Investigating the Security and Military Challenges of the Ismaili Movement in Kerman Province

Kerman province has always been a unique region in gathering the followers of religions and sects. The presence of Ismaili Shiites in this province and the history of their efforts to obtain the political power of Kerman are of critical importance that demand investigation. Therefore, taking a descriptive-analytical approach, while looking into the why and how of the political, security and military developments of the Ismaili movement in Kerman province, this study tried to illuminate the process of the challenges faced by the Ismailis of Kerman in gaining political-military power. The importance and the necessity of this research is due to the fact that, unlike previous studies, it has not dealt with this sect only from the intellectual and religious perspective; rather, it has sought to explore their security and military approach to seizing power, and to introduce their defensive fortifications. The findings show that the Ismailis residing in Kerman passed three stages during the period investigated in this study. In the first stage, due to their secret and visible efforts to gain political power, they were engaged in military conflicts and were severely repressed. In the second stage, they had to hide their beliefs because of the unfavorable political-religious situation. And finally in the third stage, they succeeded to be in power for some years.