Inspiring younger generations to build with environmental care, knowledge and empathy is among the greatest aims of this Award. Architecture today must engage with the climate crisis, enhance education and nourish our shared humanity. Through it, we plant seeds of optimism — quiet acts of resilience that grow into spaces of belonging, where the future may thrive in dignity and hope. — His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to KYRGYZSTAN
LATEST UPDATE: This page was last updated September 25, 2025, to reflect information about a special stamp issued by Kyrgyz Post to honour the Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony in Kyrgyzstan. Click HERE to read the update.
For quick access to our updates posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
- September 16, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with AKAA Steering Committee members
- September 16, 2025: Ismaili Update 3, Video: His Highness the Aga Khan meets AKAA Steering Committee, and wrap up of the 16th Award Cycle
- September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan presides over the Aga Khan Award for Architecture presentation ceremony
- September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan holds discussions with Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers
- September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan participates in stamp cancellation ceremony
- September 15, 2025: Ismaili Update 2, Video: Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize giving and stamp cancellation ceremonies
- September 14, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Bishkek
- September 14, 2025: Ismaili Update 1, Video: His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival in Bishkek
- September 14 – September 16, 2025: Media Coverage of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Kyrgyzstan
- Pre-Arrival news, events and announcements
- Media coverage of AKAA winning projects and related events
September 16, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan meets with the AKAA Steering committee; Seminar wraps up the award cycle
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on Tuesday, September 16, 20225, met with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Steering Committee, accompanied by Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad.
The Award winners’ seminar was also hosted on the same day at the Ala Archa State Residence in Bishkek, where guests discussed the power of architecture to bridge cultures, generations, and seemingly impossible contradictions. The Winners’ Seminar is traditionally held after the Award Ceremony. It offers a platform for architects, clients, designers, patrons, and academics to discuss each of the Award winning projects, and the resulting positive impact on their social and natural environments.
“Today’s Award seminar was a neat wrap-up of the entire 16th cycle,” said Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award. “It allowed the Steering Committee, Master Jury, and on-site reviewers to demonstrate why projects were selected for the Award and to share the narrative thread that tied these projects together: community, society, and optimism.”
~~~~~~~
September 16, 2025: Ismaili Update 3, Video: His Highness the Aga Khan meets AKAA Steering Committe, and wrap up of the 16th Award Cycle
___________________
September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan presides over the the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize giving ceremony
It is almost 50 years since our late father established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. I say “our father” because my brothers are here. The Award ceremonies were ones our father looked forward to tremendously. And I would like to thank all the people who worked with him over the many decades to make this Award such a vital part of his legacy — His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Bishkek, September 15, 2025.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, on the evening of September 15, 2025, presided over the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall in Bishkek, and honoured seven innovative architecture projects that respond to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
He was accompanied by the chief guest, His Excellency Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. His family members Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Hussain, and Princess Fareen were also present, along with leaders of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Distinguished laureates representing the winning projects from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, and Palestine collected their certificates to applause from national officials, architecture experts, the Award’s Steering Committee and Master Jury, and other dignitaries at the highly-anticipated event, which marks the culmination of the Award’s 16th triennial cycle. They will share a total prize of US $1 million, one of the largest in the field.
~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
In his remarks to guests, Chairman Kasymaliev spoke of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture’s history and contributions over the past 48 years: “This Award, which holds special significance for the global community, has for nearly half a century been not only a recognition of outstanding architectural projects but also a symbol of humanism, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of harmony between people and nature.” (Read Chairman Kasymaliev’s full speech HERE).
Story continues below
His Highness the Aga Khan elaborated on the importance of this pursuit: “Today, with the climate more volatile than ever, architects have a great responsibility, and an opportunity, to use their creativity to design the buildings that buffer that volatility and protect us all –especially the most vulnerable — from climatic risk,” he said.
“This quality,” he described, “was at the heart of the jury’s concerns in this cycle of the award.”
As well as environmental justice, the built environment is well placed to help solve issues of social justice, Hazar Imam explained in his address: “It is not an exaggeration to say that affordability of our housing, ease of access to green space, education, health, and cultural heritage all hinge on the creativity of our architects and the wisdom of our civic planners.”
Referring to his late father once again, His Highness the Aga Khan said:
“One of the reasons that our father was so passionate about architecture was its power to improve the lives of the poor and marginalised, which is why this Award places such emphasis on buildings that address social and environmental needs. To quote my father: ‘I believe profoundly that architecture is not just about building. It is a means of improving people’s quality of life. At its best, it should mirror the plurality of cultural traditions and the diverse needs of communities… Each generation must leave for its successors a wholesome and sustainable social and physical environment.” (Read His Highness the Aga Khan’s full speech HERE).
~~~~~~~~
September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and Kyrgyzstan discuss bilateral cooperation
KABAR, the Kyrgyz National News Agency reports that His Highness the Aga Khan and Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, have met ahead of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony, September 15, 2025.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, including those in the fields of education, healthcare, tourism, and social development. Adylbek Kasymaliev noted the significant role of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan, especially its contribution to the implementation of important projects in various sectors of the economy and social sphere.
Chairman Kasymaliev highlighted the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) activities in Naryn, which offer excellent opportunities for the youth of Kyrgyzstan and the entire region to receive a quality education.
Conveying the greetings of Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Republic, Chairman Kasymaliev also thanked His Highness for choosing Kyrgyzstan as the venue for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony.
____________________
September 15, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan and Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev cancel Aga Khan Award for Architecture Stamp
In a special news feature, the website of Kyrgyz Post writes:
“On September 15, 2025, a solemn ceremony of cancellation of a postage stamp dedicated to one of the most prestigious international awards in the field of architecture — the Aga Khan Award — took place in Bishkek.
“The event was attended by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic – Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev and Khanzada Rahim Aga-Khan V.
“The main image of the stamp is the building of the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic named after Toktogul Satylganov, a symbol of the cultural heritage and public space of the country.
Story continues below
~~~~~~~~
“The background of the stamp sheet is decorated with images of mountains, forests and yurts, reflecting the beauty of the nature of Kyrgyzstan and the harmonious combination of traditions with modern architecture. This edition is an initiative aimed at reflecting the social values and cultural uniqueness of the country through the prism of architecture.”
~~~~~~~~
September 15, 2025: Video: His Highness the Aga Khan holds discussions with Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev
~~~~~~~~
September 15, 2025: Ismaili Update 2, Video: His Highness the Aga Khan presides over Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony
This video has highlights from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony and the special stamp cancellation ceremony to commemorate Bishkek hosting this year’s Award events.
____________________
September 14, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the prize-giving ceremony of the 16th Cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
The Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community, has announced the arrival of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, in Bishkek for the prize-giving ceremony. This global event, which is eagerly anticipated by the Ismaili community, the Muslim world and the world of architecture, will honour the seven projects that were selected by an International Master Jury as winners of the 16th Cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
His Highness was received at the airport by Mr Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers; Mr Samat Eshmuhambetovich Dzanteliev, First Deputy Minister of Construction & Architecture; Barkat Fazal, AKDN Representative; Muzaffar Jorubov, President of the Ismaili Council; and Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Accompanying him was his brother, Prince Aly Muhammad. Later, his brother Prince Hussain, with his wife Prince Fareen, joined them when Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a dinner for international guests attending this cycle’s award ceremony events.
The prize-giving ceremony will be live-streamed on The Ismaili TV, ensuring that the global Ismaili community, architects and everyone who has been following this unique endeavour for the past several years can join in the event. Coverage will begin at the following times:
- 6:00 AM (New York, Toronto);
- 11:00 AM (London, Lisbon);
- 12:00 (Paris, Berlin);
- 13:00 (Nairobi, Kampala);
- 15:00 (Karachi);
- 15:30 (Mumbai, Delhi); and
- 16:00 (Bishkek).
~~~~~~~~
Post by The Ismaili on X: His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival in Bishkek
~~~~~~~~
September 14, 2025: Video: Arrival of His Highness the Aga Khan
~~~~~~~~
September 14, 2025: Ismaili Update 1, Video: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Ismaili Update 1 highlights His Highness the Aga Khan’s arrival in Bishkek on September 14, 2025, and the dinner that he hosted later for international guests attending the Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony.
________________
Media Coverage: His Highness the Aga Khan in Kyrgyzstan
External media coverage: The following is a selection of links to media coverage on the visit of His Highness the Aga Khan to Kyrgyzstan for the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture presentation ceremony:
- The Ismaili: Architects look with optimism to future of built environment
- The Ismaili: Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony honours creative solutions to global challenges
- AKDN: Remarks of His Highness the Aga Khan at the Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony
- BSS News (Banglades): Marina Tabassum receives Aga Khan Award for architecture
- Kyrgyz National News Agency: Aga Khan Award for Architecture held in Bishkek
- AKCHABAR: Kyrgyzstan hosted the 16th Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony
- Egypt Today: Egypt receives Aga Khan Award for Architecture for Historic Esna Revitalization Project
- 24 KG: Bishkek hosts talks on new cooperation projects with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
- AKCHBAR: A ceremony was held in Bishkek to cancel a new postage stamp dedicated to the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Kyrgyz National News Agency: Kyrgyzstan and Aga Khan Development Network continues fruitful cooperation
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Kyrgyz Republic
- 24.KG: Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrives in Kyrgyzstan to present Architecture Award
__________________
Pre-arrival News, Events and Announcements
“The 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture is Coming to Bishkek”
“The 2025 Award is coming to Bishkek because of the 25-year relationship between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Development Network. By bringing international experts here, we hope to foster the exchange of ideas and dialogue,” said Farrokh Derakhshani, Global Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) during a series of lectures held recently in Naryn and Bishkek. The event was titled ‘Architecture & Optimism’, a celebration of the positive impact architecture can have on our future (please read the report at source on the University of Central Asia website)
On September 15, seven winning projects that were selected by the Master Jury of the 16th AKAA Cycle, as highlighted in an earlier story in this post, will be presented with certificates and share a USD 1 million prize fund — one of the most significant awards in the field of architecture. These winning projects, each unique and innovative in its own right, showcase the breadth and depth of architectural innovation. Public lectures, exhibitions, and a major architectural seminar will follow on September 16.
The Award ceremony will be presided over by the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Established in 1977 by his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is presented every three years to projects that set new benchmarks in architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and landscape design. The first Award Ceremony took place in Lahore, Pakistan, in October 1980, forty-five years ago.
The 2025 AKAA events also coincide with the 25th anniversary of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Aga Khan Development Network, as well as the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the University of Central Asia — underscoring a shared commitment to cultural dialogue and sustainable development. Approximately 200 officials, architects, and scholars from around the world will gather with their Central Asian counterparts to discuss architecture’s vital role in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and quality of life.
________________
MASTER JURY ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 16TH AKAA CYCLE
(A version of this announcement appeared in the original post, September 2, 2025)
The independent Master Jury of the 16th Award Cycle (2023-2025) has selected seven winners after considering on-site reviews of shortlisted projects that were announced in June. The recipients, representing a diverse range of architectural styles and approaches, explore architecture’s capacity to serve as a catalyst for pluralism, community resilience, social transformation, cultural dialogue and climate-responsive design. They will share the $1 million award, one of the largest in the field of architecture, at the Award ceremony to be held at the Toktogul Satylganov Kyrgyz National Philharmonic in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on September 15, 2025. The Award will not only reward architects, but also municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans and engineers who have played important roles in the projects.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established in 1977 by His late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence. The Award’s selection process emphasises architecture that not only provides for people’s physical, social and economic needs, but that also stimulates and responds to their cultural aspirations. In the past 16 triennial cycles of the Award, 136 projects have been awarded and nearly 10,000 building projects documented.
The Award is now governed by a Steering Committee chaired by the late Aga Khan’s successor, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. Reflecting on the awards, the new 50th Ismaili Imam has emphasized the aims of the Awards as follows:
“Inspiring younger generations to build with environmental care, knowledge and empathy is among the greatest aims of this Award. Architecture today must engage with the climate crisis, enhance education and nourish our shared humanity. Through it, we plant seeds of optimism – quiet acts of resilience that grow into spaces of belonging, where the future may thrive in dignity and hope.”
From September 14 to 16, the capital of Kyrgyzstan will host a ceremony to present one of the most prestigious international awards in architecture—the Aga Khan Award. The event is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan Development Network — Akchabar, September 1, 2025
Architectural magazines and journals from around the world have featured special articles and reports on the winners of the 16th award cycle. This recognition is a testament to the importance and impact of the AKAA, which has been on a historical journey since its establishment in 1976, with the first award ceremony held in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1980.
~~~~~~~
Media Coverage
External media coverage: The following is a selection of world media coverage on the winning projects of the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture and events that have occurred before His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Kyrgyzstan on September 14, 2025.
- Kyrgyz National News Agency: UCA and AKDN host Aga Khan Award for Architecture events in Bishkek and Naryn
- AKDN: Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 winners
- Monocle: The Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 winners highlight bold visions and optimistic outlooks
- Arcomai: Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025: Beyond Buildings
- The Architect’s Newspaper: AAU ANASTAS, and others receive 2025 Aga Khan Awards for Architecture
- Dezeen: Winners of Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 revealed
- Architectural Record: Winners of the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Announced
- Kazinform International News Agency: Bishkek to host 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Akchabar: The Aga Khan Award for Architecture ceremony will be held in Bishkek for the first time
- Arch Daily: “Our Message This Time Was Optimism”: In Conversation with Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Domus: Architecture improving the life of communities: the winners of the Aga Khan Award 2025
- Tehran Times: Iranian projects shine in 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Gulf Today: Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 winners to be honoured in Kyrgyzstan
- NileFM: Egypt Shines At Aga Khan Award For Architecture With Esna’s Stunning Revival
- New Age Bangladesh: Yunus congratulates Marina on winning Aga Khan Award for Architecture for second time
- The Hindu: Bangladesh, Pakistan among Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 winners
- Green Prophet: The 2025 Aga Khan Architecture Winners: Building Resilience and Community
- Wallpaper: Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025 winners announced
- Stir World: The 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture winners redefine community and resilience
- The Bustler: Seven projects win 2023-25 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Arquitectura Viva: Aga Khan Award for Architecture winners for 2025
- World Architects: Winners of the 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Parameteric Architecture: 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture Announces 7 Winners Worldwide
- Canadian Architect: 2025 Aga Khan Award for Architecture winners announced
Date posted: September 4, 2025.
Last updated: September 25, 2025 (stamp cancellation update).
________________
Free subscription, FEEDBACK AND Table of Contents
Please click SUBSCRIBE and enter your email address to receive update notifications from Barakah. Before you leave, remember that Barakah’s editor, Malik, is here to assist you. 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 and by subscribing to Barakah.
Barakah 
Thank you for the fabulous service to mankind🙏🕉️🕉️🕉️🙏
LikeLike