The Institute of Ismaili Studies – Nizari Ismaili Castles of Iran and Syria

In 483/1090, the Persian Ismailis under the leadership of Hasan Sabbah occupied the castle of Alamut, situated in a remote and mountainous area of the Rudbar district in northern Iran. Over the next 150 years, the Ismailis succeeded in capturing more than 200 large and small fortresses in Iran and Syria with settlements in surrounding towns and villages, thus establishing their own autonomous states in these regions. Despite the hostility of local rulers and threats posed by Crusaders and Mongols active in the region, the Nizari state survived until 654/1256 when the Persian fortress of Maymun Diz surrendered. The Syrian fortresses, however, clustered around Qadmus were able to resist surrender until 671/1273.

via The Institute of Ismaili Studies – Nizari Ismaili Castles of Iran and Syria.