Aga Khan

Imam of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims

Aga Khan is Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and leader of the Aga Khan Development Network.

He assumed his position on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

The Aga Khan Development Network focuses on health, education, culture, rural development, institution-building and the promotion of economic development. It is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.

Khan graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honors Degree in Islamic history.