About The Park
Aga Khan Park is a paradox to Toronto’s hustling metropolitan centre. It covers 17 acres of land while connecting two majestic buildings through a pathway of green spaces, gardens and water features. It brings tranquility to a large city, and offers a place of respite from the activities of modern life. Together with Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre Toronto, the Park is where nature, art and spirit culminate as one.
A central feature of the Park is the Persian and Mughal inspired garden, known as chahar bagh (four-part garden). Designed by the Lebanon-based architect, Vladmir Djurovic, the formal gardens sit within a natural geometry created by the careful placement of trees and water features.
Aga Khan Development Network
Aga Khan Park is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Founded and chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan, AKDN is a private, international, non-denominational development organization that works to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise.
Picture source: www.akdn.org.
Together, they work towards a common goal – to build institutions and programs that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change on an on-going basis. The AKDN works in close partnership with public and private institutions, including amongst others, governments, international organizations, companies, foundations, and universities.
For more information about the Aga Khan Development Network, please visit www.akdn.org.
His Highness the Aga Khan
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. In the context of his hereditary responsibilities, His Highness has been deeply engaged with the development of countries around the world for more than 60 years through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20. Since taking on his role in 1957, he has dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations, while emphasizing the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity.
In recognition of his exceptional efforts and contributions to human development and improving the social condition of societies globally, the Aga Khan has, over the last six decades, received numerous decorations, honorary degrees, and awards from institutions and nations across the world.
For more information on the Ismaili Imamat visit: https://ismaili.imamat
Source: ismaili.imamat