Masyaf, Medieval fortress town in northwestern Syria.
Masyaf is a town with a stone fortress in Masyaf Subdistrict, northwestern Syria. The structure rises about 20 meters above the surrounding plain and shows different building phases from several centuries.
Nizari Ismailis seized the fortification in 1141 and made it their headquarters for more than 150 years. The original foundations date from Byzantine times and were later expanded by Mamluks and Ottomans.
The castle and city served as the central command post for Rashid ad-Din Sinan, a prominent Nizari Ismaili leader from 1166 to 1193.
The fortress sits on high ground with views over trade routes toward inland Syria. Visitors planning the climb should allow time and consider the elevation of 447 meters (about 1470 feet).
The lowest wall sections show Byzantine building methods with characteristic stone arrangement. Later layers reveal influences from the Nizari, Mamluk and Ottoman periods.
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