Source: Syria Today
His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili community and director of the Aga Khan Development Network, recently visited Syria. Syria Today takes a look at the network’s activities throughout the country.
What was the purpose of the Aga Khan’s visit to Syria in August?
The purpose was twofold. On the one hand, it is the 50th year of His Highness’ Imamat. As part of these celebrations, he is visiting countries in which there is a substantial Ismaili population. Syria is one such country. It’s also the only country with an Ismaili population that is Arab and it is therefore the oldest Ismaili community in the world. He is spending a considerable part of his visit with the community leadership and at two religious gatherings outside Damascus.
The second reason for the visit is to renew conversations with the Syrian government and key ministries concerning several development activities we are involved in. Our work in Syria started in 2001 when the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was celebrated in Aleppo. We then expanded our work to include historic conservation, restoration and the reuse of historic buildings with restorations at Masyaf and Saladin castles and Aleppo citadel. Since then we have further broadened our scope with projects in education, health, rural development and the hospitality industry.
Complete at the source: Syria Today
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