Al-Hasan Al-Sabah and His Role in Establishing the Ismaili Castle in Alamut

Abstract

The Islamic world witnessed the emergence of various political and ideological movements that influenced different regions, one of which was the Nizari Ismaili movement. Its founder, Al-Hasan al-Sabah, worked to establish the foundation of his first state. The Castle of Alamut served as a fortified refuge for Ismaili ideology and became the stronghold of their state. Thus, Al-Hasan al-Sabah is regarded as the true founder of the Nizari Ismaili state in Alamut. There are many differing opinions regarding Al-Sabah’s actions, the reality of Alamut Castle, and its legendary gardens, which continue to be the subject of research. Additionally, discussions about Al-Hasan al-Sabah's lineage, life, and education indicate that he acquired extensive knowledge and traveled widely in pursuit of his intellectual, ideological, and political ambitions. He found his objective in Alamut Castle, which provided the conditions that enabled him to play a major role in establishing Nizari Ismaili thought in the eastern Islamic world.