Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim Al-Husseini dies aged 88
The Aga Khan, leader of the Ismaili Muslims, and a notable supporter of Irish equestrian sport, has died aged 88. He was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world, through which he supported education, healthcare and cultural initiatives.
In 1926, his grandfather, Aga Khan III, Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah (1877–1957) donated the prestigious Aga Khan Challenge Trophy to the RDS, establishing the Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show in a move that was early recognition of the important role Ireland would play in global equestrian events.
The Aga Khan is the religious leader of a specific Muslim community called the Nizari Ismailis. This title is passed down through a family line believed to be direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad and five family members have held this title since it was first given in 1818. The first Aga Khan was Hasan Ali Shah Mahallati (1804–1881). He was succeeded by Aga Khan II – Shah Ali Shah (1830–1885), followed by Aga Khan III – Sir Sultan Mohammed Shah (1877–1957). The fourth Aga Khan, the 49th Imām, Prince Shah Karim al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV (1936–2025) took up the title in 1957 until his death this week. The title now passes to the 50th Imām, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Aga Khan V., who was born in 1971.
HISTORY
The Aga Khan name has become synonymous with Irish equestrian sport with the Aga Khan trophy competition being the annual highlight of the Dublin Horse Show.
In 1925, Colonel Ziegler of the Swiss army met Hon W.E. Wylie, K.C. and suggested that if Ireland could stage an international Show Jumping competition at Ballsbridge, it would be a great way of exhibiting and promoting Irish horses on a world platform. The Aga Khan at that time, Sultan Mohammed Shah, donated a magnificent trophy in 1926 in appreciation of all the pleasures he had had at previous horse shows and in gratitude of his Irish tutor, Mr. Kenny. The first competition was held in 1926 with the Aga Khan Trophy awarded to the winner of the “Nations Cup”.
The present Aga Khan trophy is the sixth in the series. The trophy has been won outright five times. By Switzerland in 1930, Ireland in 1937 and 1979, and by Britain in 1953 and 1975. Since its inception, nearly 50% of the horses that took part on victorious Aga Khan teams were Irish bred, with Ireland’s last Aga Khan Trophy win coming in 2022.
Maynooth University recognised the Aga Khan’s significant achievements when it awarded him an honorary law doctorate in 2008 for “outstanding contributions to the elimination of global poverty, the advancement of women, the promotion of Islamic culture and the furthering of pluralistic values in society.”
The President Of Ireland, Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the late Aga Khan this week and said:
“As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences on the death of the Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim Al-Husseini. As spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and a dedicated philanthropist, the Aga Khan made an exceptional contribution across his life to the causes of education, health and development across the world. The Aga Khan will of course be particularly remembered in Ireland for his deep connection with the sports of horseracing and Show Jumping, including his family’s long connection to the Aga Khan Trophy which is competed for each year during the Dublin Horse Show.
“I was pleased to welcome the Aga Khan to Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018, when we had the opportunity to discuss the importance of supporting sustainable development and the strengthening of civil society to improve the quality of life of poor and marginalised communities. As I noted on that occasion, at a time when many affect an indifference towards suffering, the Aga Khan endeavoured to address the root causes of conflict, promoting inter-cultural dialogue, pluralism, and the advancement of the status of women.
The Irish Horse Board extends their condolences to the Aga Khan’s family, and to all his many friends across the world.