The Municipal Council of Castelo Branco distinguished the leader of the Ismailis, a community of 15 million people spread across the world, with the city’s gold medal in March, as part of the celebrations of the city’s 253rd anniversary.

However, on that date, the prince could not be present, so the local authority decided to hold a ceremony today to award the highest distinction of the Municipality of Castelo Branco to Aga Khan.

Without making any statements to the media, the leader of the Ismailis, a community that considers him a descendant of Muhammad, made a short speech at the ceremony that took place in the noble hall of the Castelo Branco Town Hall.

He expressed his gratitude for the "magnificent ceremony" and for being awarded the gold medal of the city of Castelo Branco.

The mayor of the municipality explained to journalists that he was contacted by Aga Khan Portugal to produce three panels in Castelo Branco embroidery for the foundation.

"At the time, we made initial contact in person. We had the opportunity to take a piece produced by our embroiderers, based on the coat of arms of the Aga Khan Foundation, to the prince. From that day on, we saw the enthusiasm with which the prince welcomed the embroidery and the scale of the work that is represented in the foundation’s palace in Lisbon", stressed Leopoldo Rodrigues.

According to the mayor, the prince followed the production of the three panels that are on display in the foundation’s palace, "from the design to the choice of colours and the different motifs that are represented. Basically, they were created by the prince".

"It is an extraordinary piece of work that has now become an ambassador for Castelo Branco embroidery and for the city in his palace", he added.

Leopoldo Rodrigues also highlighted "the pride" that Prince Aga Khan takes in showing this embroidery to visitors who are welcomed into his palace.

"And because he is a great ambassador for Castelo Branco embroidery, for this gesture, for the enthusiastic way in which he received the embroidery and incorporated it into such an important space, in terms of what is world diplomacy, we decided [and it was approved unanimously] to award the city’s gold medal, the highest distinction of the municipality of Castelo Branco, to the prince", he concluded.

Prince Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957, at the age of 20.

Since taking office, he has dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations, highlighting the vision of Islam as a spiritual and reflective faith, a faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and that defends human dignity.

In recognition of his efforts and contributions to promoting human development and improving the social condition of societies around the world, he has received numerous decorations, honorary degrees and government and institutional distinctions from around the world over the decades.

Leia Também: Ismaili Imamat wants to strengthen cooperation with the CPLP (Portuguese version)