Freya Stark - Part 2 - The Valley of the Assassins
Jan 23, 2024
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Freya Stark embarks on a journey to the Valley of the Assassins, explores the history of the Order of Assassins, forms connections with locals, maps the area, and receives recognition for her work.
Traveling light and having a knowledgeable guide are crucial for successful exploration in the Middle East.
Freya Stark's quest to locate the fortresses of the Order of Assassins showcased her skills as a geographer and heightened her reputation as an explorer.
Deep dives
Freya Stark's success in traveling through the Middle East and her newfound confidence
Freya Stark's journey through the Middle East provided her with a blueprint for successful travel in the region. She discovered that traveling light and having a knowledgeable guide was key. Stark's ability to communicate and immerse herself in the local customs allowed her to unravel the stories of the people she encountered. Despite common misconceptions about the dangers of the region, Stark found that most people welcomed her and were protective of her. The journey transformed Stark, boosting her confidence and solidifying her career as a writer.
The Order of Assassins - A fascinating and mysterious subject
Freya Stark became fascinated with the Order of Assassins, a secretive cult that terrorized the Middle East in the 11th and 12th centuries. Founded by Hassan I-Saba, the assassins were known for their strategic power and influence. The origin of their name, derived from the word 'Haschish,' added to their mystique. Stark delved into their history, discovering their alliances with other rulers and their use of assassinations for political gain or profit. Marco Polo's writings and comparisons to the Knights Templar heightened their intrigue. Stark's quest to locate their fortresses, including Al-Amuk-Kassil and Lamzar, became a significant part of her journey.
Freya Stark's expedition to the Valley of the Assassins
Equipped with maps and local information, Freya Stark embarked on her expedition to uncover the secrets of the Valley of the Assassins. With the aid of a local mule-tier named Kerbali Aziz, she traversed the rugged mountains and treacherous valleys. Stark encountered impoverished villages and nomadic shepherds along the way, often becoming a curiosity to the locals. After a challenging climb up the ridge, she finally reached the elusive valley, exploring the ruins of Al-Amuk-Kassil and Lamzar castles. Stark's accurate mapping and dedication to her research earned her recognition and praise, setting her apart as a skilled geographer.
Freya Stark's return to Baghdad and plans for future expeditions
After the successful exploration of the Valley of the Assassins, Freya Stark returned to Baghdad as a celebrated figure. Her work garnered attention and support from the British government and the Royal Geographical Society. Stark capitalized on her achievements by planning future expeditions, including the search for the lost citadel of the Assassins and a climb up Solomon's throne. With the promise of publication and ongoing support, Stark's passion for exploration continued to thrive.
In part 2 of our series, Stark heads into the mountains of Persia in search of the Valley of the Assassins - as well as the ruins of their legendary fortresses - including Alamut and Lambsar castles.
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