Al-Qadmous is an historic city with important reference points for the Ismaili community. Currently Qadmous has over 8000 residents and has an important Ismaili presence of both Jamaati and Mominshahi communities. Among the historic sites of the city, the Mosque of ‘Imam Hassan Jalal Al-Din’ located in the old city, adjacent to the Souk, the Home of Imam Sinan Rashid al-Din located in the Citadel, and Shrine of Mawla Hassan, located in a mountain top (1150m) surrounded by a forest of cedar and cypress trees, had important structural damage (following February 2023 earthquake) that need to be addressed for the safety of the inhabitants, and to preserve the historical identity of these communities.

The space attributed to Sinan Rashid al-Din in the castle of Al-Qadmus, is located one of the highest points in the mountains (rising 1,170 m above sea level). The space, oriented east-west, is 12 meter long and 4,30 m wide (46 m2) and is covered with three crossed vaults, is located at the limit of the cliff of the rocky massif where is located the citadel. Three windows are opened on the southern façade, and a low door permits access from the west.

It is a shrine to celebrate Sinan Rashid al-Din’s memory. This hall has gone through three phases of construction, the oldest of which dates to the 13th century and was most likely built after his death in 1193. This hall became an honorary shrine, and it is certainly not the tomb of Sinan Rashid al-Din, who was most likely buried in Masyaf.

The famous Ismaili leader in Syria, Sinān Rāshid ad-Dīn (1162 – 1192) known as the “Old Man of the Mountain”, was chosen by Alamut to reorganize the Nizari Community and the Ismaili Da’wa in Syria and to fortify their strongholds. The capital of the Syrian state was transferred from Qadmous to Masyaf 1140, where it remained until 1169.

Sinan Rashid al-Din, the Sheikh al-Jebal, is supposed to have inhabited and lived 11 continuous years in the citadel (perhaps between 1164 and 1176), prior moving to Masyaf, while continuing to make from Masyaf to the citadel of al-Qadmous frequent visits. No historic sources refer to this space and confirmed its use, nor as a residence or nor as any other specific use. Based on a certain tradition, this shrine, is just a space where locals use visit and celebrate the souvenir of Sinan Rashid al-Din as his residence, a tradition still present in the local memories motivating this sporadic pilgrimage.

In an alcove, some visitors light candles and burn incense.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture