Shahkulu
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- Manuel Palaiologos: "Ah! What the hell is that smell?"
- Shahkulu: "Apologies, Manuel. Some of these Ottoman prisoners are so... fragile."
- —Shahkulu, subtly revealing his brutality.[src]
Shahkulu (unknown - 1512) was a Turkmen renegade, who became an orphan after an Ottoman attack on his tribe. Homeless, Shahkulu joined the Templar Order and dedicated his life to his new cause. In 1511, he became the leader of the Shakulu rebellion -- a widespread pro-Shia and pro-Safavid uprising in Anatolia, directed against the Ottoman Empire.
In 2012, his genetic memories were used by the Templar company Abstergo Industries, for the training of their Animus recruits, under the title of the Renegade.
Biography
Early life
As a child, Shahkulu was born into a Turkmen tribe in eastern Anatolia, which was oppressed by the Ottoman Empire, as it was on the edge of its boundaries. Later on in his life, an Ottoman ambush on his tribe left him orphaned and alone. Seeking revenge and a sense of belonging, Shahkulu joined the Templar Order.
Over time, Shahkulu grew to hate the Ottoman Turks for what they had done to his people, as well any who opposed the Templar ideology, and made it his mission to eliminate any that stood in his Order's way.
Partnership with Manuel
- "When the Palaiologos line is restored, Manuel, do not forget who helped you bring it back."
- ―Shahkulu to Manuel regarding his efforts.[src]
Shahkulu eventually became a feared Templar, and circa 1511, formed a partnership with the heir to the fallen Byzantine Empire and fellow Templar, Manuel Palaiologos. Shahkulu aided Manuel in his attempt to restore the Byzantine remnants to their former strength, partly because he believed Manuel would reward him if the Empire was successfully restored. By mid 1511, Shahkulu and Manuel met with Janissary Captain, Tarik Barleti, in Constantinople, to gain access to the Arsenal in order to check on a shipment of weapons.
While inspecting the firearms, Shahkulu reminded Manuel that he had assisted him in restoring his army, and that he should not be forgotten. Replying back, Manuel assured him that he would not forget the debt he owed Shahkulu, right before leaving the harbor.
Death
- "Shahkulu, try to moderate your anger. I know the Sultan humiliated your people. But there is no need to spit on men who are beneath us."
- ―Manuel on Shahkulu's brutal actions.[src]
In 1512, Shahkulu retreated to the Templar headquarters in Cappadocia. There, several of Tarik Barleti's spies were captured, and, as they were Ottoman Turks, Shahkulu personally killed many of them, by savagely beating them to death. After a meeting with Manuel, who had consulted Shahkulu on his treatment of the Ottoman spies, he demanded that his men bring the remaining ones to the chapel, where he intended to publicly torture and execute them.
As one of the guards replied that he did not have the key, Shahkulu angrily ordered him to find it. However, unbeknownst to him, the Assassin Ezio Auditore had being spying on the entire meeting, and, after learning the location of the key, set off to retrieve it before them. Shortly afterwards, a crowd gathered at the chapel where Shahkulu was to perform one of his public killings.
Emerging onto the courtyard of the chapel, Shahkulu immediately began beating a spy named Janos to death. However, Ezio attempted to assassinate Shahkulu from above with his hidden blade.
While Ezio told Shahkulu that he deserved no pity for the pleasure he derived from sadism, Shahkulu's armor had saved him from the killing blow, and he began to strangle Ezio. To stop him, the Assassin stabbed Shahkulu's arm with his hookblade, yet he threw Ezio aside, prompting a duel between the two. Despite the presence of several Byzantine troops aiding him, Shahkulu was eventually defeated and killed.
Trivia
- Shahkulu is the second known character who survived an assassination attempt from Ezio, the first being Rodrigo Borgia, who was spared, whereas Shahkulu was killed soon afterwards.
- Historically, the individual Shahkulu is based upon, Şahkulu, died in 1511.
- Shahkulu is the second target to resist Ezio's last rites; the other being Checco Orsi, who delivered a stab to Ezio's abdomen with a dagger.
Gallery
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Shahkulu beating up an Ottoman spy.
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Shahkulu strangling Ezio
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Shahkulu's body
Source
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