Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Laid to Rest in Aswan, Egypt

ASWAN: Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, has been laid to rest in Aswan, Egypt, following a private burial ceremony on February 9, 2025. The funeral was attended by his son, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan, who is now the 50th hereditary Imam, as well as other family members.

The ceremony was marked by a dignified procession, led by the Governor of Aswan, who participated and facilitated the event. Prince Karim’s casket was transferred by boat in a ceremonial crossing along the River Nile, before being carried by hand to the hilltop mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, where he was interred.

Following the funeral, Prince Rahim was presented with a symbolic key to the city of Aswan, in a gesture of respect from the local authorities.

A new mausoleum will be constructed on adjacent land for the final resting place of Prince Karim Aga Khan, as per the statement released by the Ismaili community.

Prince Karim, who passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, was widely known for his global development work, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has helped improve the lives of millions in Asia and Africa.

He was also recognized for his triumphs in horse racing, his immense wealth, and his significant role in both regional and international development.

Born in Switzerland and raised in Nairobi, Prince Karim succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as Imam in 1957, at the young age of 20.

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In addition to numerous awards and honorary degrees, Prince Karim was awarded two of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, the Nishan-i-Imtiaz and Nishan-i-Pakistan, in recognition of his contributions to the country’s development.

He leaves behind three sons: Prince Rahim, Prince Aly Muhammad, and Prince Hussain, along with his daughter, Zahra Aga Khan.

A state funeral in Lisbon was attended by several world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos.

The Ismaili community, along with global leaders, continue to mourn the loss of a man whose legacy of service to humanity has had a lasting impact worldwide.