Yusuf Tazim

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Yusuf Tazim (1467 - 1512) was a Master Assassin, and the leader of the Ottoman Assassins, operating primarily in the Empire's capital of Constantinople.

He was involved in the fight against the Byzantine Templars during the early 1510s, and in aiding Ezio Auditore da Firenze - a Mentor in the Assassin Order and leader of the Italian Assassins - during his search for the Masyaf keys.

In the process, Yusuf and Ezio managed to form good relations with the Ottoman Prince Suleiman I. Together, they thwarted the Templars' plans to take over the Ottoman Empire, and found the Masyaf keys hidden in Constantinople.

Biography

Early life

Yusuf was born in Bursa, but grew up in Constantinople from the age of eight. His father was an Assassin, later prompting Yusuf to follow in his footsteps; however, he was raised only by his mother, with the fate of his father unknown.

In around 1484, by the time he was seventeen, Yusuf had become well-known in the city as a vigilante and petty thief; later catching the attention of Vizier and Assassin Ishak Pasha. Taken in by the man's charisma, Yusuf joined the Order just before he turned twenty.

In 1502, Yusuf allied with a contingent of Venetian Assassins in Greece to bring an end to the Ottoman-Venetian war. Their efforts led to a halt in the battle, and a brief era of peace on their borders by 1503.

The Ottoman Assassins enjoyed this quiet but dull moment of peace until 1509, when the Templars banded under the Byzantine crest. Yusuf led the Assassins in their repression, and his efforts eventually led to him being appointed the leader of his guild by 1511.

Meeting Ezio Auditore

File:ACR Hookblade.png

Yusuf and Ezio discussing the hookblade.

"Hoshgeldin, kardeshim! (Welcome, brother!) Unless the legend is a lie, you are the man I've longed to meet."

―Yusuf greeting Ezio.

In 1511, the Ottoman guild heard of Ezio Auditore's encounter with the Templars of Masyaf, and Yusuf himself went to meet the Mentor at the Golden Horn.

While he showed Ezio around the city, he explained the current situation of the Assassin and Templars in Constantinople, as well as the conflict between the Ottomans and Byzantines.

Upon introducing him to the local Assassin guild, Yusuf also demonstrated some equipment the Ottoman Assassins used, including the hookblade and various types of bombs.

Once finished, they climbed the Galata Tower, and viewed the city from above, before both leaving it by performing a Leap of Faith.

Defending the Brotherhood

File:EzioYusufOnTheAttack-ACR.png

Yusuf telling Ezio his plan for retaking the den.

Shortly afterwards, Yusuf and Ezio were met by one of the Ottoman Assassins, who claimed that two of their dens were under attack. Knowing he could not be in two places at once, Yusuf sent Ezio to protect the Galata den, while he travelled to the Grand Bazaar.

Though the Galata den was saved, Yusuf arrived too late, and the Bazaar became overrun by Templars. Ezio caught up with him in time to help him fend off several guards, and the two set off to retake the district.

Upon reclaiming the den and verifying it had not been damaged, Yusuf showed Ezio how to craft bombs, and further recommended that he find Piri Reis should he wish to learn more.

Rescuing Suleiman

Ezio: "The Byzantines found a key beneath Topkapı Palace, and I would like to know how."

Yusuf: "Ezio, we want to protect our Shehzade (Prince) not interrogate him."

—Yusuf and Ezio discussing the protection of Suleiman.

File:ACR Suleiman Yusuf.jpg

Yusuf fighting alongside Suleiman.

That same year, Ezio and Yusuf infiltrated Topkapı Palace dressed as Italian entertainers, so as to join the cultural exhibition sponsored by Prince Suleiman, who was in danger of a Templar assassination.

Ezio and Yusuf were able to identify most of the disguised Templars, and have the Ottoman Assassins silently eliminate them. However, the hidden enemies eventually realized the danger, and attempted an open attempt on Suleiman's life.

Yusuf broke his cover and killed several enemies with his blade, with Ezio intercepting the last hidden Templar just before he attacked Suleiman.

Spying upon Palaiologos

Yusuf: "Feigning solidarity to push your own agenda. What a gentleman. No?"

Ezio: "It is not pretty, I know. But it will work."

—Yusuf and Ezio, regarding the infiltration of the Arsenal.

File:Ezio and Yusif SiCa - ACR.png

Yusuf and Ezio before the Arsenal gates.

After one of his Assassins had discovered the delivery of several firearms to the Constantinople port, Yusuf left to investigate. There, he met with Ezio, who had been tailing Tarik Barleti at Suleiman's request.

As Ezio thought of a means of entering the well-guarded area, the two witnessed a couple of Janissaries terrorizing a nearby merchant, and stealing his goods. Yusuf remarked on this oppression, and Ezio thus concluded that provoking a riot would give enough cover for him to enter.

However, Yusuf frowned at this idea, saying that Ezio would use the people for his own purposes. Seeing the necessity though, he merely insisted that Ezio at least protect the rioters from the attacking guards during the distraction.

Upon entering the port, Ezio soon discovered Manuel Palaiologos speaking with Shahkulu and Tarik, and overheard that the weapons would be bound for a Templar base.

Death

Ezio: "Yusuf, wait. Un favore. (A favor.) There is a woman running a bookshop at the old Polo trading post... Sofia. Look out for her. She is a remarkable lady."

Yusuf: "You have my word."

—Yusuf's and Ezio's final exchange.

File:Yusuf Ezio Constantinople.jpg

Yusuf walking with Ezio.

In 1512, when Ezio decided to set sail for Cappadocia to pursue Manuel, Yusuf came to inform him that the Great Chain had been raised to block any ships from leaving. He then gave the Mentor a powerful explosive to destroy the structure, and aided him in attacking the ships stationed to intercept his escape.

Just before departing, Ezio also requested Yusuf to protect his love interest, Sofia Sartor, from harm. Yusuf agreed, and he and the other Assassins guarded Sofia's residence, the former trading post of the brothers Niccolò and Maffeo Polo.

Sofia's shop was soon raided by Byzantine Templars, who had secretly been working for Prince Ahmet. Yusuf faced off against the Templars inside the store, and managed to eliminate many of them. However, he was eventually dealt a fatal blow, and Sofia was taken captive by the remaining attackers.

File:Yusuf dead.jpg

Ezio gives Yusuf his final rites.

Upon Ezio's return from Cappadocia, he discovered Yusuf's body on a bench in Sofia's shop, with a dagger still pierced into his back. He removed the dagger and closed Yusuf's eyes, offering him his final rites.

Infuriated both by Yusuf's death and the endangerment of Sofia's life, Ezio led an attack on Ahmet's forces in the Arsenal.

Soon after Yusuf had been buried, Ezio spoke with the Ottoman Assassins who had gathered in his memory, appointing one of their number as the new Master Assassin of the guild.

Personality and characteristics

Yusuf: "Ah ah ah! Don't touch that! One wrong move and BANG! The building comes down!"

Ezio: "Are you serious?"

Yusuf: "(laughs) The look on your face! Here, I'll show you."

—Yusuf teaching Ezio to craft bombs.

Yusuf was a light-hearted and cheerful man, showing attachment to both the Assassins under him, as well as to Ezio. Even when engaged in battle or facing several enemies, he would often joke about the situation.

Yusuf wore tan Assassin robes and a headband, both with teal sashes. He wielded a Turkish Kijil, the hookblade, and throwing knives.

Trivia

• The dagger used to kill Yusuf is always the same dagger currently equipped by Ezio.
• Yusuf's primary weapon can be used by Ezio Auditore after clearing a set of Master Assassin Missions. His sword is the most powerful longsword in the game, replacing the Sword of Altaïr in terms of status.

Gallery

• 
  Concept image for Yusuf Tazim.
• Yusuf's playing card.
  Yusuf's playing card.
• A close-up of Yusuf.
  A close-up of Yusuf.
• Yusuf using a zipline.
  Yusuf using a zipline.
• Yusuf and Ezio on the Galata Tower.
  Yusuf and Ezio on the Galata Tower.
• Yusuf and Ezio looking out at Constantinople.
  Yusuf and Ezio looking out at Constantinople.
• 
  Yusuf and Ezio dressed as minstrels.

Source

• Assassin's Creed: Revelations