Video

Interview with Peter Willey

17th June 2009
Publication: 'Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria'
Author: Major Peter Willey

The author of Eagle’s Nest: Ismaili Castles in Iran and Syria, published by I. B. Tauris in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies in 2005, Peter Willey discussed the nature of this important work in an interview in 2008. In this interview he describes why he is fascinated in medieval Ismaili castles, together with the book’s themes and how he carried out the research.

Your early career began in the military. How and why did you get involved in the area of medieval Ismaili castles?

 How has your research contributed to correcting the fantastical myths about the Ismailis written over the centuries?

 You published your first book on the Ismaili castles in 1963. To what extent does your new book, Eagle’s Nest, incorporate new research and how has your thinking or assessment changed?

 In what other ways has your research contributed to a better understanding of the Ismailis of the Alamut period?

 Please describe in more detail the findings of your investigations in particular, the Ismaili activities in the areas of architecture and its contribution to the larger world?