The Ismailis in the Middle Ages

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages PDF Author: Shafique N. Virani
Publisher: OUP USA
ISBN: 0195311736
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
In the 13th century, an edict of the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan ordained that the Ismaili Muslims, who had hitherto resisted all attempts at subjugation, be utterly destroyed. This text examines the most obscure portion of this period, from the mid 13th century to the end of the 15th century.

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages PDF Author: Shafique N. Virani
Publisher: OUP USA
ISBN: 0195311736
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
In the 13th century, an edict of the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan ordained that the Ismaili Muslims, who had hitherto resisted all attempts at subjugation, be utterly destroyed. This text examines the most obscure portion of this period, from the mid 13th century to the end of the 15th century.

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages PDF Author: Shafique Virani
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780199731411
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


The Ismailis in the Middle Ages

The Ismailis in the Middle Ages PDF Author: Shafique N. Virani
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780198042594
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
"None of that people should be spared, not even the babe in its cradle." With these chilling words, the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan declared his intention to destroy the Ismailis, one of the most intellectually and politically significant Muslim communities of medieval Islamdom. The massacres that followed convinced observers that this powerful voice of Shi'i Islam had been forever silenced. Little was heard of these people for centuries, until their recent and dramatic emergence from obscurity. Today they exist as a dynamic and thriving community established in over twenty-five countries. Yet the interval between what appeared to have been their total annihilation, and their modern, seemingly phoenix-like renaissance, has remained shrouded in mystery. Drawing on an astonishing array of sources gathered from many countries around the globe, The Ismailis in the Middle Ages: A History of Survival, A Search for Salvation is a richly nuanced and compelling study of the murkiest portion of this era. In probing the period from the dark days when the Ismaili fortresses in Iran fell before the marauding Mongol hordes, to the emergence at Anjudan of the Ismaili Imams who provided a spiritual centre to a scattered community, this work explores the motivations, passions and presumptions of historical actors. With penetrating insight, Shafique N. Virani examines the rich esoteric thought that animated the Ismailis and enabled them to persevere. A work of remarkable erudition, this landmark book is essential reading for scholars of Islamic history and spirituality, Shi'ism and Iran. Both specialists and informed lay readers will take pleasure not only in its scholarly perception, but in its lively anecdotes, quotations of delightful poetry, and gripping narrative style. This is an extraordinary book of historical beauty and spiritual vision.

A Modern History of the Ismailis

A Modern History of the Ismailis PDF Author: Farhad Daftary
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0857735268
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 506

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Book Description
I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies The Ismailis have enjoyed a long, eventful and complex history dating back to the 8th century CE and originating in the Shi'i tradition of Islam. During the medieval period, Ismailis of different regions - especially in central Asia, south Asia, Iran and Syria - developed and elaborated their own distinctive literary and intellectual traditions, which have made an outstanding contribution to the culture of Islam as a whole. At the same time, the Ismailis in the Middle Ages split into two main groups who followed different spiritual leaders. The bulk of the Ismailis came to have a line of imams now represented by the Aga Khans, while a smaller group - known in south Asia as the Bohras - developed their own type of leadership.This collection is the first scholarly attempt to survey the modern history of both Ismaili groupings since the middle of the 19th century. It covers a variety of topical issues and themes, such as the modernising policies of the Aga Khans, and also includes original studies of regional developments in Ismaili communities worldwide. The contributors focus too on how the Ismailis as a religious community have responded to the twin challenges of modernity and emigration to the West. "A Modern History of the Ismailis" will be welcomed as the most complete assessment yet published of the recent trajectory of this fascinating and influential Shi'i community.

Ismailis in Medieval Muslim Societies

Ismailis in Medieval Muslim Societies PDF Author: Farhad Daftary
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0857713876
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies A comprehensive treatment of Ismaili medieval history in its entirety. It will have great appeal to all scholars of medieval Islam. Farhad Daftary is one of the world's leading authorities on Ismaili history and literature. This important book, by an internationally acknowledged expert in Ismaili studies, introduces Ismaili history and thought in medieval times. Discussing the different phases in Ismaili history, it describes both the early Ismailis as well as the contributions of the later Ismailis to Islamic culture. A number of chapters deal with key Ismaili individuals such as Hasan-i Sabbah. Other chapters contextualise the Ismailis within the early Muslim societies, in addition to investigating the Ismaili-Crusader relations and the resulting legends on the Ismaili secret practices. Over the course of the work, it becomes clear that Ismaili historiography, and the perception of the Ismailis by others (in both Muslim and Christian milieus), have had a fascinating evolution. During their long history the Ismailis have often been accused of various heretical teachings and practices and - at the same time - a multitude of myths and misconceptions have ciculated about them. Farhad Daftary here separates myth from fact, propaganda from actuality, in a work characterised by his customary mastery of the sources and literature.

The Ismaili Assassins

The Ismaili Assassins PDF Author: James Waterson
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 1783461500
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
“A fascinating history . . . The Medieval conflict between Christians and Muslims has many similarities to the Middle East today.”—Firetrench The Ismaili Assassins were an underground group of political killers who were ready to kill Christians and Muslims alike with complete disregard for their own lives. Under the powerful control of an enigmatic grand master, these devoted murderers often slayed their victims in public, cultivating their terrifying reputation. They assumed disguises and their weapon of choice was a dagger. The dagger was blessed by the grand master and killing with it was a holy and sanctified act; poison or other methods of murder were forbidden to the followers of the sect. Surviving a mission was considered a deep dishonor and mothers rejoiced when they heard that their Assassin sons had died having completed their deadly acts. Unsurprisingly, their formidable reputation spread far and wide. In 1253, the Mongol chiefs were so fearful of them that they massacred and enslaved the Assassins’ women and children in an attempt to liquidate the sect. The English monarch, Edward I, was nearly dispatched by their blades and Richard the Lionheart’s reputation was sullied by his association with the Assassins’ murder of Conrad of Montferrat. The Ismaili Assassins explores the origins, actions and legacy of this notorious sect. Enriched with eyewitness accounts from Islamic and Western sources, this important book unlocks the history of the Crusades and the early Islamic period, giving the reader entry into a historical epoch that is thrilling and pertinent. “An inherently fascinating, deftly written, and impressively informative read from beginning to end.”—Midwest Book Review

Mediaeval Isma'ili History and Thought

Mediaeval Isma'ili History and Thought PDF Author: Farhad Daftary
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521003100
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 354

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Book Description
This volume presents scholarship on Isma`ili history and thought from leading authorities in the field.

Short History of the Ismailis

Short History of the Ismailis PDF Author: Farhad Daftary
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 0748679227
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Despite being one of the key Shi'i Muslim communities, the Ismailis were until recently studied primarily on the basis of the accounts of their enemies. This new introduction is the first to be based on modern scholarship, taking account of recently recovered Ismaili texts. It covers all the main developments in the major phases of Ismaili history, from the early formative period, through the Fatamid golden age and the Alamut and post-Alamut periods, to more recent history. Dealing only with the most important historical developments, this is a comprehensive and accessible survey for all newcomers to the subject.

Bad Days in Basra

Bad Days in Basra PDF Author: Hilary Synnott
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780755610235
Category : Baṣrah (Iraq)
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"The Ismailis have enjoyed a long, eventful and complex history dating back to the 8th century CE and originating in the Shi'i tradition of Islam. During the medieval period, Ismailis of different regions - especially in central Asia, south Asia, Iran and Syria - developed and elaborated their own distinctive literary and intellectual traditions, which have made an outstanding contribution to the culture of Islam as a whole. At the same time, the Ismailis in the Middle Ages split into two main groups who followed different spiritual leaders. The bulk of the Ismailis came to have a line of imams now represented by the Aga Khans, while a smaller group - known in south Asia as the Bohras - developed their own type of leadership.This collection is the first scholarly attempt to survey the modern history of both Ismaili groupings since the middle of the 19th century. It covers a variety of topical issues and themes, such as the modernising policies of the Aga Khans, and also includes original studies of regional developments in Ismaili communities worldwide. The contributors focus too on how the Ismailis as a religious community have responded to the twin challenges of modernity and emigration to the West. "A Modern History of the Ismailis" will be welcomed as the most complete assessment yet published of the recent trajectory of this fascinating and influential Shi'i community."--Bloomsbury publishing.

Muslim Cities in the Later Middle Ages

Muslim Cities in the Later Middle Ages PDF Author: Ira M. Lapidus
Publisher: CUP Archive
ISBN: 9780521277624
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
First published in 1967, Muslim Cities in the Later Middle Ages is one of the most influential works in the field of Islamic history. Primarily a study of the main cities of the Mamluk state of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries AD, Professor Lapidus' book serves to provide a framework for understanding the long evolution of Muslim political and social institutions and urban societies. The relationships between military rulers, the bourgeoisie and the common people are presented in a study of wide relevance to social history.