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 aided Ezio Auditore – a Mentor in the Assassin Order and leader of the Italian Assassins – during his stay in Constantinople.
In the process, Yusuf and Ezio managed to form good relations with the Ottoman Prince Suleiman I, and thwarted the Templars' plans to take over the Ottoman Empire.
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
- "Hoshgeldin, kardeshim! (Welcome, brother!) Unless the legend is a lie, you are the man I've longed to meet."
- ―Yusuf greeting Ezio.[src]
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 acquainting Ezio with the local Assassin guild, Yusuf introduced him to the hookblade, common equipment of the Ottoman Assassins. After a demonstration of its features, the two climbed the Galata Tower, and viewed the city from above, before both performed a Leap of Faith.
Defending the Brotherhood
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 traveled 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 Yusuf in time to help him fend off several guards, and the two set off to retake the district.
Upon reclaiming the den and verifying that 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.
At this point, Ezio also showed Yusuf the journal of Niccolò Polo, and told him of the Masyaf Keys. Though Yusuf did not recognize it, he suggested that Ezio ask Piri for the directions to Niccolò's trading post as well.
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.[src]
That same year, Yusuf and his Assassins discovered a planned attempt on Prince Suleiman's life, soon after he had returned from a pilgrimage. In order to protect him, they prepared to infiltrate the Prince's cultural exhibition at Topkapı Palace dressed as Italian entertainers.
Ezio met with them as they discussed their plan atop the Hippodrome, and offered his help. However, Yusuf insisted that this was an Ottoman affair, and that he need not be involved.
As Ezio explained that he wanted to learn more about the Masyaf Key that had been found under Topkapı, Yusuf reminded him that their mission was to protect Suleiman, not question him. However, Yusuf finally consented to Ezio's request to trust him, thus they and the other Ottoman Assassins departed to secure disguises.
After knocking out and stealing the clothing of several minstrels, they managed to enter the party. As Ezio distracted the crowd and identified the concealed Byzantines with his gift, Yusuf and his men silently eliminated the targets and hid the bodies.
However, the Byzantines eventually realized the danger, and killed one of the palace guards, triggering the alarm. As the Janissaries quickly told Suleiman to escape the area, the Templars desperately tried an open attempt on Suleiman's life.
Yusuf broke his cover and killed several of the 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.[src]
After one of his Assassins had discovered the delivery of several firearms to the Constantinople port, Yusuf left to investigate. There, he encountered 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 upon this idea, saying that Ezio would manipulate 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.[src]
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.
Though before departing, Ezio 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.
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 a large-scale attack on Ahmet's forces in the Arsenal. Though the Assassins managed to kill many of the soldiers, Ezio was forced to allow Ahmet to escape, as he still held Sofia hostage.
Soon after Yusuf had been buried, Ezio spoke with the Ottoman Assassins who had gathered in his memory, appointing Dogan 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: "The look on your face! Here, I'll show you."
- —Yusuf teaching Ezio to craft bombs.[src]
Yusuf was a light-hearted and cheerful man, whom Ezio once described as an "affable fighter." Even when engaged in battle or facing several enemies, he would often joke about the situation.
Nevertheless, Yusuf was a capable warrior and a respected leader, showing open attachment to his fellow Assassins, and receiving their obedience in return. Though fighting for the Order's interests, he also acknowledged Constantinople as a whole; putting importance in the protection of their Prince, regardless of whether or not he aided the Assassins.
Yusuf wore tan Assassin robes and a headband, both with teal sashes; an attire matching that of other Ottoman Master Assassins. He wielded a kijil, hidden blade, hookblade, and throwing knives.
Trivia
- In the memory "The Prince's Banquet," Yusuf makes use of a parachute. Previously, Ezio was the only person seen using them.
- Yusuf jokingly referred to himself as "Yusuf Tazim da Istanbul" during his first time meeting Ezio.
Gallery
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Concept image for Yusuf Tazim. -
An early close-up of Yusuf.
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Ezio and Yusuf facing Byzantine soldiers. -
Yusuf using a zipline. -
Ezio showing Yusuf a Masyaf key.
Source
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