Tarik Barleti

"Tarik is a hard man, proud and capable but ambitious."

- Suleiman I, on Tarik.

Tarik Barleti was the Captain of the Janissaries during the early 16th century, under the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II.

Early life
"This Empire is sick, and Bayezid - it pains me to say - is its cancer."

- Tarik Barleti, regarding the Ottoman Empire's current status.

Tarik was born a Christian Albanian, and the second eldest son of the family, where he had four brothers and three sisters. His previous life was made irrelevant when the Ottoman's Devshirme system levied him into their ranks, where he eventually became one of the Janissaries. As one of the Sultanate's elite soldiers, he became extremely loyal to the Ottoman Empire, and after some time, he became the Janissaries' captain.

By then, his admiration for Prince Selim I and hatred for Prince Ahmet became very well-known. As captain of the Janissaries, which were a major political force, he was free to speak his mind about the on-going political matters and affairs, without the worry of being berated or attacked.

Though loyal to the Sultan, Tarik and the Janissaries have expressed great anger when Bayezid declared Ahmet as his successor. As Captain, Tarik's word have a high influence on his subordinates, and because of this, the Janissaries detested Ahmet, and began to believe that Bayezid had become weak.

During his time as captain, he also released the city's prisoner Dilara, both out of kindness and infatuation. Though Dilara did not return his feelings for her - which became a source of grief for him - Tarik nevertheless continued to work with her, with him tasking her with recon missions, working as his spy.

Failure at Topkapi
In 1511, after a failed attack on Prince Suleiman I at Topkapi Palace, Tarik met with Suleiman and Prince Ahmet. There, Tarik offered to lead the investigation on the attack, though Suleiman said that he would, due to Tarik being a possible suspect. After a brief meeting with Ahmet, where he openly admitted his dislike for the Prince, Tarik left the palace and returned to patrol the city.

Unbeknownst to Tarik, Suleiman tasked the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze with the job of investigating him and his activities, due to his failure to defend the palace during the assassination attempt. From then on, Ezio tailed Tarik, starting at the Grand Bazaar, where he and his men were usually found.

Plot against the Templars
During the time, Tarik had several firearms and a few of his men prepared to be shipped, as part of a deal with the former Byzantine heir Manuel Palaiologos, in exchange for money. Meeting at Constantinople, Tarik gave Manuel access to the arsenal in order to retrieve the cargo. Afterwards, Tarik returned to the Janissary camp, where he awaited for more news regarding the shipment.

After some time, Tarik received a message from Manuel's forces that the firearms have arrived at Cappadocia. With a few of Tarik's men with the Byzantines, they expected to receive word once Manuel's forces have decamped, and planned to meet them once they have reached Bursa, where they would ambush the Byzantines.

Death
Unbeknownst to him, Ezio Auditore - disguised as a Janissary - eavesdropped on his meeting within the Janissary camp. After learning of the Byzantine's locations, Ezio assassinated Tarik, under the orders of Suleiman, due to believing him guilty of treason. In his final moments, Tarik confided with Ezio about his plans against the Byzantine Templars, revealing his planned ambush by giving him a parchment that detailed the location of the Templars. Tarik blamed himself of hubris, though he had faith that Ezio would see his plan to the end, asking him to destroy the Templars for the sake of his homeland. Afterwards, Tarik passed away.

Aftermath
Tarik's death was reported to Suleiman by Ezio, who explained everything about the Janissary's plan against the Templars. Suleiman, though guilty over his decision to have Tarik assassinated, instructed Ezio to continue Tarik's plan, using what he had gained from his investigations.

Tarik's death also affected the reputation of Prince Ahmet. Due to Tarik's quarrel with Ahmet being public, the Janissaries had suspected the prince as the mastermind behind their captain's assassination. While conducting an investigation on Tarik's murder, the Janissaries had the Great Chain of the Golden Horn raised, and would only lower it once the murderer has been detained.

After destroying the Great Chain, Ezio arrived at Cappadocia with Piri Reis by March of 1512. There, he met with Dilara, who was stationed within the city by Tarik as one of his spies. Along with her, Ezio managed to destroy the Templar city, and had Manuel Palaiologos assassinated.

Last Words

 * Tarik: Ah, what a bitter irony. Is this the result of Suleiman's investigation?
 * Ezio: You collude with the Sultan's enemies. What did you expect would come of such treachery?
 * Tarik: I blame myself. Not for treason, but hubris. I was preparing an ambush. Preparing to strike the Byzantine Templars where they felt safest.
 * Ezio: What proof do you have of this?
 * Tarik: See here. This will lead you to the Byzantines in Cappadocia. Destroy them if you can.
 * Ezio: You have done well, Tarik. Forgive me.
 * Tarik: Protect my homeland, Assassin. Allah ashkina (In God's name), redeem the honor we have lost in this fight.