Nizari Ismailis and Spiritual Resurrection

On 19 February 2025, hosted a one-day conference at the and online focusing on the proclamation of Ͼ峾 (spiritual resurrection) by Ḥasan II in 559/1164 and its wider historical, theological, and cultural significance. Sessions examined manuscript evidence, doctrinal and esoteric interpretations, historiography of the Alamut period, links with Sufi traditions, and political contexts including interactions with the Mongols. Together, the programme showcased recent scholarship reassessing earlier narratives and expanding the field of ī studies.

Explore Conference Programme

Keynote Address by Shiraz Hajiani

State of the Study of the Emergence of ī Ismailism during the Islamicate Early Middle Period

Keynote Address

State of the Study of the Emergence ofī Ismailismduring the Islamicate Early Middle Period

Shiraz Hajiani

In this keynote, Hajiani calls for a reassessment of received historiographies and periodisations. He foregrounds the multi-local contexts of ī Ismailism across Iran, Syria, and South Asia. He reconsiders satr (concealment) and (manifestation) in relation to 羱峾 and the evolving Imamate. He urges closer engagement with narrative sources and with non-elite voices. He also highlights the value of digital tools and repositories for future research.

View event details

Explore panels and watch sessions

Chair: Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga


  • Delia Cortese, Middlesex University

  • Karim Javan, IIS
  • before 1256 according to the Dīwān-i Qāʾimiyyāt)
    Miklós Sárközy, Károli Gáspár University of the Hungarian Reformed Church

Chair: Dr Faisal Devji


  • Jamel Velji, Claremont McKenna College
  • Pledging Fealty after the Resurrection: Analysing an Arabic Oath of Allegiance from the Alamut Period
    Shafique Virani, University of Toronto

  • Bassam Zahra, Université de Sherbrooke

Chair: Dr Farhad Daftary


  • Murid Shah Nadiri, University of Oxford
  • Nizari Historiography Near the End of Time: A Reconstruction of the Alamut Library
    Aslisho Qurboniev, IIS

  • Daryoush Mohammad Poor, IIS

Chair: Dr Karim Javan


  • Theodora Zampaki, Hellenic Open University

  • Khalil Andani, Augustana College

  • Seddigheh Kardan, McGill University

Related Multimedia