Babek, Papak

Babek, Papak

 

Born circa 798–800; died in January 838. Leader of a major popular uprising in Azerbaijan and western Iran about 816–837. Born in Iranian Azerbaijan.

Babek was the son of a petty tradesman; in his childhood he was a shepherd, camel driver, and apprentice to a craftsman in Tabriz. He became an adherent of the Hurramites and from 816 headed that movement and incited a revolt against the Arabs in Azerbaijan. He was executed after the revolt was crushed.