www.ismaili.net

Admin wrote:There can never be 2 Imams at the same time. Prince Alykhan was never appointed Imam. He was asked to perform some rituals on behalf of Sultan Muhammad Shah but even when the Jamat started calling Prince Alykhan as "Wali Ahad" SMS sent a talika to tell the Jamat not to use that title for Prince Alykhan. There is no space for confusion in this regard.

I know this is an old comment, but it's actually incorrect. Well, it's a source of confusion. The Arabic title 'Imam' can apply to more than one person: the example of Hasan and Husayn is a perfect one.

However, only one Imam is "permanent", meaning the title passes through him to his successor: the other has the title but is not a lineage-holder: he doesn't have the nass.

This was the case with Hasan and Husayn: Hasan was ranked as Imam, but he wasn't the "second Imam": Ali was the Asaas (Foundation), followed by Husayn, whose son Zaynu l-Abidin received the nass from Husayn.

Subtle but crucial theological point.

There is a video of Prince Alykhan visiting the Pakistan Jamat at:

Video 1 - Prince Aly Salman = http://bit.ly/1N4MNz
Video 2 - Prince Aly Salman = http://bit.ly/d0OzW
Video 3 - Prince Aly Salman = http://bit.ly/UOvqP
Video 4 - Prince Aly Salman = http://bit.ly/enRh9

TheMaw wrote:

Admin wrote:There can never be 2 Imams at the same time. Prince Alykhan was never appointed Imam. He was asked to perform some rituals on behalf of Sultan Muhammad Shah but even when the Jamat started calling Prince Alykhan as "Wali Ahad" SMS sent a talika to tell the Jamat not to use that title for Prince Alykhan. There is no space for confusion in this regard.

I know this is an old comment, but it's actually incorrect. Well, it's a source of confusion. The Arabic title 'Imam' can apply to more than one person: the example of Hasan and Husayn is a perfect one.

However, only one Imam is "permanent", meaning the title passes through him to his successor: the other has the title but is not a lineage-holder: he doesn't have the nass.

This was the case with Hasan and Husayn: Hasan was ranked as Imam, but he wasn't the "second Imam": Ali was the Asaas (Foundation), followed by Husayn, whose son Zaynu l-Abidin received the nass from Husayn.

Subtle but crucial theological point.

Prince Aly was not Imam and he was not Pir.
There was message of Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah at Cannes, 11th January, 1953 in which Imam told the jamat not to use the word Vali Ahad for His son Prince Aly. Imam also told the jamat that at present there was no independent Pir and He was himself holding the position.
The message/Talika of Imam Sultan Mohamed Shah is in the book
"Mowlana Hazir Imam's Guidance and Advice in spiritual and Worldly matters to Ismailis of Africa." published by Ismailia Association for Africa 1955

Remembering Prince Aly Khan (June 13, 1911 – May 12, 1960)

May 12, 2011 marks the 51st anniversary of the demise, in a tragic car accident, of Prince Aly Khan, beloved father of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn Muhammad Aga Khan and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. In his remembrance Simerg publishes excerpts from a speech made by him at the Council of Islamic Affairs, New York on May 27th 1958, when he was Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations. The reading includes selected historical photos from the UN archives and other sources.

http://simerg.com/literary-readings/isl ... ly-s-khan/

Prince Aly Khan Birth Centenary: Rare Photos from Nagpur and Lourenço Marques

June 13, 2011, marks the centenary of the birth of Prince Aly Solomone Khan, loving son of our 48th Imam, Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, and beloved father of Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, Prince Amyn Muhammad Aga Khan and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan.

We fondly remember Prince Aly Khan by presenting to our readers a small yet unique collection of his photographs taken in Nagpur, India, and Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), Mozambique.

The five Nagpur photos are from the personal collection of Samsu Jalali of Atlanta, Georgia, and were taken between 1955-1957. The Lourenço Marques photos are from the collection of Alwaez and Alwaeza Jehangir Merchant who served as religious education teachers and honorary Alwaezin in Mozambique from 1954-1962. The photos were taken in the first half of 1957, a few months before Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah passed away.

Simerg is indebted to Mr. Jalali and and Mr. Merchant for sharing the photos with its readers. These pictures have been preserved in their respective family albums for more than 50 years.

simerg.com/historical-photographs-aspects-of-life-in-the-ismaili-community-1875-2010/historical-photos-aspects-of-life-in-the-ismaili-community-1875-1957/rare-photos-of-prince-aly-khan-in-the-service-of-the-jamat-on-behalf-of-the-48th-imam/

The legend of Prince Aly Khan
From the Newspaper | Masood Haider | 28th March, 2012 0

LEGEND has it that when the late Prince Aly Khan (a son of the late Aga Khan) was Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations in the late 1950s, the evening receptions he hosted at the Pakistan House in New York were hugely popular and well-attended.

According to one old veteran of the paparazzi, everybody who was anybody in New York’s party circuit wanted to come to Pakistan House.

The cards to the ambassador’s party were reportedly sold to some rich people for $500. Why?

Well, because Prince Aly Khan was once married to the famous Hollywood beauty Rita Hayworth, was known for his love of fast cars and women and because so called A-list movie stars as well as UN diplomats came to his parties.

According to Wikipedia, “In Nov 1957, Aly Khan met President Iskander Mirza and was offered a service as the country’s permanent spokesman in the United Nations, whose formal announcement was made on Feb 6, 1958.”

The New York Times said that “as a member of the United Nations Political and Security Committee representing Pakistan, Aly Khan’s brief UN posting was viewed with surprise by many observers”. He was elected vice president of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 17, 1958, and also served as chairman of the UN’s Peace Observation Committee.

I am told by veteran correspondent Iftikhar Ali of the APP that although Prince Aly Khan’s appointment was opposed by many in Pakistan, when he spoke in the UN General Assembly all press cameras and reporters’ eyes focused on him. He spoke eloquently about all the issues concerning Pakistan, including Kashmir.

For Pakistan, it was a great bonus. He got great press because of his flamboyant personality, as did Pakistan’s viewpoint. Aly Khan never took a salary except for $1, and even when he threw lavish parties from the Pakistan house, he footed the whole bill.

This March, besides UN diplomats hundreds of Pakistanis came to the Pakistan Day reception. The place was so packed it was impossible not to bump into people. Since the Pakistan cricket team had won a cliffhanger of a match against Bangladesh, people were eager to exchange notes.

Indian Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, whose friendship with Pakistan’s envoy to the UN, Abdullah Husain Haroon, has become quite famous, was there. Mr Puri was immediately nabbed by PTV cameramen and reporters and after spending a little time there, both were gone. When asked where Mr Haroon had suddenly gone, his press officer said that “he was not feeling well and had to leave”.

One of the reasons for the huge turnout of the Pakistani community was an announcement in a local Pakistani newspaper that March 22 would be an open party for all. But a big factor was the Pakistan cricket team’s victory and people wanted to exchange greetings.

Just a couple of days earlier, on the occasion of Nauroz, Iran, Pakistan and India, along with nine other regional countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan ) held a huge ceremony at the United Nations General Assembly, attended by hundreds of diplomats and representatives from all of New York’s communities. On that occasion, the Indian ambassador gave a brief speech which was applauded by the crowd. Mr Haroon gave an almost 25-minute long speech. He referred to Mr Puri three times but the latter makes it a point to not bring up the subject of their friendship. Mr Haroon is, on his own, quite popular in the diplomatic community.

Most diplomats speak in glowing terms about his lavish parties during which he serves Pakistani dishes which he says are cooked according to his mother’s recipes. His own passion for cooking is also palpable as he describes the ingredients of every dish.

As in case of Prince Aly Khan, Mr Haroon also says he never charges the Foreign Office for the great lunches he hosts at restaurants.

http://dawn.com/2012/03/28/the-legend-o ... -aly-khan/

Aly Khan Presents Credentials 1958..

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/aly-k ... y/Aga+Khan

Powerful Message from Prince Aly Khan:

"Unity and self-effacement are the greatest contributions we can make individually to the rest of the community.

By self-effacement, I mean the forgetting of oneself sometimes and making one’s personal interests subservient to those of the largest number. If self-effacement is achieved, the foundation of unity will have been well and truly laid.

For, at present, it is the consciousness of one’s self-importance and dignity which is making people forget their duties and responsibilities, and indulge in petty squabbles and bitter trivialities.

The welfare of the Ismailis is so near and dear to my heart that I cannot light-heartedly bring myself to overlook the weak points of the community. It is by recognizing our own faults that we can hope to improve.

Let us realize that in the matter of helping our brethren we have much to learn from our sister communities, and that if we ever hope to achieve what we have set out to, we must resolutely follow the principles of the faith,

be guided by the lives of men like Hasan bin Sabah and Pir Sadar Din and concentrate on the two most important principles of life — namely, Unity and Service of the Imam-e-Zaman and Community.”

(Ismaili, India, February 2, 1941)

Bettina was with Prince Aly Khan when he had the fatal car crush.

In the mid-1950s she was persuaded by Prince Aly Khan to retire from modelling and settle down to a quiet, albeit luxurious, domestic life. Then, in 1960, with Bettina expecting the Prince's child, the couple were involved in a horrific car accident at Suresnes, a suburb of Paris, as they were driving to a party. Prince Aly died as a result of his injuries, and Bettina Graziani miscarried.

Most of his fortune passed to his children from his two previous marriages, but Bettina inherited Green Lodge, his chateau at Chantilly. After the tragedy, she did not return to the modelling circuit but instead withdrew to write her memoirs.


www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/one ... 42wbp.html

Gentleman of Style – Part I Prince Aly Khan: A Man of Passion
June 25, 2011/4 Comments/in Gentlemen of Style/by Sven Raphael Schneider

Born as Prince Ali Solomone Aga Khan, Aly Khan, as he was most commonly known, developed a profound interest in horses, fast cars and women early on. As a socialite par excellence and gentleman of style, he was without peers in the hobbies he chose and the lifestyle he led. Today, we would like to provide you with the first part of an illustrated portrait of this figure for whom the best was always just good enough.

http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/prince ... f-passion/

Cuba Visit.

https://youtu.be/008cOOJ9GeQ

Ismaili Artist from Syria, Samer Yaghi: Prince Aly Khan Mausoleum in Salamiyah

Samer Yaghi is an Ismaili digital artist from Salamiyah, Syria. He shares his digital photograph of Prince Aly Khan Mausoleum.

/ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/11/25/ismaili-artist-from-syria-samer-yaghi-prince-aly-khan-mausoleum-in-salamiyah/

salimkhoja786 wrote:
Just for information, did Hazar Imam attended janazah namaz of his father?

In fact he recited the Namaz on that occasion. Below is the description of the final part of his life in Willi Frischauer's book:

Aly had expressed the wish to be buried at Salamiya among Syria's Ismailis he knew and loved so well. In the meantime he was to be interred in the grounds of the Chateau de l'Horizon where a grave was dug in the lawn by the side of his study. Starting on the sad journey to the South of France, chanting and praying Ismailis carried the coffin which was covered with the red and green Ismaili flag and put it on a special train. I n the coach ahead, Bettina joined Karim, Amyn and Sadruddin in their compartment. Regular trains taking precedence, the trip took twelve hours and it was midnight before they arrived. Next day the body was lying in state, crowds gathered outside the chateau and the policeman trying to keep them at a distance was killed by a passing train.

At the open grave, Karim, palms turned skywards, recited the funeral prayers. Then Aly was put to rest in the temporary grave. 'Temporary' turned out to be a very long time.

******
On Monday, the 27th Jamada I, 1392/July 10, 1972 the final burial ceremony of late Prince Aly Khan took place in Salamia, Syria according to his will. It was participated by the leaders of the community from Pakistan, India, East Africa, Europe, United States and South East Asia, including 36 delegates and four guests. Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Prince Amyn Muhammad were also present in the ceremony. The remains of late Prince Aly Khan was transported from Nice to Damascus by an Air France chartered Boeing on July 10, 1972 at 7.00 a.m., and it was interred in the main Jamatkhana compound with great honour. In his speech, Ahmad Nasir al-Hayek, President of H.H. The Aga Khan's Salamia Council said: "Salamia, this town which is situated at the edge of the desert, and patiently faced many natural disasters, is very proud to have within its humble existence this selected gathering on this very sad occasion. The occasion of the Prophet's sacred family; His Serene Highness Prince Aly Khan, son of late Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah and the beloved father of the present Imam of the Ismailis.....The late Prince Aly Khan had loved Salamia and its inhabitants. To whom they represented the Arab tradition which are well known for their pride, integrity, bravery and hospitality. In this patch of our Arab land his imagination took him back, through our Islamic and Arabian history, to see his great ancestors travelling through the Arabs land to Africa, and Europe to spread Islamic ideas and Arab civilization. His great ancestors played a major role in the establishment and spreading of such civilization. As it is also well known that he in person had served Islam and Arab affairs internationally and particularly in United Nations. And as a symbol of his love and admiration he made his will to be buried here in Salamia which is loved by every Ismaili, because our glory started from its soil, and also in this soil rest the bodies of a number of his ancestors as it will have now his own."

http://www.ismaili.net/histoire/main.html

http://www.france-libre.net/aly-khan/


Notre ami Aly Khan

Extrait de la Revue de la France Libre, n° 125, mai 1960

By Sylvain CORNIL - lundi, juin 06, 2011


Notre Association a perdu, avec le prince Aly Khan, un de ses membres les plus notables, un ami sûr et dévoué.

Aly Khan (RFL).

En 1939, Aly voulut servir dans l’armée française. Après longues négociations, car notre armée n’est pas souple, il fut engagé comme lieutenant de Légion étrangère et envoyé en Moyen-Orient au général Weygand qui le transmit au général Caillault commandant les troupes du Levant, dont j’étais le chef d’état-major. J’affectai Aly au 2e bureau, où il nous rendit d’excellents services par sa connaissance de la langue, des milieux et des conditions locaux, et surtout par sa finesse d’intelligence et son tact conjugués avec une loyauté absolue.

Car sa situation était délicate. Il était le fils de l’Aga Khan, donc une personnalité semi-divine pour la communauté Ismaïlienne qui, de Kadmous sur la côte jusqu’à Sélémyeh aux limites du désert, traverse la région difficile des montagnes alaouites. Il se servit de cette influence, qui était grande, dans la limite où ses responsabilités familiales et religieuses l’y autorisaient, à notre bénéfice, et des deux côtés il n’y eut qu’à se louer de son action.
Il y eut cependant un incident amusant. Un jour au printemps 1940, il me demanda la permission de se rendre le dimanche suivant à Sélémyeh, capitale du groupe Ismaïlien. Je la lui donnai aussitôt, sachant qu’il ne pouvait en résulter que du bien. À l’entrée de la localité il fut accueilli par toute la population rassemblée, extrait de sa voiture, déchaussé et transporté sur les épaules de ses fidèles à la mosquée où tous les hommes se réunirent pour prier avec lui puis discuter des affaires de la communauté, cependant que les femmes et les enfants se cloîtraient dans les maisons.
Il se trouva que le même dimanche, le haut commissaire au Levant, M. Gabriel Puaux, eut l’idée d’emmener incognito quelques hôtes visiter en touristes Sélémyeh, petite cité très pittoresque par sa population et le chatoiement des costumes. Il trouva une bourgade absolument déserte et revint déconcerté.

En juin 1940, Aly gagna Le Caire où les Britanniques l’incorporèrent comme major. Dès que le Levant fut de nouveau français, il s’y fit attacher à la personne du général Catroux, comme aide de camp et officier de liaison, et servit fidèlement la France Libre jusqu’à la fin de la guerre.
Il était officier de la Légion d’honneur et titulaire de la croix de guerre avec palmes.

Ses deux fils, le prince Karim, actuel Aga Khan, et le prince Amyn, ont vécu enfants, à Beyrouth et au Caire, dans la famille Française Libre.
Depuis la guerre, le prince Aly Khan n’avait cessé de manifester un intérêt vivant et efficace à l’Association des Français Libres.

Celle-ci était représentée à la cérémonie de levée du corps, à Neuilly le 19 mai, par son drapeau et, en l’absence de son président, deux membres de son comité directeur ayant bien connu le défunt : MM. Fauquenot et Girard.
L’Association des Français Libres exprime à son altesse l’Aga Khan ses sentiments de respectueuses condoléances et de très cordiale sympathie, et le prie d’en faire part à tous les membres de sa famille.

Elle le prie aussi d’agréer les mêmes sentiments pour toute la communauté Ismaïlieh, à laquelle le prince Aly était profondément et efficacement dévoué, dans la sincère amitié qui l’unissait à la France.

Général de Larminat
Extrait de la Revue de la France Libre, n° 125, mai 1960.

As received...

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s father, Prince Aly Khan, as is well known was very much into driving fast cars. He would ask leaders to arrange racing safaris in which he would participate. In one of these races Prince Aly Khan drove a Chevy car supplied by Motor Mart, with Karmali Mohamed as a passenger. The car overturned and suffered extensive damage; both of them were luckily not hurt.

kmaherali wrote:As received...

Mawlana Hazar Imam’s father, Prince Aly Khan, as is well known was very much into driving fast cars. He would ask leaders to arrange racing safaris in which he would participate. In one of these races Prince Aly Khan drove a Chevy car supplied by Motor Mart, with Karmali Mohamed as a passenger. The car overturned and suffered extensive damage; both of them were luckily not hurt.

Can we find out the date, I think this was in Tanzania?

Admin wrote: Can we find out the date, I think this was in Tanzania?

Karmali Mohammed was a Nairobi resident. Motor races used to take place in Kenya.

Interesting photos of Prince Aly Khan

General Assembly Continues Middle East Debate
The General Assembly met today to continue the substantive debate of its Third Emergency Special Session.

Among the speakers at this morning's meeting was Prince Aly Khan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, who is photographed here as he addressed the Assembly.
19 August 1958
United Nations, New York
Photo # 148135

https://www.unmultimedia.org/photo/deta ... &lang=&sf=

******
Pakistan's New Permanent Representative to UN Arrives at UN Headquarters
Ambassador Aly Khan, the new Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, is seen here (right) as he arrived at U.N. Headquarters today to present his credentials to U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. Prince Aly Khan is accompanied by Agha Shahi, who has been Pakistan's Acting Permanent Representative.
04 March 1958
United Nations, New York
Photo # 148133

https://www.unmultimedia.org/photo/deta ... &lang=&sf=

*****
Pakistan's New Permanent Representative to UN Presents Credentials
Ambassador Aly Khan, the new Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, is seen here (righe) as he presented his credentials today to U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold.
04 March 1958
United Nations, New York
Photo # 148134

https://www.unmultimedia.org/photo/deta ... &lang=&sf=

******
Pakistan's Permanent Representative to UN Interviewed for UN-TV
The Prince Aly Khan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, is seen here (left) as he was interviewed for UN-TV by Mr. John MacVane, Radio and Television Commentator. The Prince is Chairman of Pakistan's delegation to the current (13th) session of the UN General Assembly.
06 November 1958
United Nations, New York
Photo # 148159

https://www.unmultimedia.org/photo/deta ... &lang=&sf=

Celebrating Prince Aly Salomone Aga Khan’s on his 109th Birth Anniversary
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON JUNE 13, 2020

“Prince Aly Khan was phenomenally alive,” Begam Mata Salamat once remarked in talking to a reporter.

France Honours Mowlana Hazir Imam and Prince Amyn, and pays tribute to the Noorani Family

In this picture front row (left to right)
Princess Yasmin,
Mowlana Sultan Mohammed Shah – His Highness Aga Khan III – 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims
Back row and standing (left to right)
Mowlana Hazar Imam – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV – 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims,
Prince Aly Salomone Khan,
Prince Sadruddin,
Begam Mata Salamat (wife of His Highness Aga Khan III)
Prince Amyn Mohammed

Born in Turin, Italy on Tuesday, June 13th, 1911 to Cleope Teresa Magliano and Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III, Prince Aly Salomone Aga Khan, is the brother of Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, and father of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, Prince Amyn and Princess Yasmin.

Prince Aly Khan as he was popularly to be called, showed exceptional horse riding skills as well as linguistic talent – he spoke perfect Oxford English, fluent French, as well as Arabic.

Prince Aly Khan traveled extensively with Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah to meet Ismailis in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and East Africa and participated actively in the launch of many programs that targeted improving the quality of life of the Ismailis.

Sports & Racing


28th May 1952: Prince Aly Khan, son of His Highness the Aga Khan III, leads in his horse, Tulyar after it had won the Derby at Epsom. (Photo by Douglas MillerFox Photos/Getty Images)
28th May 1952: Prince Aly Khan, son of His Highness the Aga Khan III, leads in his horse, Tulyar after it had won the Derby at Epsom. (Photo by Douglas MillerFox Photos/Getty Images)
Prince Aly Khan’s adventurous spirit was reflected in his passion for racing horses, motor cars and planes, in addition to his interest in skiing and yachting.

As an amateur jockey he won several prestigious races at the Bar Steeplechase, Chantilly, French Amateur Derby, Le Trambley, Longchamp and Prix des Lions.

He drove and won in famous Grand Prix races in France, Italy and Monaco.

A man of exceptional stamina, in 1932 he flew from Bombay to Singapore via Karachi, Rangoon and Kuala Lumpur, flying over treacherous jungles in a single-engine plane with no radio. In describing the 10,000-mile round-trip flight – the longest civil flight ever out of India, he said:

“It was fabulous fun.

We flew from Bombay to Karachi to Delhi to Calcutta, then across the Bay of Bengal to Akyab and Rangoon, all across Malaya to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and finally to Singapore.

We then flew back again.

Naturally we didn’t have a radio; most planes didn’t in those days, you know, and we were all bundled up in heavy flying gear and wearing goggles. Major Vetch and I took turns at the controls, though at that time.

I didn’t have a flying license and didn’t get one until a couple of years later in Cairo.”

War & Peace


Prince Aly Khan in full regalia
During the second World War in pursuit of global peace and freedom, Prince Aly Khan served with the British, French and American forces in Europe and the Middle East.

A war hero and in recognition of his exceptional military services Prince Aly Khan was awarded two honors by the French Government – the Croix de Guerre (1939) and Legend of Honour (1950).

The United States Government awarded him the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery, heroic achievement and meritorious service in combat zones, especially with regards to the Allied landing in the south of France with the United States Seventh Army.

In addition, in a military ceremony in 1957, Prince Aly Khan was installed as the 1st Colonel of the Regiment of the 4 Cavalry Regiment of Pakistan’s Army.

August 19, 1958, New York. Prince Aly Khan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, addressing the UN General Assembly. Image credit: Marvin Bolotsky, UN Photo Archive

Known for his cosmopolitan outlook and gift for international diplomacy, following the second world war, Prince Aly Khan served as Pakistan’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and represented Pakistan at United Nations Political and Security Committee (1958).

He was also appointed as the Vice-President of the UN General Assembly (1958) and served as Chairman of the UN’s Peace Observation Committee.

In a unique address while honoring His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and Prince Amyn Mohammed for their contribution to France, it is inspiring to note France’s Minister of Culture and Communication, M. Frédéric Mitterrand remarks about Prince Aly Khan when he said:

“… Prince Ali Khan, Pakistani Ambassador to the United Nations … beloved by all, whom fate did not permit to deploy his extraordinary culture and spirit of civilisation to their full extent.”


Prince Aly Khan passed away in a tragic car accident in Suresnes, near Paris, France on May 12th, 1960. He was initially buried on the grounds of Château de l’Horizon, his home in the south of France, and 12 years later in 1972, he was reinterred in Salamiyah, Syria – the place and people that he loved dearly.

Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali

/ismailimail.blog/2020/06/13/celebrating-prince-aly-salomone-aga-khans-on-his-109th-birth-anniversary/

https://dailytimes.com.pk/631971/the-ideal-diplomat/

The ideal diplomat?

Hassan GilaniHassan Gilani

June 26, 2020

May 12, 1960, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Aly Khan, dies in a Paris car accident – ending a promising diplomatic career. Who was Aly Khan and what distinguished him from other diplomats? Moreover, what relevance does he hold today?

A decorated war hero, champion equestrian, record-breaking aviator, Grand Prix driver, daredevil skier and darling of the glitterati; one could be forgiven for assuming James Bond to be the subject. Not so, for this is the story of Prince Ali Salman Aga Khan, popularly known as Aly Khan. Someone the New York Times described as a “…restless man of the world…”

Born in 1911, Aly Khan was the eldest child of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, a founder of the All-India Muslim League and spiritual leader to millions of Nizari Ismaili Muslims around the globe. Aly would inherit his father’s passion for horses, achieving renown as the world’s foremost breeder and trader of thoroughbreds.

With the senior Aga Khan serving as a President of the League of Nations and younger brother, Prince Sadruddin, a former UN High Commissioner for Refugees (once tipped to be UN Secretary-General), diplomacy was in the blood. In 1958, Aly was appointed Pakistan’s envoy to the UN (on a salary of Rs.1 per annum). He would go on to be elected Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and serve as chairman of the UN’s Peace Observation Committee.

Ray Cave, former editorial director of Time magazine, characterized Aly Khan as “A Man of Quality”. But which quality of an ideal diplomat did Aly possess? Despite legal training at Lincoln’s Inn, his understanding of international law could not match that of Muhammad Zafarullah Khan, Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister and later President of the International Court of Justice. Nor did his interactions with world leaders as a representative of the Ismaili community elevate his grasp of multilateralism or bilateralism to those of ace Pakistani diplomats like Agha Shahi (who incidentally served under Aly at the UN), Jamsheed Marker or Abdul Sattar.

Yet, as if the embodiment of Dale Carnegie’s lessons on “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, there was one quality of Aly Khan, the versatile polyglot, that few diplomats in history have ever acquired; the ability to walk into any room in any country and not only be instantly recognized, but become the adored centre of everyone’s attention. Aly would admit to a journalist inquiring into the interest he regularly received on the streets of New York, “Maybe I shouldn’t mention it, but it doesn’t happen only in New York, you know. It’s the same wherever I go-Turin, Paris, Karachi, even in South America. Most people seem to know me. If they don’t recognize me, they always look twice, and you can tell they are thinking, ‘I’ve seen that fellow somewhere before.’ ”

A friend of Aly Khan once remarked, “When you see Aly in Karachi in Ismaili dress, he looks like a Pakistani. In Paris, he looks like a Frenchman. In Rome, he could pass for any upper-class Italian. Even here in America, Aly doesn’t look foreign.” This adaptability only added to the immense personal charm which had put Aly on a first-name basis with the powerful and influential. He was as likely to have gone on an outing with the Shah of Iran as he was to have had tea with Princess Grace of Monaco. During his tenure at the UN, guest-lists of his self-financed diplomatic receptions would include the most prominent names in politics, industry, media and Hollywood. In fact, so glamorous were these events (featured in LIFE magazine), a black market arose for invitations by the Pakistan House in New York.

Aly Khan’s globetrotting was, in part, necessitated by the need to manage philanthropic ventures. The Aga Khans have long aided global efforts to eliminate poverty, achieving considerable success by facilitating institutional changes in the developing world. Their work has spanned the areas of health, education, culture, economic development and the environment. It includes a network of hospitals and universities operating across Africa and Asia (including Pakistan). Diplomats are expected to enhance their comprehension of foreign establishments. In many cases, Aly and his family helped build them.

While a broad understanding of intellectual disciplines is important, a broad view of life is essential

Foreign policy challenges faced by Pakistan today are even graver than those in 1960. What difference could Aly Khan have made as one of our diplomats today? A major test has been the brutal crackdown in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK). While there is always room for improvement, the efforts of our Foreign Office deserve credit; the UN Security Council discussed Kashmir for the first time in five decades while Imran Khan’s address to the UN General Assembly was gripping.

But if history is a guide, it doesn’t take too long for meeting minutes to start gathering dust on bureaucratic shelves or for stirred emotions to fade. Often the status-quo evolves into the norm and the world’s attention moves on. A sustained campaign is required to continue the galvanization of international public opinion against India’s atrocities and towards finding a resolution to the dispute. Something Aly Khan could have excelled at.

Lobbying decision makers in important capitals can often be a long drawn-out process. For Aly Khan, it would have simply meant a conversation with friends over dinner. Given the public’s fascination with him, Aly was under constant media scrutiny often gracing magazine covers like those of Sports Illustrated (US), Der Spiegel (Germany), Noir et Blanc (France), Tempo (Italy) and De Post (Belgium), just to name a few. A status he could have exploited in the present day to highlight the Kashmir issue.

As senior leader of a wide-spread Islamic sect and given his philanthropic credentials, Aly Khan’s concerns regarding the plight of fellow Muslims in IHK (and by extension Muslims in India proper) would have carried weight. In today’s social media-driven world, just a few posts from influencers can reach hundreds of millions. With Aly’s extensive connections, Pakistan might have been in a unique position to influence the influencers.

Aly Khan is no longer with us, but his legacy remains. What inspiration can the world’s diplomats take from him today? The collective qualifications and backgrounds of diplomats cover the areas of history, politics, economics and law, among others. While a broad understanding of intellectual disciplines is important, a broad view of life is essential. It is what protects against entrapment within dogmatic silos, fuels a flair for conversation and makes one dream of things that never were. How did Aly accomplish this?

The root of Aly Khan’s popularity was his remarkable personality; remarkable, because he pursued diverse roles with distinction. His thorough knowledge of the languages, cultures, traditions, arts, music and cuisines of many countries permitted him unmatched insights into different societies. It is worth mentioning here that Aly, in conjunction with his several aforementioned stations, was an astute collector of art preserving countless pieces from across the globe. These included ceramic plates sculpted by his friend, the artist Pablo Picasso, for Aly as a wedding gift. It is precisely these attributes that made Aly an effective philanthropist; the ability to traverse a wide spectrum of peoples with ease and fully visualize the context of their predicaments.

Rudyard Kipling wrote, “…there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed nor Birth…” Perhaps he had someone like Aly Khan in mind. For at the core of what might have made Aly an indispensable asset for Pakistan now, was substance wrapped in a thick cloak of style; an innate desire to fuse the oriental & occidental, bridge the religious & secular and experience the wonders of the earth in all their glory.

Aly was a highborn, endowed with privileges not afforded to the general populace. Nonetheless, replicating the breadth of his vision asks only for an open mind. All of us, for the sake of this planet, should expand our horizons and aspire to become citizens of the world. Let us endeavour to be, a little bit, like Aly Khan.

A Finland-based engineer and hobby writer with an interest in history, philosophy and current affairs

Reference of Prince Alykhan in a new book: Primus in Armis – An Illustrated History of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry

https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2020/10/2 ... cho-lilac/

Pakistani prince visited Rancho Lilac
October 24, 2020 /

His name was Aly Khan, at the time the vice-president of the United Nations General Assembly. He visited Rancho Lilac, the historic home of Irving Salomon, a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Khan was one of many diplomats, dignitaries and celebrities who found their way to the Jewish diplomat’s ranch on Lilac Road.

Prince Aly Khan was known at the time for his love of fast cars, high society, and celebrity women as much as he was for his country, Pakistan (formerly part of British India), for which he served as U.N. Ambassador from 1958 until 1960. His wife until a divorce in 1953 was the popular movie star Rita Hayworth. At the age of 49, he was killed in a car crash near Paris.

The prince was the son of Aga Khan III, a member of the League of Nations from 1934 to 1937, and who served as president in 1937 and 1938. The League was succeeded by the United Nations in 1945.

In 1969, Ambassador Salomon and his wife Cecile hosted Begum Aga Khan for dinner. (Begum is an honorific for women of high social status, as in Dame.) Born Yvonne Labrousse, she was the widow of Aga Khan III. She had come to San Diego from her villa in Cannes. A photo her and the Salomons is at the Valley Center Historical Society in an archive that includes multiple documents and photos of the Salomon family and their many house guests.

For more information, contact the History Museum by mail, email at museum@vchistory.org or by telephone at (760) 749-2993. The museum is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but a volunteer responds to all inquiries.

*
Robert Lerner is the historian of the Valley Center Museum.


Posted in: International, Jewish History, San Diego County, USA

https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article ... 19218.html

LE PRINCE ALY KHAN LAISSE 1 400 000 NF À BETTINA

Le Monde

Publié le 15 septembre 1960

Londres, 14 septembre (Reuter). - Le contenu du testament du prince Aly Khan, tué dans un accident de voiture en mai dernier, vient d'être divulgué. Le prince laisse 100 000 livres sterling (1 400 000 NF) à Bettina, Mme Simone Bodin pour l'état civil, qui se trouvait à ses côtés lors du fatal accident.

Bettina hérite également de la villa Green Lodge à Chantilly, ainsi que d'une partie des biens qui s'y trouvent, à l'exception des chevaux.

Yasmina, née du mariage du prince avec l'actrice américaine Rita Hayworth, recevra à sa majorité l'immeuble du 80, boulevard Maurice-Barrès, à Neuilly, ainsi que des biens qui y sont contenus et ne faisant pas l'objet d'autres legs.

Tous les membres du personnel des élevages du prince en France et en Irlande et toutes les personnes ayant été plus de cinq ans au service du prince, reçoivent l'équivalent de trois mois de salaire.

La succession comprend un certain nombre de legs laissés à des omis du prince, parmi lesquels Mme Germaine Vuillier, de Marly-la-Ville, qui reçoit 10 000 livres sterling (140 000 NF) ; Mme Sybilla Szezeniwska, de New-York, qui recevra 5 000 livres (70 000 NF) et son fils Marek 20 000 livres (280 000 NF) lorsqu'il aura vingt et un ans ; etc.

Afin de respecter les clauses de la loi musulmane, Aly Khan charge les exécuteurs testamentaires de diviser le reste de ses biens en trois parties et de répartir deux parts entre ses héritiers dans les conditions prévues par la loi s'il était mort intestat.

Toutefois le château de l'Horizon, à Golfe-Juan, sera inclus dans la part dévolue à son fils Karim, l'actuel Agha Khan. Le dernier tiers servira à payer les droits et à honorer les différents legs. Le reste, si reste il y a, ira aux héritiers.

Aly Khan demande solennellement à ses deux fils de traiter sa fille Yasmina " avec affection, de lui prodiguer de bons conseils et de la protéger ".

Aly Khan stipule également que les chevaux lui appartenant le jour de sa mort devront être vendus aux enchères. Toutefois la banque a plein pouvoir pour différer la vente aussi longtemps qu'elle le juge utile. Les héritiers peuvent acheter les chevaux des écuries du prince aux prix fixés par le Tattersall, de Londres, à la requête de la banque.

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Google translation of the above article...

PRINCE ALY KHAN LEAINS 1,400,000 NF TO BETTINA

The world

Posted September 15, 1960

London, September 14 (Reuter). - The contents of the will of Prince Aly Khan, killed in a car accident last May, has just been disclosed. The prince leaves 100,000 pounds sterling (1,400,000 NF) to Bettina, Mrs. Simone Bodin for civil status, who was at his side during the fatal accident.

Bettina also inherits the Green Lodge villa in Chantilly, as well as part of the property there, with the exception of the horses.

Yasmina, born from the marriage of the prince with the American actress Rita Hayworth, will receive at her majority the building at 80, boulevard Maurice-Barrès, in Neuilly, as well as the goods contained therein and not being the subject of other legacies.

All members of the Prince's breeding staff in France and Ireland and all those who have served the Prince for more than five years receive the equivalent of three months' salary.

The estate includes a number of bequests left to the prince's omissions, including Mme Germaine Vuillier, of Marly-la-Ville, who receives 10,000 pounds sterling (140,000 NF); Mrs. Sybilla Szezeniwska, of New York, who will receive 5,000 pounds (70,000 NF) and her son Marek 20,000 pounds (280,000 NF) when he is twenty-one; etc.

In order to respect the clauses of Muslim law, Aly Khan instructs the executors to divide the rest of his property into three parts and to distribute two parts between his heirs under the conditions provided for by law if he had died intestate.

However the castle of the Horizon, in Golfe-Juan, will be included in the share devolved to his son Karim, the current Agha Khan. The last third will be used to pay the rights and honor the various bequests. The rest, if there is any remainder, will go to the heirs.

Aly Khan solemnly asks his two sons to treat his daughter Yasmina "with affection, to give her good advice and to protect her".

Aly Khan also stipulates that horses belonging to him on the day of his death must be auctioned. However, the bank has full power to defer the sale for as long as it sees fit. The heirs may purchase horses from the Prince's stables at prices set by the Tattersall, London, at the request of the bank.

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