Yusuf Tazim

Yusuf Tazim (1467 - 1512) was a Master Assassin, and the leader of the Ottoman Assassins, operating primarily in the Empire's capital of Constantinople.

He was involved in the fight against the Byzantine Templars during the early 1510s, and in aiding Ezio Auditore da Firenze - a Mentor in the Assassin Order and leader of the Italian Assassins - during his search for the Masyaf keys.

In the process, Yusuf and Ezio managed to form good relations with the Ottoman Prince Suleiman. Together, they thwarted the Templars' plans to take over the Ottoman Empire, and found the Masyaf keys hidden in Constantinople.

Early life
Yusuf was born in Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, which was known at the time as the "Crossroads of the World." Raised to be an Assassin from birth, he rose through the ranks to eventually become the Mentor of the Ottoman Assassins by 1511.

Meeting Ezio Auditore
"Hoshgeldin, kardeshim! (Welcome, brother!) Unless the legend is a lie, you are the man I've longed to meet."

- Yusuf greeting Ezio.

In 1511, the Ottoman guild heard of Ezio Auditore's encounter with the Templars of Masyaf, and Yusuf himself went to meet the Mentor at the Golden Horn.

While he showed Ezio around the city, he explained the current situation of the Assassin and Templars in Constantinople, as well as the conflict between the Ottomans and Byzantines. Upon introducing him to the local Assassin guild, Yusuf also demonstrated some equipment the Ottoman Assassins used, including the hookblade and various types of bombs.

Once finished, they climbed the Galata Tower, and viewed the city from above, before both leaving it by performing a Leap of Faith.

Defending the Brotherhood
Shortly afterwards, Yusuf and Ezio were met by one of the Ottoman Assassins, who claimed that two of their dens were under attack. Knowing he could not be in two places at once, Yusuf sent Ezio to protect the Galata den, while he travelled to the Grand Bazaar.

Though the Galata den was saved, Yusuf arrived too late, and the Bazaar became overrun by Templars. Ezio caught up with him in time to help him fend off several guards, and two set off to retake the district.

Upon reclaiming the den, Yusuf showed Ezio how to craft bombs, and further recommended that he find Piri Reis should he wish to learn more.

Rescuing Suleiman
That same year, Ezio and Yusuf infiltrated Topkapı Palace dressed as Italian entertainers, so as to join the cultural exhibition sponsored by Prince Suleiman, who was in danger of a Templar assassination.

Ezio and Yusuf were able to identify most of the disguised Templars, and have the Ottoman Assassins silently eliminate them. However, the hidden enemies eventually realized the danger, and attempted an open attempt on Suleiman's life.

Yusuf broke his cover and killed several enemies with his blade, with Ezio intercepting the last hidden Templar just before he attacked Suleiman.

Spying upon Palaiologos
After one of his Assassins had discovered the delivery of several firearms to the Constantinople port, Yusuf left to investigate. There, he met with Ezio, who had been tailing Tarik Barleti at Suleiman's request.

As Ezio thought of a means of entering the well-guarded area, the two witnessed a couple of Janissaries terrorizing a nearby merchant, and stealing his goods. Yusuf remarked on this oppression, and Ezio thus concluded that provoking a riot would give enough cover for him to enter.

However, Yusuf frowned at this idea, saying that Ezio would use the people for his own purposes. Seeing the necessity though, he merely insisted that Ezio at least protect the rioters from the attacking guards during the distraction.

Upon entering the port, Ezio soon discovered Manuel Palaiologos speaking with Shahkulu and Tarik, and overheard that the weapons would be bound for a Templar base.

Death
In 1512, when Ezio decided to set sail for Cappadocia to pursue Manuel, Yusuf came to inform him that the Great Chain had been raised to block any ships from leaving. He then gave the Mentor a powerful explosive to destroy the structure, and aided him in attacking the ships stationed to intercept his escape.

Just before departing, Ezio also requested Yusuf to protect his love interest, Sofia Sartor, from harm. Yusuf agreed, and he and the other Assassins guarded Sofia's residence, the former trading post of the brothers Niccolò and Maffeo Polo.

Sofia's shop was soon raided by Byzantine Templars, who had secretly been working for Prince Ahmet. Yusuf faced off against the Templars inside the store, and managed to eliminate many of them. However, he was eventually dealt a fatal blow, and Sofia was taken captive by the remaining attackers.

Upon Ezio's return from Cappadocia, he discovered Yusuf's body on a bench in Sofia's shop, with a dagger still pierced into his back. He removed the dagger and closed Yusuf's eyes, offering him his final rites.

Infuriated both by Yusuf's death and the endangerment of Sofia's life, Ezio led an attack on Ahmet's forces in the Arsenal.

Soon after Yusuf had been buried, Ezio spoke with the Ottoman Assassins who had gathered in his memory, appointing one of their number as the new Master Assassin of the guild.

Personality and characteristics
Yusuf was a light-hearted and cheerful man, showing attachment to both the Assassins under him, as well as to Ezio. Even when engaged in battle or facing several enemies, he would often joke about the situation.

Yusuf wore tan Assassin robes and a headband, both with teal sashes. He wielded a Turkish Kijil, the hookblade, and throwing knives.

Trivia

 * The dagger used to kill Yusuf is always the same dagger currently equipped by Ezio.
 * Yusuf's primary weapon can be used by Ezio Auditore after clearing a set of Master Assassin Missions. His sword is the most powerful longsword in the game, replacing the Sword of Altaïr in terms of status.

Source

 * Assassin's Creed: Revelations