The monograph explores the confrontation between the British and Russian empires (XIX - early XX centuries) in Central Asia (India, Afghanistan, East Iran, Turkestan, Badakhshan) and the division of spheres of influence between them. It shows the consideration by England and Russia of the Islamic factor in their colonial policy and reveals in this context the role of the Ismailist sect, which belongs to one of the main directions of Islam - Shiism. Such an analysis allows you to see many of the origins of modern conflicts in the specified region.