Aga Khan leaves his mark in Hyderabad: Restoration of Qutub Shahi Tombs and education academy

Hyderabad: The 49th successor of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 4, 2025.

The Aga Khan community in India is primarily located in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Gujarat.

Hyderabad and the Aga Khan

In Hyderabad, most community members are engaged in business, with a significant number residing in Chirag Ali Lane, Abids.

Aga Khan established the Aga Khan Academy near Hyderabad Airport in Shamshabad in 2011. This international school is the only Aga Khan Academy in India, with others located across Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has undertaken the restoration of the Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad.

The project has involved the conservation of 70 structures, including 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five stepwells, a mortuary bath, and extensive gardens. Additionally, the 106-acre site features a museum showcasing details of the restoration work and the history of the Qutub Shahi Tombs.

Telangana CM Expresses Condolences

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences on the passing of Aga Khan, a Padma Vibhushan awardee.

In his message, CM Revanth Reddy stated, "Aga Khan's invaluable contributions to establishing hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural centers across various countries stand as a testament to his service to humanity. His efforts in poverty alleviation, heritage conservation, healthcare, and education will be remembered forever. The institutions run by the Aga Khan Foundation in Hyderabad are commendable."

Followers mourn their leader

The community in Hyderabad is shocked as the news of his demise was sudden. Many of them are yet to come to terms with the loss.

The community is planning a gathering in their masjid as more announcements from Portugal on the last rites are announced.

Last rites of Aga Khan

The funeral arrangements and the last rites details from Portugal will be given out shortly according to the media center note.

50th Imam to be appointed

Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV was the 49th Imam and according to the media center note the 50th Imam will be announced following the reading of his will.

Sudden demise of Aga Khan had led to rumours in the community that the 50th Imam has not been designated. But the media center note to the community and press says that the 50th Imam has been designated by Aga Khan.

Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV has four children Princess Zahra, eldest son Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad.

There is speculation in the community that the eldest son Prince Rahim will take over as the 50th Imam.