23. Ismailis in Medieval Syria and the Near East

This podcast explores the paper “The Ismailis and their Role in the History of Medieval Syria and the Near East” by Farhad Daftary and Azim Nanji, published by the IIS. The discussion delves into the history and influence of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam in medieval Syria and the wider Near East. It traces their journey from their origins to the establishment of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, highlighting their significant contributions to intellectual and cultural life. The podcast examines the Ismailis’ experiences during the Crusades, their fortified strongholds in the Jabal Bahra region of Syria, and their interactions with rulers like the Crusaders and Mamluks. It concludes with the loss of their independence under Mamluk rule. Throughout, the authors challenge common misconceptions about the Ismailis, shedding light on their scholarly achievements and nuanced political strategies.​Nasir-i Khusraw, Safar-nama [“Books of Travels”], N.W. Pur, Tehran 1972 ​P.Willey, Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria, London 2005 ​M.G.S. Hodgson, The Order of Assassins, The Hague 1955 Article Link:https://www.iis.ac.uk/learning-centre/scholarly-contributions/academic-articles/the-ismailis-and-their-role-in-the-history-of-medieval-syria-and-the-near-east/