Alamut
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
|
"No sooner had Hassan Sabah obtained possession of the castle of Alamut, and before he had provided it with magazines, than an emir, on whom the sultan had conferred the fief of the district of Rudbar, cut off all access and supplies. The inhabitants were on the point of abandoning the place, when Hassan inspired them with new courage, by the assurance that fortune would favour them there. --The History of the Assassins (1818) by Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall |
|
Related e |
|
Featured: |
Alamut is a region in Iran including western and eastern parts in the western edge of the Alborz (Elburz) massif, between the dry and barren plain of Qazvin in the south and the densely forested slopes of the Mazandaran province in the north. Starting from Qazvin toward Alamut, passing through the first range of hills, curvatures, forms, scars, wrinkles are significant themes in nature's composition of this area. Two big citadels of Ismailists, Lambsar and Alamut castles, are in this area. Hassan-i Sabbah and his Hashshashins controlled the area for many years.
Contents |
History
In 1090 A.D, Hassan Sabbah, the leader of Ismailites in Iran, chose the Alamut region, as his headquarter to campaign, preach and convert new followers. This proved to be a turning point for destiny of Alamut Valley. The result of over two centuries Ismailite stronghold, the region witnessed innumerous castles throughout, of which at least 20 “castles“ dating back to this era have been identified. The most magnificent castle in the Alamut Valley is the Alamut or the Hassan Sabbah castle, which is built on top of a high rock reaching 2163 m above sea level near the Gazor Khan Village. The rock is 200 m high and covers an area of 20 ha; with its steep slope and deep and dangerous ravine, the rock is practically inaccessible and forms a part of the gort’s structure. Currently only ruins of the fort and some towers are apparent and it is only through archaeological excavation the main portions can be discovered.
Geography
The valley of Alamut is situated in the northeast of Qazvin province. The region is an enclave in the form of a U-shaped valley in the central Alborz chains and opening up to the fertile Qazvin plains. The mountains of Alamut were ideal for construction of castles. The natural heights contains a section of the defensive structure of the castles.
Access
The only access is from Qazvin, which connects to the region via two roads. One road starts from north of the city to West Alamut, and the other starts on the eastern part of the city and leads north to East Alamut.
Water
Having ample rivers, the Alamut valley has released inhabitants from worries about shortage in provided water. The heavy seasonal rainfalls, and adequate snowfall in winter replenish the origins of abundant water resources. Innumerable large and small lakes such as Ovan and Alebon are counted as the region's water resources. Countless rivulets flow in the Alamut Valley, joining up to finally reach Sefīd-Rūd and end up in the Caspian Sea.
See also
- Lambsar Castle
- Ovan Lake
- Alamut (1938 novel), novel written by Vladimir Bartol in 1938
