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Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh

1050 – 1113

Nizari Isamili da'i

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About Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh

Lived 1050 – 1113 (aged 62–63). Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh was a goldsmith, religious leader, military leader and da'i.

Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh (, "Abu Tahir the Goldsmith"), recorded as Botherus in Christian sources, was a Persian goldsmith and the chief Nizari Isma'ili da'i of Syria, belonging to the order of Assassins.

Abu Tahir was the second Nizari da'i in Syria sent by Hassan-i Sabbah, replacing al-Hakim al-Munajjim, and enjoying alliance with Ridwan. He kept using the Nizari base in Aleppo, while continuing the Nizari strategy of seizing strongholds in pro-Isma'ili areas, focusing on the Jabal al-Summaq highlands located between the Orontes River and Aleppo. At this time, the authority over the upper Orontes valley was shared between Janah al-Dawlah of Homs, Munqidhites of Shaizar, and Khalaf ibn Mula'ib, the Fatimid governor of Apamea based in its citadel Qal'at al-Mudhiq. Janah al-Dawlah had been murdered in 1103 by al-Hakim al-Munajjim, and Khalaf ibn Mula'ib three years later. Khalaf ibn Mula'ib was probably a Musta'li Isma'ili that refused to cooperate with the Nizari Isma'ilis under Abu Tahir, was murdered in February 1106 with the help of Abu'l Fath of Sarmin, an Ismaili da'i. Abu Tahir and Abu'l Fath subsequently captured Qal'at al-Mudhiq and Apamea by an "ingenious" plan. Tancred, the Frankish regent of the Principality of Antioch besieged Apamea, but was unsuccessful. A few months later he besieged the city again with the help of Mus'ab ibn Mula'ib, brother of the murdered Khalaf, and captured Apamea in September 1106. Abu'l Fath was executed, while Abu Tahir ransomed himself and went to Aleppo.

Abu Tahir was succeeded by Bahram al-Da'i.

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Important facts

Born
1050, Fars (land)
Birth century
Died
1113, Aleppo
Occupation
Goldsmith, religious leader, military leader, da'i
Nationality
Seljuk Empire, Nizari Ismaili state
Positions held
Da'i
Also known as
Botherus

People in Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh?

Nizari Isamili da'i

When was Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh born?

Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh was born in 1050 in Fars (land).

When did Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh die?

Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh died in 1113 in Aleppo.

What was Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh's occupation?

Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh was a goldsmith, religious leader, military leader and da'i.

What nationality was Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh?

Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh's recorded nationality: Seljuk Empire, Nizari Ismaili state.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh

· Wikidata: Q65046928

· DBpedia: Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh. https://biography.guide/abu-tahir-al-sa-igh/

MLA: "Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/abu-tahir-al-sa-igh/.

Chicago: "Abu Tahir al-Sa'igh." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/abu-tahir-al-sa-igh/.

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