DUSHANBE, October 24, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- A collection of verses dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, has been brought out in Dushanbe. 

Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, Tajik poet also editor-chief of Tajik Railways’ official paper Naqliyot , Ato Mirkhoja said that the collection, entitled Bayozi Mehr , with a circulation of a 2,000 contains verses by some 40 Tajik and Afghan poets.  The book was published in printing house Ejod in Dushanbe.   

“We have selected the best verses from hundreds of verse received,” Mirkhoja said, noting that the collection was published on occasion of His Highness’ Golden Jubilee - the Aga Khan acceded to the Ismaili Imamat on July 11 1957.  

His Highness the Aga Khan became Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.  He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.