A Survey on the Major Factors in Scientific Flourish of Islamic Civilization during Fatimid Era, Based on Orientalist's Perspective

One of the most important flourishing periods of Islamic civilization took place in Fatimid era. Since Fatimid rulers were Shiite and religion was important for them, many of non-Muslim researchers have mentioned religious elements among flourishing factors in this era. This study examines the role of other factors like religious, political and economic ones based on western scholar's perspectives. Analyzing and evaluating their viewpoints shows their emphasis on two main points: (1) the role of Fatimid caliphs and officials, their rivalry with Abbasid dynasty and political and religious tolerance; (2) the religious identity of Ismailis and its propagation, the organization for invitation (Dawat) to Ismailism, the philosophical and intellectual influence of Greek and Neoplatonic thoughts on Ismailism. Although some of the mentioned factors were also stated by Muslim historians and restated by western researchers, the philosophical and intellectual influence of Greek and Neoplatonic thoughts are incredibly highlighted in western scholars’ works. It can be said that these factors, which was effective in Ismailism evolution, were considered as the roots of scientific flourish in Islamic civilization; in order to relate the origins of this development to the Western and Greek civilizations.