Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. He was the 49th hereditary leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network.
His burial took place on February 9, five days after his death in Lisbon, Portugal, at 88. His son and successor, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, attended the ceremony with family members and Ismaili community leaders.
Aswan’s Governor led a procession through the city to the Nile’s banks. A boat transported Aga Khans’ casket to a private domain housing Villa Nour El Salam and the mausoleum of Aga Khan 3. Family members carried the casket by hand before interring it in the mausoleum overlooking the Nile.
Major-General Ismail Kamal, the Governor of Aswan, presented Prince Rahim with a symbolic key to the city. Egypt holds deep significance for the Ismaili community, as the Fatimid Caliphate, ruled by Ismaili imams, once had Cairo as its center.
Aswan is also the resting place of Aga Khan III and his wife, Mata Salamat. The late Aga Khan and his family maintained close ties with Aswan’s people through charitable foundations.
A direct descendant of Prophet Mohammed, earned wide respect for his philanthropy. He worked to improve lives regardless of race, gender, or religion. His development network enhanced education, healthcare, and economic growth worldwide.
World leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and UK’s King Charles III, paid tribute to him. His burial paves the way for a homage ceremony in Lisbon, where Ismaili leaders will pledge allegiance to Prince Rahim.
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