PERSIA AGAIN

In searching for a new ally

The time passed but the invasions of Iran and Osmals over Georgia didn't cease. There was no more Byzantine to ask for a help, Europe was far. So Georgian Kings began to look for ally with their Northern neighbour. Such one was Russia. Georgian Kings hoped that Christian Russia could help the small Christian country. Georgia appealed to the Russia in the XVI century. That embarrassed very much Iran and Turkey (Osmals). They decided to punish Georgia and set a strong force. During two centuries Russia could only promise to support Georgia. All this time Georgians struggled alone defending their country.

Priest Thevdore

Once the army of enemy suddenly invaded into Georgia. They knew in advance that the King with his small army resided in one of the villages near the border. Enemy was going to capture the King. Accidentally on the road they met the priest by the name Thevdore. They took him by force and ordered to show them the way leading to the residence of the King. Thevdore showed them the wrong way and guided them far away from the village where the King was with his army. Enemy understood that Thevdore had deceived them and cut him into pieces.

Be strong and tenacious!

The famous King Abbas Shah of Iran decided to make Georgians to change their faith into Moslem. That was an extremely cruel invasion (1613-1617). Those who opposed were murdered or forced to move to Iran. Everything: monasteries, churches, orchards and vineyards were destroyed and cut down. Once on Easter eve, the priests of monastery in David Gareji were praying with burning candles in their hands. They walked around the church singing. Suddenly Persian soldiers invaded into the church yard and killed all the priests. Many Georgians perished and more than hundred thousands were led away into captivity. Persian tribes were brought to live in Georgia. Even nowadays this cruel invasion is not forgotten in Georgia.

Giorgi Saakadze

Shah Abbas couldn't accomplish his will fully and after several years, in 1625, he sent again his army to Georgia. He ordered his favorite generals to threw away Georgians and settle Persians in Georgia. For that time a distinguished Georgian mouravi (governer of a town or province) Giorgi Saakadze being in exile served as a general in Persian army. As Shah sent Giorgi to fight to Georgia he took his son as a hostage. Georgians thought that Saakadze was a traitor but it was not true. As soon as he came to Georgia he informed secretly Georgian nobles to be ready for a war. Then he deceived Iran generals and killed all of them. The army had been left without chiefs, disorganized and routed by Georgians. They were saved for that time from moving to Iran. Shah became furious, he killed Giorgi Saakadze's son and sent his head to the father. Giorgi Saakadze had sacrificed his son to save Georgia.

Queen Ketevan

Shah Abbas didn't spare even women. Once he invited Georgian Queen Ketevan to visit him and then ordered her to change her faith. The Queen knew that her behavior would be an example for Georgians and if she agreed then people easily could subdue to enemy. She refused to change her faith. "I'm Christian and I'll die as a Christian" - she said. Then she was taken to the square, was burned and torn with the hot lances. This happened on September 12, 1624. There were many people when she was tormented and among them there were catholic monks. They described this event and announced the heroism of Georgian Queen all over the world.

West Georgians forget peace

There was Osmal army in the citadels of West Georgia. Encouraged by Osmals Georgian nobles were constantly at war for power against each other. People forgot peace, many of them missed the Christian way of life. Such a shameful event as selling slaves arose. Even small children were often captured and sold abroad. A story about a tragic fortune of such children is well known in Georgia.