Aga Khan Award for Architecture - Islamic Architecture

| Home | Guestbook | Email | Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Children's Page | Contents | Search | What's New | Speech at the Architecture Award Ceremony in Alhambra Spain

Granada, Spain, 10th OCTOBER 1998

Your Excellency,
Honourable members of the Municipal Council of the City of Granada,
Distinguished Guests,

I thank you, Your Excellency the Mayor, for this great distinction which
you bestow upon me this evening. It is a special pleasure to receive it in a
ceremony held in this wonderful setting. To be granted such a prestigious
form of recognition from the city of Granada is, for me, a particularly special
honour. Granada is truly exceptional; its history is steeped in influences
from several major world cultures, each of which is richly represented in the
city's splendid assemblage of historic buildings and public spaces. As
someone with a life-long interest in architecture, it is thrilling to move
through this city, its monumental buildings, and its historic
neighbourhoods. As a Muslim I am moved by the respect and care devoted
to the Islamic heritage by the authorities. At the same time, Granada is
clearly also a bustling modern city. Managing this combination is a great
challenge, one which you and your colleagues are to be congratulated on
meeting so admirably.

I am most touched, Your Excellency, by the warm welcome you have
extended to me, and my wife, throughout our visit, and for everything that
you and your colleagues have done to facilitate the Presentation Ceremony
of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The Ceremony is the culmination
of a long and complex process designed to bring distinctive contributions
to the built environment to the attention of as wide an audience as possible.
The Steering Committee thought that Granada, with its rich history and
excellent facilities, would provide an ideal setting for that effort. I am very
pleased to say that our expectations have been more than fulfilled, in great
measure, Your Excellency, because of your support and many kindnesses.

Let me also say, on behalf of everyone connected with the Award, how
honoured we have been by the presence of Their Majesties the King and
Queen of Spain, who brought special dignity and high meaning to the
events. This is my third visit to Granada in connection with the programmes
of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. On each occasion I have
deepened my knowledge and appreciation of the historic treasures of the
city. I am aware that efforts are continuing to preserve the exceptional
heritage of Granada, and I wish to confirm here today that the Aga Khan
Trust for Culture will bring its support to these efforts. I will leave Granada
tomorrow with many warm memories of my visit and the events of the last
three days. One of them will be this occasion, and the very special
distinction you have bestowed upon me.

Aga Khan Award for Architecture Scene at the Alhambra Palace

Mowlana Hazar Imam's Speech at the Alhambra Palace

Mowlana Hazar Imam Interviewed

Islamic Architecture Article

An Islamic Reminder of the Sacred in Design

Press Release from Aiglemont

Aga Khan Award for Architecture Website 1998

Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture Websit

Aga Khan Architecture Award 1998 Ceremony