House Fatimid
Father Prince Aly Khan
Mother Princess Taj-ud-dawlah
Religion Isma'ilism

Prince Karim Al-Husseini (born 13 December 1936 – died 4 February 2025), also known as the Aga Khan IV, was the 49th Imam (spiritual leader) of the Nizari Ismaili community. He became Imam in 1957 at the age of 20, after his grandfather, Aga Khan III, passed away. His followers also called him Mawlānā Hazar Imam.

The Aga Khan IV was a very successful businessman and a generous helper of others. He founded and led the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This is one of the world's largest private groups working to improve lives. He was also known for owning and breeding racehorses.

During his time as Imam, the Aga Khan saw many big changes around the world. These included countries in Africa gaining independence and new nations forming in Central Asia. He worked to help his followers through these changes.

Early Life and Education

Aga Khan IV 1964
Aga Khan IV skiing for Iran at the 1964 Winter Olympics.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on 13 December 1936. He was the oldest son of Prince Aly Khan and his first wife, Princess Taj-ud-dawlah Aga Khan. His mother was formerly Joan Yarde-Buller.

Prince Karim spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya. He was taught by private tutors there. Later, he went to Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland, a famous boarding school.

He then attended Harvard University in the United States. He studied Islamic history there. He had wanted to study science at MIT, but his grandfather wished for him to study history instead.

When his grandfather died, Prince Karim was still a university student. He suddenly became the new Aga Khan. He said his whole life changed overnight. He had to take on serious duties for millions of people. He graduated from Harvard in 1959.

The young Aga Khan was also a skilled downhill skier. He even represented Great Britain and later Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics.

Becoming the Nizari Ismaili Imam

When his grandfather, Aga Khan III, passed away, Prince Karim became the 49th Imam. He was only 20 years old. His grandfather chose him over his own father and uncle.

Aga Khan III explained his choice in his will. He believed a young man who grew up in the "new age" would be best. He thought a younger leader would bring a fresh view to the role.

Because of this, Aga Khan IV is sometimes called the "Imam of the Atomic Age" by his followers. His grandfather also asked that the new Aga Khan seek guidance from his widow, Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan, for the first seven years.

Leading the Nizari Ismaili Community

Aga Khan IV 1959
Aga Khan IV visiting the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1959.

When he became Imam, the Aga Khan IV promised to continue his grandfather's work. This work focused on building modern organizations. These groups aim to improve the lives of Nizari Ismailis.

Special ceremonies, called Takht nashini, took place in 1957 and 1958. During these events, the Aga Khan stressed the importance of good relations between different groups of people. This message was very important in East Africa at the time.

In 1972, many people of South Asian origin, including Nizari Ismailis, were forced to leave Uganda. The Aga Khan worked quickly to help them. He arranged for thousands to move to countries like Canada. Most of these displaced Ismailis found new homes in Asia, Europe, and North America. Their education and the support from the Aga Khan's community programs helped them settle quickly.

The Aga Khan believed his role was to improve the lives of his followers. This meant understanding their needs wherever they lived. He also believed this work should benefit everyone, not just Ismailis. He once said that his work is part of his duty as Imam. It is about improving the quality of life for communities.

In 2014, Aga Khan IV became the first faith leader to speak to the Parliament of Canada.

Silver Jubilee Year

From 1982 to 1983, the Aga Khan celebrated his Silver Jubilee. This marked 25 years since he became Imam. Many new projects were started during this time.

These projects included building the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. They also expanded schools and medical centers in places like the Hunza Valley. Other projects helped with rural development and healthcare in Africa.

Golden Jubilee Year

From 2007 to 2008, the Aga Khan celebrated his Golden Jubilee. This was his 50th anniversary as Imam. Leaders from around the world came to honor him.

During this year, the Aga Khan visited many countries. He thanked leaders for their support. He also started new programs and initiatives. For example, he announced the Ismaili Center Houston in the US.

In 2008, the Aga Khan also organized the Jubilee Games in Kenya. This was a sports event for Nizari Ismailis from all over the world. The games continued to be held in later years.

Diamond Jubilee Year

From 2017 to 2018, the Aga Khan celebrated his Diamond Jubilee. This marked his 60th year as Imam. He traveled to many countries where his organizations work.

He launched new programs to help reduce poverty and improve access to education and housing. The main Diamond Jubilee celebration was held in Lisbon, Portugal. Many Ismailis came from around the world to celebrate.

In Lisbon, the Aga Khan officially named the Henrique de Mendonça Palace as the "Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat." This means it is the main seat of the Ismaili Imamat.

Ismaili Constitution

In 1998, the Aga Khan IV created the Ismaili Constitution. This document explains the beliefs and rules for the Ismaili community. It states that the Aga Khan is the 49th Imam, directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad.

The Constitution also says that the Aga Khan has the final say on religious questions. He encourages his followers to ask questions and learn about their faith.

Business Activities

The Aga Khan was involved in many businesses. These included media companies and luxury hotels.

Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Racing silks of Aga Khan
The racing colors of the Aga Khan

The Aga Khan owned and ran a large horse racing and breeding business. He had farms in France and Ireland. He was known as a very important owner and breeder in France.

His horse, Zarkava, won a major race called the 2008 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Another horse, Harzand, won the 2016 Epsom Derby.

In 2009, a famous racehorse named Sea the Stars came to live at the Aga Khan's stud farm in Ireland.

Other Business Ventures

The Aga Khan also founded the Nation Media Group in Kenya in 1959. This company owns newspapers like Daily Nation.

Through his for-profit company, AKFED, he was a major owner of the Serena Hotels chain. These are luxury hotels mainly in Africa and Asia.

Other Activities

Aga Khan Development Network

Main article: Aga Khan Development Network

The Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). This network includes over 200 organizations. They employ about 80,000 people, mostly in developing countries.

The AKDN works in many areas like health, education, and culture. It also promotes economic growth. Its main goal is to improve living conditions for poor people, no matter their faith or background.

Some of the AKDN's important parts include the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Aga Khan Health Services. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is also part of the network. It is the largest award for architecture in the world.

The AKDN's Focus Humanitarian Assistance helps people during disasters. They helped after the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and the 2004 tsunami in South Asia.

The Aga Khan also started important projects like the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. He also helped restore places like the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo.

Promotion of Islamic Architecture

In 1977, the Aga Khan created the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This award celebrates great architecture that considers design, history, and the environment. It is given every three years and has a large prize. The award aims to encourage new ideas in Islamic societies.

He also helped set up the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA) at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These programs teach about Islamic architecture and city planning.

Personal Life

The Aga Khan had four children: Zahra Aga Khan, Rahim Aga Khan, Hussain Aga Khan, and Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.

He enjoyed sailing and co-founded the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Italy. He also owned several private jets and a large yacht.

His main home was the Aiglemont estate in France. The Aga Khan used his wealth to support his many charitable projects around the world.

Death and Succession

Aga Khan IV passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4 February 2025. In his will, he named his son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, to become the next Imam. Prince Rahim will be known as Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam of Isma'ilism.

Titles, Styles and Honours

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 08, 2015
President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee presents the Padma Vibhushan award to the Aga Khan in New Delhi on 8 April 2015.

The titles "Prince" and "Princess" are used by the Aga Khans and their children. This is because they are descendants of Shah Fath Ali Shah from the Persian Qajar dynasty. The British government officially recognized this title in 1938.

The title "Aga Khan" was first given to Aga Khan I. It has been passed down through his family.

Queen Elizabeth II officially granted the style of "His Highness" to Aga Khan IV in 1957. The Shah of Iran also granted him the style of "His Royal Highness" in 1959, but he chose to use "His Highness."

Over his lifetime, the Aga Khan received many awards, honorary degrees, and honors from different countries.

Honours

Honorary Degrees

Awards

  •  Canada: Key to the City of Ottawa (2005)
  •  Canada: Honorary Canadian citizenship (2010)
  •  Canada: Key to the City of Toronto (2022)
  •  France: Silver Medal of the Académie d'Architecture (1991)
  •  France: Insignia of Honour, International Union of Architects (2001)
  •  France: Associate Foreign Member, Académie des Beaux-Arts (2008)
  •  France: Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year, by Le Nouvel Économiste, Paris (2009)
  •  Germany: Die Quadriga Award, the United We Care Award (2005)
  •  Germany: Tolerance Prize of the Evangelical Academy of Tutzing (2006)
  •  Italy: Honorary Citizen of the Town of Arzachena (Sardinia) (1962)
  •  Italy: Gold Mercury Ad Personam Award, non-state organization (1982)
  •  Ivory Coast: Freeman of Abidjan, and presented with a Key to the City of Abidjan (1960)
  •  Jordan: One of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world, by Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (2009–13)
  •  Kazakhstan: State Award for Peace and Progress (2002)
  •  Kazakhstan: Honoured Educator of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2008)
  •  Kenya: Honorary Citizen of the Town of Kisumu (1981)
  •  Madagascar: Key to the city of Majunga (1966)
  •  Mali: Honorary Citizen of the Islamic Ummah of Timbuktu (2003)
  •  Mali: Citizen of Honour of the Municipality of Timbuktu (2008)
  •  Pakistan: Honorary Colonel of the 6th Lancers by the Pakistani Army (1970)
  •  Pakistan: Honorary Citizen of Lahore, and presented with a key to the city of Lahore (1980)
  •  Pakistan: Honorary Membership, Pakistan Medical Association, Sindh (1981)
  •  Pakistan: Key to the city of Karachi (1981)
  •  Pakistan: Honorary Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) (1985)
  •  Portugal: Key to the City of Lisbon (1996)
  •  Portugal: Foreign Member, Class of Humanities, by Lisbon Academy of Sciences (2009)
  •  Portugal: 2013 North–South Prize of the Council of Europe (2014)
  •  Portugal: Key to the City of Porto (2019)
  •  Scotland: Carnegie Medal for Philanthropy (2005)
  •  Spain: Guest of Honour of Granada (1991)
  •  Spain: Honorary Citizen of Granada (1991)
  •  Spain: Gold Medal of the City of Granada (1998)
  •  Spain: Royal Toledo Foundation (Real Fundación de Toledo) Award (2006)
  •  Sweden: Archon Award, International Nursing Honour Society, Sigma Theta Tau International (2001)
  •  Tanzania: Honorary Citizen of Dar es Salaam (2005)
  •  United Kingdom: The Gold Mercury International "AD PERSONAM" Award (1982)
  •  United Kingdom: Honorary Fellowship, Royal Institute of British Architects (1991)
  •  United Kingdom: Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2005)
  •  United Kingdom: Winner of the 10th annual Peter O'Sullevan Award at the Savoy in London (2006)
  •  United States: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Medal in Architecture, University of Virginia (1984)
  •  United States: Institute Honor of the American Institute of Architects (1984)
  •  United States: Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects (1992)
  •  United States: Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1996)
  •  United States: Hadrian Award, World Monuments Fund (1996)
  •  United States: Vincent Scully Prize, National Building Museum (2005)
  •  United States: Key to the City of Austin (2008)
  •  United States: UCSF medal (2011)
  •  United States: Key to the City of Sugar Land, Texas (2018)
  •  United States: ULI J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development, Los Angeles (2011)
  •  Uzbekistan: Honorary Citizen of the City of Samarkand and presented with a key to the city of Samarkand (1992)

Hashemite Ancestry

Patrilineal Descent

Culture Depictions

The Aga Khan is mentioned in the 1969 song Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)? by Peter Sarstedt. In the song, he buys a racehorse as a Christmas gift.

Images for kids

  • 2006-06-29 11-44-20 Uganda - Buyira

    Aga Khan IV's aircraft at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda, in 2006.

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Aga Khan IV para niños

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