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 The Aga Khans have reigned as one of the 20th century's most extravagant lineages. Originally from Persia the family owns homes and horse stables all over the world, and sits as the spiritual head of a sect "The Ismaelis" of 15 million Muslims. "Khan," now degraded by its overuse, was a title of nobility, and was also used for a local ruler or official. "Aga Khan" is the adopted family name of a hereditary spiritual leader (Imam) of the Shiah Nizari Ismailis. One of the many legends that have circulated about this mysterious religious leader is that the title of "Aga Khan" was conferred by the Emperor of Persia upon the great-great- grandfather of the present Aga Khan (Karim Agha Khan), for his dedicated services to the throne. On the contrary, Hassan Ali Shah Mahallati Aga Khan I (1804-81), was an unsuccessful insurgent. A one-time governor of Kirman in Persia, he had "proclaimed an independent government." This was to be the beginning of exile for the Ismaili Clan many having migrated to India and Egypt. More famous as a Jet Set Celebrity of the 50's Aly Khan Son of Aga Khan III was bypassed by his father in the succession to the "imamate" and never acquired the title of Aga Khan. He is however known for his legendary marriage with American Sex Symbol of the 40's and 50's Rita Hayworth immortalised in Charles Vidors film Gilda (1946). At a party in Cannes Film festival, France Rita was introduced to Prince Aly Khan. It was July 3, 1948. After one of the most highly publicized courtships in history, on the 27th of May, 1949 Rita Hayworth became princess to Prince Aly Khan. She put her movie career behind her, left Hollywood in the past and took up residence with her new husband in Europe. The press covered every move the royal couple made. It seemed to be a match made in heaven. On December 28, 1949, in Lausanne, Switzerland Rita became the mother of Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. Later Rita and the prince toured Europe and Africa. A movie was even made about their trips called Champagne Safari. Unfortunately, everything wasn't as great as it appeared to be. Among other things, Rita and Prince Aly's lifestyles were so different. He was a prince. His world was luxury and lavish parties. Those things didn't mean much to Rita, she couldn't accustom herself to the life of a princess. On March 25, 1951, Rita along with her two daughters set sail back to America on the luxury liner De Grasse. In August, 1952, Prince Aly Khan made a brief trip back to Hollywood to try for a reconciliation, it didn't last long though and by January, 1953 Rita and Aly Khan were officially divorced. Rita Hayworth died from the Alzheimer desease on , May 14th 1987. Her Daughter Princess Yasmin, who moved Rita in with her in New York City and took care of her for her remaining years. Yasmin has since made countless efforts to promote awareness of this disease. She organizes many many charity events and benefits, including the annual Rita Hayworth Gala's in New York and Chicago, which continue to raise millions of dollars for Alzheimer's research. The Current Ismaeli leader is Karim Aga Khan IV son of Aly and a first marriage lives in Switzerland and leads numerous charity organizations. Thanks to Darius KADIVAR Who is your Iranian of the day? In Iran or abroad? Email your image
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