Alamut Castle (Eagles Nest):Hassan Sabbah Stronghold

The valley of alamut is situated in the north - east of qazvin province. the region is anenclave in the form of a u shape valley in the central alborz chains and opening up to thefertile qazvin plains. the mountains of alamut were ideal for construction of castles. thenatural heights contains a section of the defensive structure of the castles.in 1090 a.d, hassan sabbah , the leader of ismailites in iran, chose the alamut region, ashis headquarter to campaign, preach and convert new followers. this proved to be aturning point for destiny of alamut valley. the result of over two centuries ismahitestronghold, the region witnessed innumerous castles throughout, of which at least 20castles dating back to this era have been identified.the most magnificent castle in the alamut valley is the alamut or the hassan sabbahcastle, which is built on top of a high rock reaching 2163 m above sea level near the gazorkhan viuage.the rock is 200 m high, with its steep slope and deep and dangerous ravine,the rock is practically inaccessible and forms a part of the fort's structure. covering anarea of 20,ooosq.m. currently only ruins of the fort and some towers are apparent and it isonly through archeological excavation the mains can be discovered.during the7 seasons of excavation (2001- 2007) more than 5000 sq.rn wereunearthed.the discoveries include: main entrances, road networks, steps and stepsflanked,workshops, water reservoirs, depots, living quarters, significant main portal andmosque.·with molded and carved delicated brick decoration, as well as broken piecesof turquoise glazed tiles, luster pa inted tiles, these findings speak of the magnificentsarchitecture of the castle during the ismailite. excavations show that the castle hasundergone at least four major alterations, first in the 11 century a.d (hassan sabbah period), and then during his seven successors ( until nih century ad ) and before theattack of hulaku khan in 1257 ad during the reign of roknoddin khorshah , the lastlord of alamut, the safavid era 16-17a.dj when castle was used as prison and exilefor political opponents and was referred to as oblivious castle and finally duringqajar unfortunately ravaged for treasure hunting.