The Ismailis
Subtitle: an illustrated history
By: Farhad Daftary, Zulfikar Hirji.
Contributors: Hirji, Zulfikar A. 1965-
Publisher: Azimuth Editions in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies
Published: 2008
Place of publication: London
Language: eng; ara
Number of pages: 262
ISBN-13: 9781898592266
Subjects: Ismailites -- History; Ismailites -- History -- Pictorial works
Genres: Pictorial works
Description: "The Ismailis are a community of Shi'i Muslims who have settled around the world. Throughout their history, the Ismailis have been guided by hereditary leaders, Imams, who trace their genealogy back to the prophet Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima, and his son-in-law and cousin, 'Ali. At various times in their long, complex history, the Ismailis founded states, cities and institutions, contributed to the traditions of scholarship in Islam, and were patrons of learning and the arts. But the story of the Ismailis is also that of a religious minority who survived successive threats to their existence. Currently, the Ismailis are a pluralistic community led by their present Imam, Shah Karim al-Husaynit, Aga Khan IV. With some 400 images of manuscripts, artefacts and monuments, community documents as well as important historical and contemporary photographs, and based on the results of modern scholarship in the field, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible account of Ismaili history and intellectual achievements, set in the wider contexts of Islamic and world history." -- Back cover.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.

English and Arabic