Iranian Nizârî Ismâilîs and their relations with Khwarezmshah

With the decline of the Great Seljuks from which it emerged, the Khwarezmshah State became a great state by gaining the regions where the Seljuks dominated. Nizâri Ismailis are an autonomous structure that ruled in strong castles in the same geography. Ismailis had serious struggles and relations with the Seljuks for a long time. When the Khwarezmshahs concentrated their policies in Khorasan and Iraq, claiming to be the heirs of the Seljuks, they inevitably came into contact with the Nizârî Ismailis. Although most of these contacts are about struggle and opposition, from time to time it is seen that the two political structures improve their relations on certain issues. In order to maintain their existence among the great powers in the region, the Ismailis implemented a policy of balance and tried to use diplomacy in every aspect. When diplomacy could not be used, they resorted to methods such as assassination, threats, intrigue and other methods, which are among the most effective weapons in their hands. Their relations with the Khwarezmshahs were also realized in this manner. In our study; In order to reveal the events of the period more clearly, political, social, religious and commercial relations were examined within the framework of diplomatic relations between the Khwarezmshahs and Nizârî Ismailis by making use of available sources.