Iran to commemorate hero Babak at his ancient castle

The castle is located in East Azarbaijan Province, five kilometers southwest of Kalibar.

Babak was the leader of the Khorram-dinan, an esoteric Islamic religious sect that arose following the execution of Abu Muslim, who had rebelled against the Abbasid caliphate. Denying that Abu Muslim was dead, the sect predicted that he would return to spread justice throughout the world. Babak led a new revolt against the Abbasids that was put down in 837.

A number of archaeologists will participate in the ceremony to familiarize people with the history of the region, the castle, and its structure. They will also explain the three phases of renovation carried out on the castle over the past few years.

A band is also scheduled to perform Azeri classical music at the event.

Babak was born in the Balalabad (Qaradagh) region of East Azarbaijan near the city of Ardabil. After his father died, in his early teens he was given responsibility for his two brothers and mother during a traditional Zoroastrian ceremony at a fire temple. By the age of 18 Babak had established himself in the city of Tabriz and was engaged in the arms trade and industry.

Later on, this engagement gave him the opportunity to travel to the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and other parts of the Middle East. During this time, Azarbaijan was constantly invaded by the Abbasids.

The constant pressure on the Iranian people motivated Babak to join the Khorram-dinan movement at Babak Castle in the mountains of Qaradagh.

One of the most dramatic periods of Iranian and Azari history occurred under Babak’s leadership from 816 to 837 CE.

Eventually Babak, his wife, and his warriors were forced to leave their command post at the castle under very difficult circumstances after 23 years of struggle. He was betrayed by Afshin, another Iranian commander who previously fought against the Abbasids, and was handed over to the enemy.

During Babak’s execution, the caliph's henchmen first cut off his legs and hands in order to convey the most devastating message to his followers. Legend has it that Babak bravely rinsed his face with the blood pouring out of his wounds, thus depriving the caliph and the rest of the army the opportunity to see that his face had turned pale due to heavy bleeding.

MMS/HG

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MNA