Eagle's Nest

Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria

Peter Willey

• Publisher: I.B. Tauris
• Year: 2005
• Print ISBN: 9781850434641
• eBook ISBN: 9780857712257
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: History of Architecture

I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies Magnificent castles and fortresses in remote, mountainous regions were built for refuge by the Ismaili Muslims of Iran and Syria fleeing from persecution during the early middle ages. Often superior in construction to those built by the Crusaders, these castles withstood numerous offensives for over two centuries until the middle of the 13th century when most were captured and demolished by the Mongols. In his new book Peter Willey describes the discoveries he made during the course of more than 20 expeditions to these Ismaili sites spanning the past forty years. The book is exceptionally well illustrated with photographs, maps and plans. As well as being a piece of original scholarship, it is also a readable personal account of the challenges encountered in expeditions to remote, inaccessible and often hazardous locations.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• List of Illustrations
• Preface
• 1. Introduction: Early History of the Ismailis
• Part One: The Rise and Fall of the Nizari Ismaili State
• Part Two: The Castle of the Ismailis
• Appendices
• Bibliography
• Index