Unveiling the Unwritten: Nuanced Narratives from "Ismaili Castles".

This study takes a fresh look at the idea of ʻIsmaili castles,ʼ focusing on the structures still observable in Quhistān (South Khorasan, Iran). The author challenges the common view that these fortifications share a meaningful Ismaili identity or attribution. By drawing on field re- search, iconographic studies, and a close reading of historical texts, the research shows that many of the mountainous fortifications in today’s South Khorasan display a multifaceted chro- nology—some pre-dating the Islamic era. Although these structures are often thought of as safe havens or power centres for the Ismailis, evidence indicates that many of them were built before the Islamic period and had multiple functions. The author further suggests that what is needed is a closer look at how these buildings fit within their broader landscapes and socio- economic contexts and argues for rethinking the long-held label of ʻIsmaili castles.ʼ In doing so, it makes a broader point regarding new research methods and a more nuanced understanding of the political and territorial dynamics of the premodern world.