Back قلعة مصياف Arabic قلعة مصياف ARZ Κάστρο Μασγιάφ Greek Castillo Masyaf Spanish قلعه مصیاف Persian Château de Masyaf French Մասյաֆի բերդ Armenian Obí Masyaf IG Castelo de Massiafe Portuguese Masyaf Kalesi Turkish
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2021) |
| Masyaf Castle | |
|---|---|
قلعة مصياف | |
 The fortress of Masyaf | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Castle |
| Town or city | Masyaf |
| Country | Syria |
Masyaf Castle (Arabic: قلعة مصياف) is a medieval structure in the town of Masyaf in Hama Governorate, Syria, situated in the Orontes Valley, approximately 40.03 kilometres to the west of Hama.[1] It served to protect the approach to other Ismaili castles in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range (Jabal Ansariya) at a site controlling the trade routes to cities further inland such as Banyas.[citation needed] The castle itself stands on a platform about 20 metres above the surrounding plain.[1] It became famous as the stronghold from which Rashid ad-Din Sinan, known as the Old Man of the Mountain, ruled[2] from 1166-1193.[citation needed] He was a leader of the Syrian branch of the Shia Nizari Isma'ili sect, also known as the Assassins, and a figure in the history of the Crusades.[3]
- ^ a b "Castle of Masyaf". The Institute of Ismaili Studies. 10 October 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Perry, Tom (2007-07-13). "Secrets of Assassins' fort unearthed in Syria". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-09-30.