“The Garden has for many centuries served as a central element in Muslim culture. The Holy Qur’an, itself, portrays the Garden as a central symbol of a spiritual ideal – a place where human creativity and Divine majesty are fused, where the ingenuity of humanity and the beauty of nature are productively connected. Gardens are a place where the ephemeral meets the eternal, and where the eternal meets the hand of man.
The tradition of Islamic Gardens places an emphasis on human stewardship, our responsibility to nature and to protect the natural world. We see that principle expressed in the disciplined use of geometric form – framing the power and mystery of nature.
And, of course, the Garden of ancient tradition, like the Garden here today, is a place where – whatever difficult moments may come our way – we can always find, in the flow of refreshing water, a reminder of Divine blessing.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Inauguration of the Aga Khan Park, Toronto, Canada
May 25, 2015
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“Like Mali itself, this Park has the mission of upholding the country’s tradition of encounters and dialogue, while preserving the natural heritage and ecosystems of which man has stewardship, as the Holy Qur’an instructs us.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Inauguration ceremony of the National Park of Mali, Bamako, Mali
September 22, 2010
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“…this will be a wonderful setting for individual reflection and contemplation – inspired by the beauty of this place – including the sounds and the sight of running water – in itself a mysterious, ever-changing and always-inspiring natural force.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Inauguration of Khorog City Park
October 10, 2009
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
Ismailimail 