The Great Garrison
The Great Garrison was a fort in Karkh's suburb of Sharqiyah in Baghdad. During the 9th century, it served as the headquarters of the Turkic Army, as well as a prison for individuals who spoke or rebelled against the Abbasid Caliphate.[1] It also served as the personal seat of power of Wasif al-Turki, a Turkic general and member of the Order of the Ancients known as "Al-Mardikhwar".[2]
History[edit | edit source]
In the 860s, the Hidden One Basim Ibn Ishaq and the Zanj rebel leader Ali ibn Muhammad tracked Ali's second-in-command Beshi to the fort, where Beshi and a few other rebels were being held captive. After infiltrating the fort, Basim freed the rebels and regrouped with Ali, who managed to find Beshi deeper into the stronghold. Unfortunately, Beshi was soon executed by Wasif, who then locked himself in his office.[2]
Basim was able to gain access to Wasif's office through the second level and assassinated the Order member before unlocking the room for the rebels. After making it appear like he had killed Wasif to keep the Hidden Ones' involvement secret, Ali led the rebels in a full-scale assault to push out from the fort, with Basim following closely behind.[2]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
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Basim and Ali overlooking the garrison -
Basim infiltrating the garrison through a hole in the wall -
Basim inside the garrison -
The garrison's courtyard -
Wasif executing Beshi -
The Zanj rebels fighting Wasif's guards
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]