Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. Known for his spiritual leadership and philanthropic endeavors, the Aga Khan was a significant figure within the Ismaili community, which numbers approximately 15 million worldwide. He succeeded his grandfather as imam in 1957 at the young age of 20, embarking on a journey that would see him become a revered leader both within and outside the Muslim sect.
Throughout his life, Prince Karim Aga Khan maintained close relationships with prominent figures such as King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II. His influence extended beyond spiritual realms into cultural and social sectors. As a leading owner and breeder of racehorses in the UK, France, and Ireland, he achieved notable success with horses like Shergar. Shergar's victory in the Epsom Derby in 1981 by an unprecedented 10 lengths remains one of the most memorable moments in horse racing history.
"If you're in racing, the Epsom Derby is one of the greats. It always has been, so to win a race of that quality in itself is an extraordinary privilege. To win it the way he won it was more than that." – Aga Khan
In addition to his accomplishments in horse racing, the Aga Khan was a dedicated philanthropist. He established numerous charitable organizations that spanned various fields. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture played a pivotal role in restoring the Humayun's Tomb site in Delhi, showcasing his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Furthermore, the Nation Media Group, founded by him, grew into the largest independent media organization in East and Central Africa.
His philanthropic ventures extended to healthcare and education as well. The Aga Khan Foundation charity and related institutions made significant contributions to hospitals, educational programs, and cultural projects, particularly in developing regions. His dedication to improving lives through these initiatives remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
"It's a memory that can never, never go away." – Aga Khan
Born in Switzerland and holding British citizenship, Prince Karim Aga Khan lived a life of opulence, with an estimated fortune of $1 billion according to Forbes magazine in 2008. His lavish lifestyle included ownership of a private island in the Bahamas, a super-yacht, and a private jet. Despite his wealth, his focus remained on fostering development and improving conditions for those less fortunate across the globe.
"His victory up to this point in time was unique. Two things I found stunning – one was the ease with which that horse moved and second was the fact that during the finishing straight he just kept going away, going away, going away. That was really remarkable." – Aga Khan
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