 | 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.