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Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s historic visit to France
(Last updated: July 13, 2025, 10:22 AM, EDT)
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July 12, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses Ismailis with the first ever Didar since becoming the 50th Imam
Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, who inherited the Throne of Imamat from his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, on February 4, 2025, bestowed his first ever Didar (lit. a glimpse) upon his spiritual children who had gathered on July 12, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This was a powerful moment for the Ismaili community, as they demonstrated their unity by coming together from various countries under the jurisdiction of the Aga Khan Council for France. A second Didar will be held on July 13 for Ismailis from the remaining French jurisdiction countries that did not participate on July 12.
Aside from the joy and happiness the Jamat experienced during their first-ever mulaqat (meeting) with their Imam in Paris, their brothers and sisters worldwide were also joyful for them. They have been offering supplications and prayers for their beloved Imam to visit them soon. Mawlana Hazar Imam had expressed his wish during his Takhtnashini Farman made on February 11, 2025, that he would very much look forward to visiting the Jamats and meeting with the leaders of the countries where the Jamats live.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by his two sons, Prince Irfan (10 years old) and Prince Sinan (8), conveyed guidance and blessings for the worldwide Jamat. His deep gratitude towards the volunteers for their tireless efforts in organizing the visit was evident.
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The Mukhi Saheb of Paris Principal Jamatkhana submitted Bayah (oath of allegiance) to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat, and Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France, delivered a welcome address. Hazar Imam had a separate mulaqat for young members of the Jamat. It was a testament to his personal connection with them, making them feel a significant part of the community he leads.
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To commemorate the historic event, the Jamat prepared an art installation entitled Ensemble-Together, representing the community’s individual and collective stories. The artwork is a visual narrative of the Jamat’s historical journey, made up of symbolic plants and fruits including the Mangrove, which represents migration across the Indian Ocean — from Gujarat to Madagascar and East Africa; an Olive Tree, symbolising the welcome the Jamat found in France and the countries of its jurisdiction; the Pomegranate, honouring members of the Jamat from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and India; the Fig, commemorating those who journeyed from Syria and other parts of the world; and Grape Leaves, representing the extension of the community to include family members from different faiths and backgrounds.
The fruits and leaves were inscribed with hundreds of hand-written messages by members of the Jamat and multi-faith family members of all ages, expressing their commitment to care for the environment and to serve the Imam and his Jamat.
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External websites: Please click on the following link(s) for more coverage and photographs of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar in Paris (July 12, 2025):
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JULY 11 – JULY 12, 2025: THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 3), HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN MEETS FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER AND ARRIVES AT THE DIDAR VENUE IN PARIS
The following YouTube posting by The Ismaili (Part 3) includes a brief recording of Mawlana Hazar Imam arriving at the venue in Paris for his historic Didar and being warmly received by the Jamati leadership. The video host also introduces the art installation, Ensemble-Together, a powerful representation of the community’s individual and collective stories and tributes. The video’s primary focus is on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s earlier meeting with the French Foreign Minister (see below), which took place on July 11.
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July 11, 2025 (2): His Highness the Aga Khan welcomed to Quai d’Orsay by the Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Noël Barrot
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, was welcomed to Quai d’Orsay, the seat of France’s Foreign Ministry, by the Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot. This followed his visit to Élysée Palace, where he met President Macron to begin his official visit to France
In welcoming the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, the Foreign Minister expressed the country’s shared desire to cooperate with the Ismaili Imamat in the service of the common good.
He said: “We are doing so with a high level of ambition to build together a global, coherent and effective vision.” He further expressed the hope that the “partnership will take us as far as possible along this path of responsibility, towards peace, development and the promotion of human dignity.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam also met with government officials, including the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, at Place Beauvau, the official residence of the Minister of the Interior.
Two agreements in the field of culture were signed: between the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH); and between AKTC and the Musée Guimet. These agreements formalise ongoing cooperation and create the framework for new projects.
External websites: Please click on the following link(s) for more coverage and photographs of the Aga Khan’s visit to France:
Posts on X
An English translation of the X post: I had the pleasure of welcoming to Beauvau His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims. Our discussions focused on the organization of Islam in France and the ties that the Republic maintains with the Ismaili community present in our territory.
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July 11, 2025 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan is received by Emmanuel Macron; signs three Agreements with the French Republic
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, was received on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Élysée Palace by President Macron for a luncheon and private discussions to begin his official visit to France. He was accompanied by his uncle, Prince Amyn, and his brothers, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad, along with leaders of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The following three agreements were signed at the Élysée:
1. Agreement between the French Republic and the Ismaili Imamat
The agreement reinforces a long-standing and deep relationship. It spans the domains of development investment, humanitarian support, health care, education, higher education and research, culture and the arts, agriculture development, food security, infrastructure, environmental protection and the fight against climate change, and social cohesion. It also facilitates dialogue and cooperation in matters of international relations, with the aim of fostering peace and stability, reinforcing a respect for pluralism, developing a strong and effective civil society, and promoting interfaith dialogue. The agreement recognises the presence of the Ismaili Imamat in France, including through official representation between the two parties and a joint coordinating committee.
2. Declaration of Intention to Cooperate in Syria
France and the Ismaili Imamat signed a declaration confirming their intention to cooperate for the successful and peaceful transition in Syria, protection of human dignity, rebuilding resilience and resettling displaced people. Cooperation will include responses to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, and investments in the foundation for the sustainable, long-term development of the country, including rebuilding the economy through agricultural support and entrepreneurship; reinforcing the healthcare system; and providing cultural support to create employment and catalyse economic growth.
3. Declaration of Intention to Cooperate in the Indian Ocean Region
France and the Ismaili Imamat signed a declaration of their intention to cooperate on the regeneration of coastal zones and marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean region. Notably, this initiative will include support for the reconstruction and sustainable development of Mayotte. The partnership will encompass four key priorities: protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, in particular mangroves; the promotion of nature-based solutions to respond to the climate crisis; the development of opportunities in the blue and green economies; and the reduction of pressure on coastal and marine zones by improved access to drinking water, energy, waste management and improved agricultural practices. The agreement envisages the joint mobilisation of Euro 100 million to support action in Mayotte, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania.
His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit reinforces a longstanding relationship, spanning decades and across multiple areas of endeavour. For more than three decades, AKDN and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have cooperated in areas of mutual concern, involving more than 60 projects in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. AKDN is a founding member of the Paris Peace Forum. His family has enjoyed close relations with France going back over 75 years. His father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, was well-known and respected for his contributions to France in culture, tourism, diplomacy, and thoroughbred racing, amongst other areas.
Members of the Ismaili community have lived in France for more than six decades and contribute actively to the strength and prosperity of the country. On July 12 and 13 July, Hazar Imam will grace the Jamat of France, Switzerland, Belgium and Côte d’Ivoire with didar.
July 11, 2025: More coverage on external websites
Please click on the following links for videos and photographs of His Highness the Aga Khan being received by the French President as he commences his official visit to France:
The following official video, posted by The Ismaili (Part 2), provides a comprehensive overview of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s first full day visit to France. Hazar Imam and members of his family were received at Palais de l’Élysée by Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. The Ismaili will be updating their website regularly, and we encourage you to visit their postings for more information.
JULY 11, 2025: THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 2), HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN MEETS PRESIDENT MACRON
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July 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in France – His first in a series of inaugural visits to his Ismaili followers as their 50th Hereditary Imam
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, arrived in France on the evening of Thursday, July 10, 2025. This marks a historic moment, as it is his first Jamati (community) visit to any part of the world since succeeding to the Throne of Imamat on February 4, 2025.
At the invitation of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the French government’s official representative to the Ismaili Imamat. Shamir Samdjee, the Ismaili Imamat’s representative to France, and Aiaze Mitha, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for France, were also present. Diwan Shafik Sachedina, who has served the Ismaili Imamat loyally for several decades, was also in attendance. A delegation of Jamati leaders, representing the Jamats from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Côte d’Ivoire, warmly welcomed Hazar Imam, showcasing the unity and strength of the Ismaili community.
During his visit, Hazar Imam will meet with President Emmanuel Macron and senior officials of the French government.
He will also grace the French jurisdiction Jamat with Didar (lit. a glimpse). Didar is a profound spiritual experience that connotes both the physical meeting with the Imam and the feeling of his spiritual presence. As the Imam-of-the-Time, descended from Imam Ali, Hazar Imam is the current bearer of the Nur (also Noor) or Light of Imamat, through which his followers seek the elevation of their souls. The following supplications by the 14th-century Ismaili missionary and Pir, Hasan Kabirdin, fondly express the Ismailis’ yearning for their Imam and his status:
Transliteration
Eji, Aash Karine Ya Ali hun tere dar ubhi,
Kar jodine em mangu Ya Shah;
Dejo didar tusi mahavar datar Shah,
Hama tere charane lagu.
Translation
With hope I stand at Thy door,
O Ali! And sincerely beg of Thee;
Bless me with Thy Holy Didar,
O Great Lord and Benefactor!
At Thy Feet I fall to prostrate
and
O Exalted Islam Shah [Imam-of-the-Time]
Our Lord and Master of the Age,
To you our hearts devoutly supplicate,
O the Eternal King and Lord of our souls!
Grace us with your visit to the Indian Subcontinent
[The Imam’s base at the time was in Iran.]
O Ali! You are Eternal,
You are the Lord of Eternity.
You alone are the Knower of the End,
Of the End that has no End.
The anticipation and excitement for this visit, a globally significant event, have been overwhelming, creating a buzz and energy that is palpable to all. The preparations, which have been underway in France for several weeks, reflect this excitement. The visit was announced in a Talika from Mawlana Hazar Imam, read out to the worldwide Jamat on May 30, 2025. Then, on June 15, the youth of the Jamat under the jurisdiction of the France Aga Khan Council learnt that Mawlana Hazar Imam would give them separate Mulaqats, adding to the eagerness for the upcoming events.
Two days ago, we were thrilled to learn that all his inaugural visits would be underpinned by the motif of Nur. The worldwide Jamat is eagerly anticipating these visits, feeling spiritually connected as Mawlana Hazar Imam, the bearer of the Light of Imamat, bestows his loving blessings on his spiritual children during his presence with them. We look forward to covering the visit through official reports published by the Ismaili and AKDN websites, as well as our readers’ personal accounts of the Mulaqat with Hazar Imam. Our coverage will be comprehensive, with links to external media reporting on the visit.
The following official video, posted by The Ismaili, provides a comprehensive summary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in France. It offers glimpses of the significant work carried out by hundreds of dedicated Jamati members in preparation for the mulaqats taking place over the weekend. The Ismaili will be updating their website regularly, and we encourage you to visit their postings for more information.
JULY 10, 2025: THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 1), ARRIVAL OF HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
Date posted: July 11, 2025.
Last updated: July 13, 2025 (10:22 AM, EDT).
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