Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 14 September 2025
Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Bishkek, accompanied by Prince Aly Muhammad, to preside over the prize-giving ceremony of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Hazar Imam 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 for Tajikistan; Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture; and Farrokh Derakhshani, Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
In his capacity as Chair of the Award’s steering committee, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted a welcome dinner this evening—accompanied by Prince Aly Muhammad, Prince Hussain and Princess Fareen—for international guests attending this cycle’s award ceremony events.
Bishkek, 15 September
Seven architectural projects that shield communities from climate risk, preserve cultural heritage and create affordable housing were honoured at the Aga Khan Award for Architecture prize-giving ceremony at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall. Mawlana Hazar Imam accompanied His Excellency Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, to preside over the ceremony.
The winning designs, which will share a prize of $1 million, demonstrate the power of architecture to address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Projects include flood-resistant bamboo homes that can be relocated when rivers shift; an incremental, community-led restoration of urban heritage; and a community centre that transforms abandoned oil company ruins into lively public space.
Distinguished laureates joined national officials, architecture experts, the Award’s Steering Committee and Master Jury, and other dignitaries for the event, which marks the culmination of the Award’s 16th triennial cycle. A series of events this week in Bishkek have brought together architects, designers, policymakers and community leaders to celebrate the transformative potential of architecture and urban planning to improve the world.
Established by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in 1977, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture spotlights projects that not only demonstrate design excellence, but also improve quality of life, and considers the contributions of municipalities, builders, clients, master artisans, and engineers alongside architects.
In his remarks, Chairman Kasymaliev spoke of its 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.” between people and nature.” Read Chairman Kasymaliev’s Speech
Mawlana Hazar Imam 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 will buffer that volatility and protect us all – and especially the most vulnerable – from climatic risk,” he said. “Great architecture,” he went on to say, “has the power to answer directly to the most acute development challenges, and to create the inclusive, safe, dignified world that we want for everyone.” Read Hazar Imam’s Speech
The ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of AKDN’s agreement of cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, a partnership which has led to significant contributions to the quality of life of communities in the country and wider region. These include the main campus of the University of Central Asia in Naryn; the Aga Khan School, Osh; the First MicroFinance Company; the Kyrgyz Investment Credit Bank; the Medical and Diagnostic Centre in Naryn; development initiatives supporting over 520,000 people in Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken and Naryn; and music and arts education.
Additional photos and information at AKDN and The.Ismaili
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