Lisbon, Portugal, 6 July 2018 - His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Portugal to commemorate his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of leadership as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community. The week-long visit, at the invitation of the Portuguese Government, included a historic address to the Portuguese Parliament as well as various government meetings, and represented the culmination of celebrations that were undertaken worldwide since 11 July 2017 - 60 years to the day that he acceded to the office of the Ismaili Imamat in 1957 at the age of 20 years.
Over 40,000 people from the global Ismaili community gathered in the capital over the week to commemorate this special occasion and to celebrate the Aga Khan’s commitment towards uplifting the lives of thousands of vulnerable communities, and promoting the values of peace and pluralism. Activities included Jubilee concerts featuring world-renowned performers as well as artists from the Aga Khan Music Initiative; exhibitions; an international talent showcase featuring Ismailis from around the world; an international art gallery; a film festival, and a series of other celebrations.
