Babake Khoramdin
True Iranian National Hero

Babak Khoramdin is considered as one of the most heroic freedom fighters of Iran who initiated the Khoramdinan movement. It was a freedom fighting movement aimed to overthrow the (Abbasid) Tazi Arab Caliph occupiers and at the time rulers of Iran.  Babak Khoramdin was born in the 8th century in Balal Abad region of Azarbaijan (Northwest of Iran), close to the city of Ardabil. His father died when he was in his teens and the responsibility of his 2 brothers and mother fell on his shoulders. By age 18, Babak had already established himself in the city of Tabriz, and was engaged in the arms trade and industry. His engagement in businesses gave him the opportunity to travel throughout the Central Asia and Eastern Europe.  

In the 8th century Iran was under the rule of Tazi Arabs Caliphs and hence unrest and resistance was growing in all the Iranian provinces. Many Iranians started revolts in different regions of the country in order to regain their freedom. This in turn, forced the Arab Caliphs to use more violence against the Iranian population in order to keep the country under control.  Moreover, Azarbaijan which was at the time the only region in the country that Iranians were resisting Tazi Arab occupation was constantly under the ravage of Bani Abbas (the Arab Caliph) to expand Islam further North. During this time, Azarbaijan defended itself through the leadership of Javanshir, who was in control of Azarbaijan at the time. Witnessing all this pressure being exerted on the people, Babak joined the “Khuramiyan (Khoramdinan)” movement in what later became known as “Ghaleye Babak” meaning “Babak fortress”, located in the mountains of Qaradag.

Babak's knowledge of history, geography, and the latest battle tactics strengthened his position as a favorite candidate for commander during the early wars against the Tazi Arab occupiers. After a number of victories against the Tazi Arabs, Javanshir became severely injured and passed away, hence Babak took over the movement's leadership. One of the most dramatic periods in the history of Iran was set under Babak’s leadership between 816-837. During these most crucial years, they not only fought against the Caliphate, but also against Tazi Arab barbaric behaviors and customs. Eventually, Babak, his wife, and his warriors were forced to leave Ghaleye Babak after 23 years of constant campaigns. He was eventually betrayed by an officer under his command named Afshin and was handed over to the Abbasid Caliph.

During Babak’s execution, the Caliph’s henchmen first cut off his legs and hands in order to convey the most devastating message to his followers. Legend has it that Babak bravely rinsed his face with the drained blood pouring out of his cuts, thus depriving the Caliph and the rest of the Abbasid army from seeing his pale face, a result of the heavy loss of blood. 

There are many speculations about the origin of Babak. No matter what region of Iran he was from, he was a true Iranian freedom fighter.

Babak’s sensational and legendary campaign to defend Iran’s national identity and interest is still pursued after nearly 1200 years in Southern Azarbaijan, Kaleibar, Iran every year in Teer Maah (month of July).  True Iranians visit Babak’s fortress to hail their Iranian hero, Babak, as the symbol of Iranian resistance against Tazi Arab occupiers. They read poetry including Shahnameh (the Book of Kings - Iran’s most famous epic by Ferdowsi) and play traditional Persian music. They also light up bonfires to follow traditional rituals of ancient Iran.  

Watch the unfolding of the Derafshe Kaviani at the highest elevation of Babak's fortress in Azarbaijan, Iran.  Pay attention to the clip starting at 05:22  

See a video clip below in Persian about Babak's life

Dorood to Babak Khoramdin, a true Iranian national hero!

Take the path few have the courage to take!

14 Centuries of occupation and destruction by Mullah Taziz must come to end this year!

It is time for Iranians to unite and free Iran
Time for Iranian to be true Iranian!