Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s historic visit to France
(Last updated: July 17, 2028, Prince Amyn honoured by France)
Please visit this page frequently for updates on His Highness the Aga Khan’s historic visit to France. For quick access to our updates posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
- July 10, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in France
- July 11, 2025 (1): His Highness the Aga Khan is received by President Emmanuel Macron and signs Agreements with France
- July 11, 2025 (2): Prince Amyn Aga Khan decorated by President Macron
- July 11, 2025 (3): His Highness the Aga Khan welcomed by the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot
- July 12, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan blesses his spiritual children, the Ismailis, with his first ever Didar in France
- July 13, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan Concludes historic visit to France with second Didar
___________________
July 13, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan concludes historic visit to France with second Didar, meets Ismaili youth and multi-faith members, and attends Institutional Luncheon
I could not have had a first official trip better than this one — His Highness the Aga Khan, Paris, July 13, 2025.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on July 13, 2025, graced the second half of the France jurisdiction Jamat with a didar and youth mulaqat, and met with multi-faith family members, before being hosted to an Institutional luncheon by Ismaili leaders. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, accompanied him for each of the day’s events.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
Speaking at the luncheon, Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France, expressed gratitude to Mawlana Hazar Imam for his visit to the country.
In his address, Mawlana Hazar Imam conveyed his gratitude to the leaders and volunteers of the Jamat, past and present, and expressed his profound joy and contentment with the visit. “I’m deeply happy — it has been a wonderful three days I could not have had a first official trip better than this one.”
Both days were full of emotion, happiness and provided an opportunity for the murids from across the jurisdiction of France to renew their bayʿah to our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam. He showered blessings on the Jamat and reminded us of his immense love and affection for the Jamat.
After the luncheon, Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the French government’s official representative to the Ismaili Imamat, and the delegation of Jamati leaders bade farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam, marking the end of his official visit.
External websites: Please click on the following link(s) for more coverage and photographs of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s second Didar in Paris (July 13, 2025), as he concludes his France visit:
JULY 13, 2025: THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 4), HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN IN FRANCE
The 4th and final episode of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit to France is now available for viewing on the Ismaili YouTube Channel. The video summarizes the Didars that Hazar Imam bestowed on the Jamats, including the youth, on July 12 and 13, 2025. Parts 1, 2 and 3 can be found in our earlier reports below.
___________________
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.
~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~
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):
~~~~~~~~
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.
___________________
July 11, 2025 (3): 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.
___________________
July 11, 2025 (2): Prince Amyn Aga Khan awarded Légion d’honneur
As I decorate you today, I am moved as I think of His late Highness the Aga Khan IV, and touched as I evoke his memory. As mentioned earlier, it was precisely, on 11th July, 68 years ago, that he became the Imam; spiritual leader of several million Nizari Ismailis, and a model of generosity for the entire world.”
A notable aspect of Mawlana Hazar Imam His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to the Palace to begin his official visit to France was the award of Officier de la Légion d’honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) bestowed on Prince Amyn Aga Khan by President Emmanuel Macron, in recognition of his many decades of work to improve the lives of people in France and beyond.
The Légion d’honneur is the highest and most prestigious French order of merit. It was bestowed on Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, in 2018, during his Diamond Jubilee (see flashback photo, below, with link to the event)
Story continues below
President Macron recalled during the ceremony that it was on this day [July 11] 68 years ago, that Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness, became the Imam of the Ismailis. In fondly remembering Mawlana Shah Karim, the older brother of Prince Amyn, President Emmanuel Macron said:
“As I decorate you today, I am moved as I think of His late Highness the Aga Khan IV, and touched as I evoke his memory. As mentioned earlier, it was precisely, on 11th July, 68 years ago, that he became the Imam; spiritual leader of several million Nizari Ismailis, and a model of generosity for the entire world.”
Story continues below, following flashback photos
FLASHBACK 2010: His Late Highness Aga Khan IV and Prince Amyn Aga Khan honoured for contributions to culture by France
~~~~~~~~
FLASHBACK 2018: His Late Highness Aga Khan IV Honoured with Officier de la Légion d’honneur
In his tribute to Prince Amyn, the President continued:
“Along with him, and through the Aga Khan Development Network, the AKDN, you have built a vast international network of development organisations — notably in health, education, and culture. From Toronto to Delhi, you have restored and protected many wonders of the Islamic world — and beyond: from gardens to Mosques, by way of the melodies of the oud, and many more. You are a worthy ambassador of this Republic of Arts and Letters, that we hold so dear.
“Ultimately, from the ballet at the UN to the elegance of the gardens, you continue to pursue the same ideal — harmony, of which your lineage is also a symbol, as are the values that France cherishes: compassion, tolerance, respect, and human dignity. Thus, for this humanism, this philanthropy, and this faith in our country, I am delighted today to present you with the insignia of Officer of the Legion of Honour.”
In his acceptance remarks, Prince Amyn thanked President Macron for the special honour, and spoke of France’s importance to him and his family.
“It is a country that is extremely dear to us, whose values we share,” he said. “It is a privilege to collaborate with many friends, partners, and institutions in France. And if I have had the privilege of contributing something of value to the country and its institutions, I am very happy and very proud of it.” Prince Amyn has served the Imamat, the Jamat, and the AKDN for nearly seven decades. He has made a significant contribution to the preservation of France’s cultural heritage.
(Related, see Thank you Letter to Prince Amyn in Simerg’s series Thanking Ismaili Historical Figure).
___________________
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 Ismaili: Prince Amyn awarded Légion d’honneur
- AFP: Emmanuel Macron receives Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at the Elysee Palace
- NEWSFLARE: French President Macron hosts Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in Paris for official visit
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam meets French President Emmanuel Macron
- Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA): France and the Aga Khan Network sign a cooperation agreement to support Syria
- AKDN: His Highness the Aga Khan meets French President Emmanuel Macron
- BMTV: Emmanuel Macron receiving Prince Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of Shiite Ismaili Muslims.
- Getty Images offers a fine gallery of photographs from the visit.
- AKDN: A common purpose: France and AKDN partner for health (not visit specific, but a reading of relevance and interest)
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
___________________
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 17, 2025.
________________
FEEDBACK AND Table of Contents
Before you leave, remember that Barakah’s editor, Malik, is here to assist yo u. If you have any questions or feedback, please scroll down to leave a comment or send an email to mmerchant@barakah.com. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the diverse and extensive content on Barakah’s Home Page or Table of Contents, with over 350 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. And don’t forget to visit our sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos. You can stay updated by following Malik on @Facebook, @X and @LinkedIn.
Barakah 
As always in the past, this extensive coverage of the
first visit of Hazar Imam His Highness Shah Rahim Aga
Khan as the 50th Hazar Imam to his followers under
the jurisdiction of the Ismaili Council for France is
indeed a must for all for long time to come but more so
for the youths – our future leaders. Malik, you deserve
our deep gratitude for such a glamorous post. Prayers
that you are in a position to serve the humanity for a
long time to come. Ameen.
Kamrudin Abdulrasul Rashid
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada.
July 14 2025
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing these momentous events with us.
LikeLike