Ismaili Studies
Ismaili Studies
Modern scholarship in Ismaili studies is set to continue at an even greater pace as the Ismailis themselves are now becoming widely interested in studying their literary heritage and history - a phenomenon attested by an increasing number of Ismaili-related doctoral dissertations written in recent decades by Ismailis. In this context, a major role is played by the IIS. It serves as the central point of reference for Ismaili studies while making its own contributions through various programmes of research and publications. Numerous scholars worldwide participate in these academic programmes, and many more benefit from the accessibility of the Ismaili manuscripts held at the Institute’s Ismaili Special Collections Unit.
Our research
Key outputs of the Institute's research on Ismaili history, its intellectual traditions and analysis of key manuscripts have led to numerous books published on Ismaili studies. In this context, two specific publication series have been developed, the Ismaili Heritage Series and the Ismaili Texts and Translations Series. We also have a series devoted to the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity, in which a complete critical edition and annotated English translation of the Rasa’il Ikhwan al-Safa’ will be published.
