#alamut
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ALAMUT IN PRINCE OF PERSIA 1. The Architecture of Cooling While the palace looks like a golden monument, it’s a masterpiece of ancient engineering. The city is built over a massive network of subterranean aqueducts (qanats) that pull melted snow from distant peaks. Every courtyard has a shallow “reflecting pool” that isn’t just for aesthetics; it acts as a natural air conditioner, dropping the city’s temperature by ten degrees through evaporation. 2. The Merchant’s Tongue Because it sits on the border, the “Alamuti” dialect is a beautiful mess. It uses Persian grammar, Hindi-derived nouns for trade goods, and Balochi slang for anything related to travel or survival. A common saying in the markets is, "Speak to God in Persian, but bargain in Alamuti.“ 3. Sacred Textiles The kingdom’s primary export isn’t gold, but "Desert Silk." It’s a blend of heavy Indian brocade and lightweight Persian silk, often embroidered with geometric patterns found in Balochi needlework. These robes are designed to be "breathable armor"—layered to protect against sand and sun, but fine enough to fit through a ring. 4. The Cavalry of the Sands Unlike the heavy cataphracts of the Persian heartland, Alamut’s military relies on Camel Archers. They use smaller, more agile camels bred specifically for the rocky borderlands. Their saddles are outfitted with Indian-style hook-points for hanging curved scimitars, allowing riders to transition from range to melee without slowing down. 5. Spice-Based Diplomacy The cuisine is a high-stakes fusion. You’ll find Persian saffron rice topped with the fiery, sun-dried chili blends of the Balochistan desert. At royal banquets, the "heat” of the dish served to a visiting diplomat is a subtle signal: mild for friends, and eye-watering spice for those the Princess is currently annoyed with. 6. The Keeper of the Gates The city isn’t just “in” the desert; it’s built into the cliffs. There are secret wind-tunnels carved into the rock that whistle when a large group (like an army) approaches. This “singing mountain” gives the city’s Guardians minutes of warning before an invader is even visible on the horizon. ALAMUTI FASHION 1. The “Sun-Catcher” Jewelry Alamuti jewelry is heavy, noisy, and symbolic. Taking a cue from Indian aesthetics, even the men wear elaborate chest-pieces and armbands. However, the metal is often matte-finished gold or copper. Why? Because polished gold reflects the desert sun into the wearer’s eyes. The jewelry is often inset with turquoise (Persian influence) and carnelian, believed to cool the skin. 2. The Multi-Purpose “Lopag” (The Wrap) Inspired by the Balochi pashk and Persian shals, the most iconic garment is a long, versatile wrap of ultra-fine muslin. • The Function: It can be styled as a royal sash during the day, a protective face mask during a sandstorm, or a makeshift rope for climbing the city’s many balconies. • The Status: The more intricate the embroidery on the ends of your wrap, the higher your status. 3. “Liquid Metal” Silks The kingdom is famous for a weaving technique that mixes metallic threads with raw silk. When a member of the royal court walks, their robes don’t just move; they shimmer like a mirage. This “Liquid Silk” is usually dyed in sunset gradients—deep saffron, burnt orange, and royal plum—to distinguish the citizens from the monochrome beige of the surrounding desert. 4. Indigo Under-Linings While the outside of a robe might be white or gold to reflect heat, the linings are often dyed a deep, dark indigo. This is a nod to nomadic desert traditions; the dark pigment against the skin is actually thought to help with heat dissipation, and it prevents the sweat-staining that would ruin expensive outer silks. 5. Footwear for Roof-Runners Forget the long, curled “genie” toes. Alamuti boots are a fusion of Indian mojari and rugged mountain sandals. They feature soft leather soles (for silent movement across palace floors) with tapered, reinforced toes designed specifically for catching grip on the narrow stone ledges of Alamut’s architecture. 6. Henna as “Living Lace” Fashion in Alamut extends to the skin. Unlike the temporary festive henna seen in India, Alamuti nobility use a more permanent, darker stain to create "faux-sleeves.“ These patterns crawl up the arms and neck, mimicking the look of lace. For the Guardians, these patterns often incorporate hidden maps of the city’s secret exits. THE FOOD OF ALAMUT 1. The "Imperial Fire” Biryani While traditional Persian pulao is known for its subtle saffron and fruit notes, Alamut’s signature dish is a transition point toward the Indian biryani. • The Headcanon: It uses long-grain Basmati rice imported through the border gates. • The Twist: It is layered with Persian barberries (zereshk) for sourness but infused with a “Balochi heat"—ground dried chilies that symbolize the sun’s power. 2. Tabahiq : The Salted Meat of the Guardians Given Alamut’s isolation and desert climate, meat preservation is an art form influenced by Balochi traditions. • The Technique: Landhi (salt-rubbed lamb) is dried on the palace battlements during the summer months to be eaten in winter. • The Presentation: When served to the royal family, this rugged, cured meat is rehydrated in a broth of pomegranate juice and rosewater—transforming a desert staple into a refined delicacy. 3. Kaak : The Rock-Baked Bread Alamut’s bread reflects the city’s stony, defensive architecture. • The Ritual: Following ancient Balochi methods, dough is wrapped around hot stones and buried in embers to create Kaak . • The Palace Version: At Princess Tamina’s table, these "rock-breads” are dusted with crushed cardamom and sesame, served alongside Kruth—a hard, sun-dried fermented milk that provides a sharp, tangy contrast. 4. Cooling “Mirage” Sherbets In a kingdom of heat, drinks are a necessity of health and a display of wealth. • The Ingredients: High-altitude snow is rushed from the mountains to the palace’s ice pits to create sherbets. • The Flavor: These aren’t just sweet; they are medicinal. They blend Indian vetiver and sandalwood for their cooling properties with Persian mint and cucumber. A guest is always offered a “cooling cup” before they are allowed to speak to the High Priestess. 5. Saffron-Gold Desserts Desserts in Alamut are where the Indian influence is most visible. • The Dish: The Zoolbia-Jalebi is a spiraled, syrup-soaked pastry that is a staple of city festivals. • The Meaning: In Alamut, the spirals are said to represent the flow of time. They are fried in pure buffalo ghee (Indian influence) but scented heavily with expensive Persian saffron, making them glow like the city’s golden domes. 6. The “Desert Fruit Basket” Despite the desert, Alamut’s Market Square is famous for its exotic variety. • The Offering: Pomegranates, dates, and apricots are served at every meal. • The Superstition: It is bad luck to eat a pomegranate alone in Alamut; the fruit is a symbol of community and abundance, meant to be shared as a sign that the city’s gates remain open to its friends. QUEEN TAMINA’S STYLE SHIFT Tamina, as Queen, switched into more regal and sumptuous Alamuti Queenly robes. Her late mother is a Princess of a Rajasthan parody Kingdom, which is why she often wears a mix of West Indian and Balochi elements 1. The “Ghoonghat” of State While she no longer hides her face for religious modesty, Tamina adopts a regal version of the Rajasthani Odhni (headscarf). • The Headcanon: These are made of Zari-bordered silk, so heavy with gold thread that they drape like a mantle. They are pinned to her hair with Persian turquoise brooches, creating a silhouette that is part desert nomad and part high-court empress. 2. The Weight of the Border (Jewelry) Tamina’s jewelry as Queen is intentionally “loud.” • The Fusion: She pairs the delicate Meenakari (enamel work) of her mother’s land with the massive, chunky silver torque necklaces of the Balochi tribes. • The Symbolism: When she walks through the council chambers, the chime of her payal (heavy anklets) and the clink of her stacked bangles command silence. It’s a rhythmic reminder that the Queen is present. 3. The “Royal Indigo” and Marigold Palette While the rest of Alamut sticks to desert neutrals and sunset oranges, Tamina introduces the high-contrast colors of the Indian Thar Desert. • The Look: She often wears deep Indigo-dyed Persian velvet jackets layered over vibrant Marigold-yellow Rajasthani skirts (Lehengas). This makes her pop against the sandstone walls of the palace, ensuring she is the focal point of every room. 4. The Mirror-Work Armor (Shisha) A direct nod to her mother’s heritage and the Balochi “parody” elements, her formal bodices are encrusted with hand-cut mirrors. • The Strategic Use: In the bright sun of the Alamut balconies, her clothing reflects light so intensely it acts as a “dazzle” effect, making it difficult for anyone to look at her directly or aim a weapon. She is quite literally “too bright to behold.” 5. The “Sandalwood & Saffron” Scent Fashion in Alamut includes the “invisible garment” of perfume. Tamina abandons the simple rosewater of her youth for a complex Queen’s oil: • The Blend: Heavy Indian Sandalwood (from her mother’s side) mixed with Persian Saffron and Balochi Oud. The scent lingers in a room for hours after she leaves, a psychological tactic to keep her presence felt in the halls of power. 6. The “Guardian’s Sash” Even in her most sumptuous robes, she always incorporates a Balochi-style embroidered belt (Phul-kari). • The Hidden Detail: This sash isn’t just for cinching her waist; it is reinforced with leather to hold her daggers. It serves as a reminder to her court that while she is a Queen of silk and gold, she is still a daughter of the desert who can defend her own city.
Since I’m already reblogging music posts today I might as well post weird avantgarde stuff on main. I already posted this on my side blog almost two years ago and I had to think of it again today, still one of the most beautifully edited live recordings of “classical” music in my opinion.
Why I DNFed Alamut (and why it left me uneasy) So I have DNFed my first book this year. I was reading Alamut by Vladimir Bartol. It’s a historical novel set in 11th-century Persia, centered on Hassan-i Sabbah and the Assassins. A cult classic, often praised for its political allegory and poetic style. Deciding to DNF it is a bit heartbreaking because I love historical fiction, particularly about older Islamic periods, Iran, the Middle East, South Asia, and so on. I was looking forward to this book — it’s been on my TBR for years. I genuinely enjoyed the writing style at the beginning. It’s beautifully descriptive, poetic, and I liked how the story unfolds through dual perspectives. But unfortunately, too many things bothered me along the way. Historically, the book is deeply inaccurate. You can tell Bartol had never been to Iran — and later I found out he hadn’t. His portrayal is based more on Marco Polo’s notes than on real historical sources. The novel recycles a lot of Orientalist myths : the paradise full of hashish, brainwashed devotees, manipulative spiritual leaders — all of which have long been discredited by modern historians. As a Muslim (though not Shi’a myself), I found his depiction of Shi’ism — and of Hassan-i Sabbah in particular — quite troubling. The suggestion that Hassan was seen as a prophet is simply false: he never claimed such a thing, and the Ismailis certainly don’t believe that. It’s totally fine to critique Hassan as a historical figure, but this part is just factually wrong. There’s also a really uncomfortable male-gazey portrayal of queer relationships between women — the kind that feels straight out of Orientalist harem fantasy . Worse still, the book is blatantly anti-Black . Black eunuchs are repeatedly mocked or treated as comic relief, slurs are used, and the only Black woman in the harem is hypersexualized in a way that made me cringe. And yet this book still holds a 4.31 average on both StoryGraph and Goodreads . That disconnect honestly stings. I understand that this novel is meant to be an allegory about Western authoritarianism, written in 1938. But still, the way it uses a distorted version of the Islamic world to project European anxieties feels incredibly extractive. As a Muslim woman, I just couldn’t separate that from the heavy pile of clichés. I tried to look past it, but the deeper I got into the book, the heavier it felt to keep going. If you’re looking for something more historically grounded and nuanced, I’d recommend Samarkand by Amin Maalouf instead. This book is a good reminder of why I intentionally avoid books about racialised experiences or histories written by white authors. There’s often a fascination, but not enough respect.
ALAMUT IN PRINCE OF PERSIA 1. The Architecture of Cooling While the palace looks like a golden monument, it’s a masterpiece of ancient engineering. The city is built over a massive network of subterranean aqueducts (qanats) that pull melted snow from distant peaks. Every courtyard has a shallow “reflecting pool” that isn’t just for aesthetics; it acts as a natural air conditioner, dropping the city’s temperature by ten degrees through evaporation. 2. The Merchant’s Tongue Because it sits on the border, the “Alamuti” dialect is a beautiful mess. It uses Persian grammar, Hindi-derived nouns for trade goods, and Balochi slang for anything related to travel or survival. A common saying in the markets is, "Speak to God in Persian, but bargain in Alamuti.“ 3. Sacred Textiles The kingdom’s primary export isn’t gold, but "Desert Silk." It’s a blend of heavy Indian brocade and lightweight Persian silk, often embroidered with geometric patterns found in Balochi needlework. These robes are designed to be "breathable armor"—layered to protect against sand and sun, but fine enough to fit through a ring. 4. The Cavalry of the Sands Unlike the heavy cataphracts of the Persian heartland, Alamut’s military relies on Camel Archers. They use smaller, more agile camels bred specifically for the rocky borderlands. Their saddles are outfitted with Indian-style hook-points for hanging curved scimitars, allowing riders to transition from range to melee without slowing down. 5. Spice-Based Diplomacy The cuisine is a high-stakes fusion. You’ll find Persian saffron rice topped with the fiery, sun-dried chili blends of the Balochistan desert. At royal banquets, the "heat” of the dish served to a visiting diplomat is a subtle signal: mild for friends, and eye-watering spice for those the Princess is currently annoyed with. 6. The Keeper of the Gates The city isn’t just “in” the desert; it’s built into the cliffs. There are secret wind-tunnels carved into the rock that whistle when a large group (like an army) approaches. This “singing mountain” gives the city’s Guardians minutes of warning before an invader is even visible on the horizon. ALAMUTI FASHION 1. The “Sun-Catcher” Jewelry Alamuti jewelry is heavy, noisy, and symbolic. Taking a cue from Indian aesthetics, even the men wear elaborate chest-pieces and armbands. However, the metal is often matte-finished gold or copper. Why? Because polished gold reflects the desert sun into the wearer’s eyes. The jewelry is often inset with turquoise (Persian influence) and carnelian, believed to cool the skin. 2. The Multi-Purpose “Lopag” (The Wrap) Inspired by the Balochi pashk and Persian shals, the most iconic garment is a long, versatile wrap of ultra-fine muslin. • The Function: It can be styled as a royal sash during the day, a protective face mask during a sandstorm, or a makeshift rope for climbing the city’s many balconies. • The Status: The more intricate the embroidery on the ends of your wrap, the higher your status. 3. “Liquid Metal” Silks The kingdom is famous for a weaving technique that mixes metallic threads with raw silk. When a member of the royal court walks, their robes don’t just move; they shimmer like a mirage. This “Liquid Silk” is usually dyed in sunset gradients—deep saffron, burnt orange, and royal plum—to distinguish the citizens from the monochrome beige of the surrounding desert. 4. Indigo Under-Linings While the outside of a robe might be white or gold to reflect heat, the linings are often dyed a deep, dark indigo. This is a nod to nomadic desert traditions; the dark pigment against the skin is actually thought to help with heat dissipation, and it prevents the sweat-staining that would ruin expensive outer silks. 5. Footwear for Roof-Runners Forget the long, curled “genie” toes. Alamuti boots are a fusion of Indian mojari and rugged mountain sandals. They feature soft leather soles (for silent movement across palace floors) with tapered, reinforced toes designed specifically for catching grip on the narrow stone ledges of Alamut’s architecture. 6. Henna as “Living Lace” Fashion in Alamut extends to the skin. Unlike the temporary festive henna seen in India, Alamuti nobility use a more permanent, darker stain to create "faux-sleeves.“ These patterns crawl up the arms and neck, mimicking the look of lace. For the Guardians, these patterns often incorporate hidden maps of the city’s secret exits. THE FOOD OF ALAMUT 1. The "Imperial Fire” Biryani While traditional Persian pulao is known for its subtle saffron and fruit notes, Alamut’s signature dish is a transition point toward the Indian biryani. • The Headcanon: It uses long-grain Basmati rice imported through the border gates. • The Twist: It is layered with Persian barberries (zereshk) for sourness but infused with a “Balochi heat"—ground dried chilies that symbolize the sun’s power. 2. Tabahiq : The Salted Meat of the Guardians Given Alamut’s isolation and desert climate, meat preservation is an art form influenced by Balochi traditions. • The Technique: Landhi (salt-rubbed lamb) is dried on the palace battlements during the summer months to be eaten in winter. • The Presentation: When served to the royal family, this rugged, cured meat is rehydrated in a broth of pomegranate juice and rosewater—transforming a desert staple into a refined delicacy. 3. Kaak : The Rock-Baked Bread Alamut’s bread reflects the city’s stony, defensive architecture. • The Ritual: Following ancient Balochi methods, dough is wrapped around hot stones and buried in embers to create Kaak . • The Palace Version: At Princess Tamina’s table, these "rock-breads” are dusted with crushed cardamom and sesame, served alongside Kruth—a hard, sun-dried fermented milk that provides a sharp, tangy contrast. 4. Cooling “Mirage” Sherbets In a kingdom of heat, drinks are a necessity of health and a display of wealth. • The Ingredients: High-altitude snow is rushed from the mountains to the palace’s ice pits to create sherbets. • The Flavor: These aren’t just sweet; they are medicinal. They blend Indian vetiver and sandalwood for their cooling properties with Persian mint and cucumber. A guest is always offered a “cooling cup” before they are allowed to speak to the High Priestess. 5. Saffron-Gold Desserts Desserts in Alamut are where the Indian influence is most visible. • The Dish: The Zoolbia-Jalebi is a spiraled, syrup-soaked pastry that is a staple of city festivals. • The Meaning: In Alamut, the spirals are said to represent the flow of time. They are fried in pure buffalo ghee (Indian influence) but scented heavily with expensive Persian saffron, making them glow like the city’s golden domes. 6. The “Desert Fruit Basket” Despite the desert, Alamut’s Market Square is famous for its exotic variety. • The Offering: Pomegranates, dates, and apricots are served at every meal. • The Superstition: It is bad luck to eat a pomegranate alone in Alamut; the fruit is a symbol of community and abundance, meant to be shared as a sign that the city’s gates remain open to its friends. QUEEN TAMINA’S STYLE SHIFT Tamina, as Queen, switched into more regal and sumptuous Alamuti Queenly robes. Her late mother is a Princess of a Rajasthan parody Kingdom, which is why she often wears a mix of West Indian and Balochi elements 1. The “Ghoonghat” of State While she no longer hides her face for religious modesty, Tamina adopts a regal version of the Rajasthani Odhni (headscarf). • The Headcanon: These are made of Zari-bordered silk, so heavy with gold thread that they drape like a mantle. They are pinned to her hair with Persian turquoise brooches, creating a silhouette that is part desert nomad and part high-court empress. 2. The Weight of the Border (Jewelry) Tamina’s jewelry as Queen is intentionally “loud.” • The Fusion: She pairs the delicate Meenakari (enamel work) of her mother’s land with the massive, chunky silver torque necklaces of the Balochi tribes. • The Symbolism: When she walks through the council chambers, the chime of her payal (heavy anklets) and the clink of her stacked bangles command silence. It’s a rhythmic reminder that the Queen is present. 3. The “Royal Indigo” and Marigold Palette While the rest of Alamut sticks to desert neutrals and sunset oranges, Tamina introduces the high-contrast colors of the Indian Thar Desert. • The Look: She often wears deep Indigo-dyed Persian velvet jackets layered over vibrant Marigold-yellow Rajasthani skirts (Lehengas). This makes her pop against the sandstone walls of the palace, ensuring she is the focal point of every room. 4. The Mirror-Work Armor (Shisha) A direct nod to her mother’s heritage and the Balochi “parody” elements, her formal bodices are encrusted with hand-cut mirrors. • The Strategic Use: In the bright sun of the Alamut balconies, her clothing reflects light so intensely it acts as a “dazzle” effect, making it difficult for anyone to look at her directly or aim a weapon. She is quite literally “too bright to behold.” 5. The “Sandalwood & Saffron” Scent Fashion in Alamut includes the “invisible garment” of perfume. Tamina abandons the simple rosewater of her youth for a complex Queen’s oil: • The Blend: Heavy Indian Sandalwood (from her mother’s side) mixed with Persian Saffron and Balochi Oud. The scent lingers in a room for hours after she leaves, a psychological tactic to keep her presence felt in the halls of power. 6. The “Guardian’s Sash” Even in her most sumptuous robes, she always incorporates a Balochi-style embroidered belt (Phul-kari). • The Hidden Detail: This sash isn’t just for cinching her waist; it is reinforced with leather to hold her daggers. It serves as a reminder to her court that while she is a Queen of silk and gold, she is still a daughter of the desert who can defend her own city.
Laibach release Alamut with Iranian collaborators on Mute Laibach’s Alamut adapts Bartol’s novel through symphonic structure Laibach, the Slovenian collective founded in 1980 in Trbovlje, has released Alamut, a new orchestral work developed in collaboration with Iranian composers Idin Samimi Mofakham and Nima A. Rowshan. The recording, issued by Mute, is available as a double vinyl, double CD box set with sleeve notes, and in digital format. The album… Laibach release Alamut with Iranian collaborators on Mute
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