IMAMS & LEADERSHIP
Who became Imam after Imam A‘la Muhammad in 1210?
Imam Jalal al-Din Hasan
Who did the Imam send envoys to in 1219?
Chingiz Khan
Which holy book did the libraries have rare copies of?
The Qur’an.
Who invaded Nishapur in 1221?
The Mongols.
Where was Tusi born?
Tus
What helped the Nizaris grow stronger in the early 1200s?
The breakdown of the Saljuq Empire.
Why did he send envoys to the Mongols?
To make peace.
Name one scientific instrument found in the libraries.
Astrolabe (or armillary sphere).
Which Nizari region remained safe early on?
Quhistan.
Which philosopher’s ideas did he study?
Ibn Sina (Avicenna).
Who was the future Imam who also supported scholars?
Imam Ala al-Din Muhammad.
What agreement may have allowed safe travel for merchants?
A trade agreement.
Who was invited to visit Alamut’s library?
Sunni scholars (ulama).
Why did scholars take refuge in Quhistan?
It was safe, and the Nizaris welcomed them.
Which book deeply influenced him?
Fusul-i Muqaddas (The Sacred Chapters).
Why did Imam Jalal al-Din Hasan build good relations with the Abbasids?
To reduce hostility and gain political support.
Where did the Imam’s envoys secretly meet the Mongols?
Balkh or Taliqan.
What kinds of books were stored in Ismaili libraries?
Religious, philosophical, and scientific works.
Who supported Tusi when he fled to Quhistan?
Nasir al-Din Muhtashim.
How long did he stay at Alamut?
20 years.
What was one major reason the Nizaris supported Sunni & Shia scholars and learning during this period?
Which value does that reflect?
To strengthen their community & Society through knowledge and build respect among other groups & exchange of learning takes place. Inclusivity, Pluralism
How did making peace with the Mongols help the Nizaris?
It protected their fortresses and reduced the chances of early attacks.
Why were scholars from different religions welcomed into Nizari fortresses and libraries?
Because the Nizaris valued knowledge and wanted to create a space where learning could continue despite the war.
Why were the Nizari mountain fortresses harder for the Mongols to attack at first?
They were high, remote, and strongly protected, making them difficult to reach.
How did living in Nizari fortresses help Tusi continue his work during the war?
They gave him safety, access to libraries, and support from the Imams to keep studying and writing.