Masyaf

Masyaf (Moseearf) was situated a half hour drive south east of Skelbieh in the An Nusayriah mountains between Hama and the Mediteranean coast. It was a popular summer destination because of its cool summer climate and refreshing springs of water where open air cafes would offer its visitors a menu of scrumptious Arabic cuisine.
Masyaf's castle dates back to the Byzantine period and was used by the Ismailites in the 12th century to defend themselves against the ruling Sunni sects from Aleppo and Damascus. It was the fortress from which Ismaili leader Rashid ad-Din Sinan ruled. It sat high on a rocky prominence on the eastern side of the town overlooking the plains of the Oronte's river. The castle was in need of repair and during one of our visits to the fortress, Azzam found an accessible area to climb on one of its outside walls, but unfortunately, found himself in the middle of a clump of stinging nettle bushes.
In summertime, we would enjoy taking a leisurely trip to Masyaf to visit an old friend of Fawaz's and one of his daughters, Lena, was to become a very close confidante of mine.

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The photos take one on a journey to Masyaf beginning at Skelbieh and travelling through the An Nusayriah mountains to the Masyaf castle.