Mawlana Shah Karim Honoured by Canadian Architectural Institute for Global Legacy

MONTREAL, _The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has posthumously inducted Mawlana Shah Karim, also known as His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, as an Honorary Fellow of the RAIC College, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to global architecture and community development.

The convocation ceremony took place on June 3, 2025, in Montreal, where Dr Mahmoud Eboo, the Representative of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada, accepted the award on behalf of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

The RAIC bestows the Honorary Fellowship on individuals of international distinction who have rendered exceptional service to the field or the global community. Mawlana Shah Karim was recognized for his visionary leadership in transforming architecture into a vehicle for social, cultural, and environmental advancement.

RAIC President Jonathan Bisson presented the citation, which highlighted Mawlana Shah Karim’s “remarkable accomplishments” through initiatives like the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the globally respected Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977. The award promotes architectural excellence that aligns with pluralistic values and responds to community-specific needs.

Mawlana Shah Karim’s philosophy toward architecture emphasized the human experience within built spaces. In his 2013 RAIC Gold Medal acceptance speech, he noted:
“The quality of our lives is fundamentally shaped by the spaces in which we live… They are spaces where we work, learn, heal, congregate, and reflect.”

This ethos has guided numerous development projects under his leadership, aiming to uplift communities and preserve cultural heritage through innovative and context-sensitive architecture.

Dr Eboo, in his address, extended gratitude on behalf of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the Aga Khan family, and the Ismaili Muslim Community, stating:
“The legacy he leaves behind through extraordinary structures is a reflection of his commitment to spaces that can be transformational and bring beauty, joy, and harmony to all.”

The RAIC’s tribute further cements Mawlana Shah Karim’s role as a pioneer of architectural humanism, whose initiatives have impacted communities from Asia and Africa to the Middle East and North America.

The upcoming 16th cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, scheduled for later this year, continues this legacy of promoting excellence in architecture that uplifts human dignity.