Aleppo, Syria, 6 November 2001 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, this evening used the metaphor of an orchard to symbolise the intellectual space that offers hope and optimism in the face of "the many issues and pressures facing Islamic countries and communities." The Aga Khan, who was presiding over the presentation ceremony of the 8th Aga Khan Award for Architecture, was addressing a distinguished international audience of hundreds gathered in the resplendent Throne Room of the centuries-old Citadel of Aleppo - at the heart of this ancient crossroads of commerce and civilisations.