This Day in History - July 12th

1957: A new Aga Khan

The Ismaili sect of the Shi'ite Muslims welcomes a new spiritual leader when Prince Karim Al-hussain of Pakistan is proclaimed Aga Khan IV. Prince Karim’s grandfather, Aga Khan III, died the previous day after a 72-year reign. The title Aga Khan, which means 'chief commander', was first conferred on the leader of the Ismailis by the Shah of Iran in 1818. Aga Khan I later rose up in revolt against the Shah’s successor, but was defeated and fled to India. The second Aga Khan reigned for only four years before Aga Khan III, or Sultan Sir Mohammed Shah, came to power into 1885. Aga Khan III became an important leader to all of India’s Muslims, not just the Ismailis, and bypassed his own son to pick his grandson as heir. First criticised as a wealthy jet setter, Aga Khan IV devoted much of his time and money to the development of Ismaili communities in Pakistan and elsewhere.

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1990

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1974

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1963

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1962

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1943

The Second World War: German and Russian tanks clash at the Battle of Prokhorovka as the Soviets stop the German offensive at Kursk, Russia.

1932

In England, King George V opens Lambeth Bridge in London.

1915

The First World War: The Allies fail to take Achi Baba, a prominent hill position on the Gallipoli Peninsula, from its Turkish defenders.

1862

In America, the Medal of Honour award is established.

1806

The Confederation of the Rhine is established.

1543

Henry VIII of England marries his sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr at Hampton Court Palace.

1389

King Richard II appoints Geoffrey Chaucer to the position of chief clerk of the king’s works in Westminster.

1191

Richard the Lionheart takes the city of Acre during the Third Crusade.

100 BC

Birth of Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar.