Wasif al-Turki

Wasif al-Turki (died c. 860s), also known as Al-Mardikhwar (English: The Manticore; lit: Man-eater), was a Turkic warlord of the Caliphate military. He was the most direct threat to Ali ibn Muhammad's rebellion, hunting down rebels and keeping Baghdad's citizens in line through fear. Secretly, he was also a member of the Order of the Ancients.

Biography

Early life

Born to his single mother, Wasif was taken into an enslaved servitude to a blacksmith, who was abusive towards him. Years working under him, Wasif grew stronger and ultimately killed his abuser with his bare hands. Wasif soon joined the Turkic Army and became known as a relentless kingmaker. Accompanied by his fervently trustworthy soldiers, he was meticulous in eliminating his enemies with ease.

Working for the Order

In the 860s, he joined and rose to the ranks of a leader within the Order of the Ancients. In 861, he joined his fellow Order leaders Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa, Ning, Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob and their Ra's Al-Af'a, Qabiha at a meeting with Caliph Al-Mutawakkil at the Winter Palace in Anbar about a ancient artifact. Wasif took point and inspected the seal before agreeing with the caliph to safeguard it. However, when the caliph wanted to view it, he furiously confronted him and told him to keep silent about the matter. This proved futile after the caliph was murdered by the thief Basim Ibn Ishaq, who took the memory seal.

After the caliph's death, Wasif continued his military duties and fought against Ali ibn Muhammad and his rebels. At some point, he learned of Fazil's Great Work Alruh being constructed and boasted, but reprimanded his fellow Order leader on his lack of results. When he left Baghdad to deal with a battle incursion, he ordered his Order subordinates Jasoor ibn Basil to deal with the rebels on his behalf and Nadir ibn Havid to continue supplying the order as well as creating warships for the caliphate, respectively. However, he soon learned disturbing truths, which were about Jasoor lying about his military accomplishments and Nadir stealing wares for his personal gain.

Wasif set up meetings to discuss their shortcomings, however they met their demises at the hands of Alamut Hidden One Basim before they could respond. In midst of his fight with Ali, he soon gained an upper hand by capturing Ali's right-hand man, Beshi. Just as he was about to enter his base at the Great Garrison, he was advised by Baghdad's governor Muhammad ibn Tahir on controling himself but rebuffed and threatened the governor in response. When going to interrogate Beshi, he received correspondence from Qabiha, who advised him to lessen his bloodshed on the slaves, which has been giving too much attention on the Order and her, and subtly threatened him in the process.

Death

Basim assassinates Wasif

Wasif entered into a building within the inner courtyard of the garrison and met with a bound Beshi. Grabbing a sword, he chastized Beshi on being on the wrong side but Beshi responded that Allah judges, not him. Slowly, he murders Beshi before closing himself off inside his building. Before long, his men responded to a lit brazier and an assault from Ali and his released rebels. Inside, Wasif ordered two of his men to call for reinforcements. Alone, Wasif was then assassinated by Basim. Near Wasif's corpse, Ali soon entered to find Basim over Wasif and then stabbed his corpse in front of his men to portray that he killed Wasif. Afterwards, both Ali, his men, and Basim fought their way out of the garrison.

Behind the scenes

Historically, Wasif died in October 867 after a riot broke out within his army.

Gallery

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  Wasif in his Order outfit and mask
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  Wasif Al-Turki
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  Wasif threatening Governor Muhammad
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  Wasif killing Beshi
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  Basim and Ali standing over Wasif's body

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage