Alamut

Alamut was a mountain fortress in northern Iran that served as the headquarters of the Nizari Ismaili state from 1090 to 1256 CE. Captured by Hasan-i Sabbah, it became the center of Nizari learning, administration, and defense. The fortress contained an extensive library and scholarly community. It was destroyed by the Mongols in 1256, though the Imamat and community continued.