Hasan-i Sabbah

Lore & Background

Hasan-i Sabbah was born in Qom, ca. 1050, and did his religious studies in Cairo with the Fatimids. His father was a Qahtanite Arab, said to be a descendant of Himyaritic kings, having emigrated to Qom from Kufa. He made his way to Persia where, through subterfuge, he and his followers captured Alamut Castle in 1090. Sabbah adapted the fortress to suit his needs not only for defense from hostile forces, but also for indoctrination of his followers. After laying claim to the fortress at Alamut, Sabbah began expanding his influence outwards to nearby towns and districts, using his agents to gain political favour and to intimidate the local populations. Spending most of his days at Alamut producing religious works and developing doctrines for his order, Sabbah would never again leave his fortress. One of Sabbah's disciples named Dihdar Bu-Ali from Qazvin rallied local supporters to deflect the Seljuks. Their attack on Alamut Castle and surrounding areas was canceled upon the death of the sultan. Of the 50 assassinations conducted during Sabbah's reign, more than half were Seljuk officials, many of whom supported Muhammad I Tapar.

Reader's Guide

Hasan-i Sabbah's significance lies in his founding of the Nizari Ismaili state and the Order of Assassins, which established a lasting political and religious presence in Persia and Syria. His capture of Alamut Castle in 1090 created a strategic mountain stronghold that became the center of Nizari power for decades. Shortly after establishing their headquarters at Alamut Castle, the sect captured Lambsar Castle, to be the largest of the Isma'ili fortresses and confirming the Assassins' power in northern Persia. The estimated date of the capture of Lambsar varies between 1096 and 1102. The castle was taken under the command of Kiya Buzurg Ummid, later Sabbah's successor, who remained commandant of the fortress for twenty years. The Assassins seized Persian castles of Rudkhan and Gerdkuh in 1096, before turning to Syria. By 1100, Berkyaruq had consolidated his power, and the Assassins increased their presence by infiltrating the sultan's court and army. Day-to-day functions of the court were frequently performed while armored and with weapons. In the years following, the Assassins continued their mission against religious and secular leaders. Given these successes, they began expanding their operations into Syria.

Did You Know?

• Hasan-i Sabbah was born in Qom, ca. 1050, and did his religious studies in Cairo with the Fatimids.
• Sabbah's father was a Qahtanite Arab, said to be a descendant of Himyaritic kings, having emigrated to Qom from Kufa.
• Of the 50 assassinations conducted during Sabbah's reign, more than half were Seljuk officials, many of whom supported Muhammad I Tapar.
• Spending most of his days at Alamut producing religious works and developing doctrines for his order, Sabbah would never again leave his fortress.
• The estimated date of the capture of Lambsar Castle varies between 1096 and 1102; it was taken under the command of Kiya Buzurg Ummid, later Sabbah's successor.