Masyaf Castle

Masyaf Castle (Arabic: قلعة مصياف‎) is a medieval structure in the town of Masyaf in Hama Governorate, Syria, situated in the Orontes Valley, approximately 40 kilometers to the west of Hama. It served to protect the trade routes to cities further inland such as Banyas. The castle itself stands on a platform about 20 meters above the surrounding plain. The citadel became famous as the stronghold from which Rashid ad-Din Sinan, known as the Old Man of the Mountain, ruled from 1166-1193. He was a leader of the Syrian branch of the Nizari Isma'ili sect, also known as the Assassins, and a figure in the history of the Crusades.

The fortress of Masyaf
Masyaf Castle in the snow

    History

    Evidence suggests that the lower layers and foundations of the castle are of Byzantine origin.[1] Later levels were added by the Nizari Isma'ilis, Mamluks, and Ottomans. The castle was captured by the Assassins in 1141 from Sanqur (who had held it on behalf of the Banu Munqidh of Shaizar) and was later refortified by Rashid al-Din Sinan. Masyaf and the surrounding town functioned as the capital of a Nizari emirate from the middle of the 12th century until the end of the 13th century. Saladin besieged it in May 1176 but the siege did not last long and it concluded with a truce. Current research indicates it was held by the Nizari Isma'ilis at that time.[2]

    In 1260, the castle was surrendered to the Mongols. Later that year in September, the Nizaris allied with the Mamluks to drive the Mongols out from Syria and reclaim the castle. Baibars took hold of the castle in February 1270. In 1830, an Egyptian expedition led by Ibrahim Pasha did some damage to the castle. Restoration funded by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme began in 2000.[3]

    Masyaf 26.04.2013 (Photographed by Süleyman)

    See also

    References
    1. "Castle of Masyaf". The Institute of Ismaili Studies. 10 October 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
    2. Perry, Tom. "Secrets of Assassins' fort unearthed in Syria". Reuters. Scientific American. Retrieved 2007-07-13. Alt URL
    3. "The Citadel of Masyaf" (PDF). A Brief Account of Project Activities in Syria. Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme. October 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2006.
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