Persia, 632 - Present, History Folder, Muslim Persia.kmz

Persia, 632 - Present, History Folder, Muslim Persia

Persia, 632-661, History Folder, Rashdun Caliphate, Sunni and Shia, Ali the Shia

Persia, 632-661, Rashidun Caliphate, Sunni
Persia, 632-661, Rashidun Caliphate, Sunni;

Persia, 634-644, Persian Sasanian Empire overthrown by Uamr 1, Rashidun Caliph, Sunni and Shia
Persia, 634-644, Persian Sasanian Empire overthrown by Uamr 1, Rashidun Caliph; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11;

Persia, 638, Uncovering Anastasios' Relics, Ctesiphon, Persia (Tigris River 7, Near Bagdad) Sassanian Capitol
Persia, 638, Uncovering Anastasios' Relics, Ctesiphon, Persia (Tigris River 7, Near Bagdad) Sassanian Capitol, 10 yrs after his martyrdom, uncovered when transferred to Rome's Greek Monastery Tre Fountains. ; Ctesiphon; Uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. There are three traditions regarding his relics. to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) and deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, and of Greek descent (see May 18). third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 when the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. They survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, and later they were moved to Constantinople. His head is in Rome, where it is still kept.

Persia, 642-709, Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 642-709
Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 665; Muslim conquest of the Maghreb continued the century of rapid Muslim conquests following the death of Muhammad in 632 and into the Byzantine-controlled territories of Northern Africa. In a series of three stages, the conquest of the Maghreb commenced in 647 and concluded in 709 with the Byzantine Empire losing its last remaining strongholds to the then-Umayyad Caliphate under Caliph Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān. 642 AD, under Caliph Umar, Arab Muslim forces had laid control of Mesopotamia (638 AD), Syria (641 AD), Egypt (642 AD), and had invaded Armenia (642 AD), all territories previously split between the warring Byzantine and Sasanian empires, and were concluding their conquest of the Persian Empire with their defeat of the Persian army at the Battle of Nahāvand. It was at this point that Arab military expeditions into North African regions west of Egypt were first launched, continuing for years and furthering the spread of Islam. 644 at Medina, Umar was succeeded by Uthman, during whose twelve-year rule Armenia, Cyprus, and all of modern-day Iran, would be added to the expanding Rashidun Caliphate. With Afghanistan and North Africa being targets of major invasions and Muslim sea raids ranging from Rhodes to the southern coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, the Byzantine navy was defeated in the eastern Mediterranean. Battle of Nahavand;

Persia, 644-656, Rashidun Caliph, Uthman, 3rd Rashidun Caliph, Sunni and Shia
Arab Rashidun Caliph, 644-656, Uthman, 3rd Rashidun Caliph; ibn Affan, also spelled by the Turkish and Persian rendering Osman, was a second cousin, son-in-law and notable companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as the third of the Rāshidun, or "Rightly Guided Caliphs". into a prominent Meccan clan, Banu Umayya of the Quraysh tribe, he played a major role in early Islamic history, and is known for having ordered the compilation of the standard version of the Quran.[6] Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab died in office aged 59/60 years, Uthman, aged 64/65 years, succeeded him and was the second-oldest to rule as Caliph. Uthman's leadership, the Islamic empire expanded into Fars (present-day Iran) in 650, and some areas of Khorāsān (present-day Afghanistan) in 651. The conquest of Armenia had begun by the 640s.[7] His reign also saw widespread protests and unrest that eventually led to armed revolt and his assassination. was married to Ruqayyah, and upon her death, married Umm Kulthum. Both his wives having been elder daughters of Muhammad and Khadija earned him the honorific title Dhū al-Nurayn ("The Possessor of Two Lights").[8] Thus, he was also brother-in-law of the fourth Rāshidun Caliph Ali whose own wife, Fātimah, was Muhammad's youngest daughter. Martyr Neophytus of Urbin, Georgia, Commemorated on October 28;

Persia, 650, Martyr Neophytus of Urbin, Persian, Omar, vision St Shio w angels, converted, stoned
Georgia, 650, Urbnisi, Martyr Neophytus of Urbin; Urbnisi; Martyr Neophytus of Urbin, Georgia, Commemorated October 28 ; holy hieromartyr Neophytus of Urbnisi descended from a line of Persian fire-worshippers. the 7th century, by order of the Saracen emir Mumni, the military leader Ahmad attacked Georgia with an enormous army. After overrunning the central part of Shida (Inner) Kartli, Ahmad dispatched two of his commanders, Omar and Burul, to the capital city of Mtskheta. At the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, across from the village of Tsikhedidi in the rocky Sarkineti region, the invaders discovered a group of caves and plotted to occupy them. They tried to cross the Mtkvari but were unable. suffered a setback, the enemies asked their captives what was located in those caves. They were told that this was the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, where dwelt God’s chosen, who had deprived themselves of every earthly blessing. at this reply, the commanders decided to pass this information on to Ahmad. Then, as though it were commonplace, Ahmad sent Omar to the monastery to ask the monks to pray for him and remember him at the grave of their abbot, Saint Shio. “Pray for me, O slaves of God, and accept these gifts of aloe and incense. Offer these as a sacrifice to your abbot,” he told them. the monastery caves, Omar sent a messenger to inform the monks that he was coming to them in peace and bearing gifts. Drawing near to the monastery gates, the commander saw an army of incorporeal hosts descending from the heavens and among them an elder, radiant with a great light. meek and modest behavior of the monks left a great impression on Omar. He soon understood that the strange armies he had seen on the steps of the monastery were angels of God and that the elder was Saint Shio of Mgvime, abbot of the monastery. He related his vision to the monks and vowed to return to them, receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism, be tonsured a monk, and remain there to join in their holy labors. Omar abandoned all his possessions, his military rank, and his wealth and was baptized in the Christian Faith at the Shio-Mgvime Monastery as he had promised. of his slaves were baptized with him as well. Omar received the new name Neophytus (Newly Planted / From the Greek word neophytos, which in I Tim. 3:6 refers to a new convert), and his slaves became Christodoulus (Christ’s Slave) and Christopher (Christ-bearer). to God’s will, Saint Neophytus was consecrated bishop of Urbnisi, and all were amazed at his wisdom and steadfastness. He was a true father to his flock: “He strengthened the weak, healed the sick, raised the fallen, cleansed the possessed, directed the lost and sought out those who were perishing, protecting them, and forbidding them to wander off again.” the enemy could not tolerate the native Persian’s apostolic activity, and he convinced the fire-worshippers to kill the Christian shepherd. So the unbelievers devised an ambush and attacked Neophytus’ isolated cell, then tied him up and began to mock, curse, and revile him. They knew that Saint Neophytus longed to become like the holy protomartyr Stephen, and they plotted to stone him to death. his time to depart this world had arrived, Saint Neophytus turned to his persecutors with a tender voice, saying, “Sweet is death to me, O unbelievers! Sweet it is to me. I desire to sunder the link between my mortal and immortal nature.... With my own blood I will confirm the Holy Church, which is founded upon the Precious Blood of the Son and Word of God, Whom I preach. May that which was foreordained for me by the Providence of God be fulfilled, for He has called me to His light from the depths of ungodliness!” furious pagans stoned the saint to death. With his last breath Holy Hieromartyr Neophytus cried out, “Lord Jesus Christ receive my soul!”

Persia, 656-661, Rashidun Caliph, Ali, 4rd Rashidun Caliph, first civil wars, Shia
Persia, 656-661, Rashidun Caliph, Ali, 4rd Rashidun Caliph, Shia; ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (c. 600 - c. 28 January 661)[2][1][3] was a cousin, son-in-law and companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. ruled as the fourth rightly guided caliph from 656 until his assassination in 661. is also one of the central figures in Shia Islam, being regarded as the rightful immediate successor to Muhammad and the first Imam by all branches of Shia Muslims.[1] is the son of Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad, the husband of Fatima, and the father of Hasan, Husayn and Zaynab.[2] a child, Muhammad took care of him. After Muhammad's invitation of his close relatives, Ali became one of the first believers in Islam at the age of about 9 to 11.[3] He then publicly accepted his invitation on Yawm al-Inzar[4] and Muhammad called him his brother, guardian and successor.[3] helped Muhammad emigrate on the night of Laylat al-Mabit, by sleeping in his place.[3] migrating to Medina and establishing a brotherhood pact between the Muslims, Muhammad chose him as his brother.[2] In Medina, he was the flag bearer in most of the wars and became famous for his bravery.[3] issue of his right in the post-Muhammad caliphate caused a major rift between Muslims and divided them into Shia and Sunni groups.[1] his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage, at Ghadir Khumm, Muhammad uttered the phrase, "Whoever I am his Mawla, this Ali is his Mawla." But the meaning of Mawla was disputed by Shias and Sunnis. On this basis, the Shias believe in the establishment of the Imamate and caliphate regarding Ali, and the Sunnis interpret the word as friendship and love.[1][5] Ali was preparing Muhammad's body for burial, a group of Muslims met at Saqifah and pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr.[6] Ali pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr, after six months, but did not take part in the wars[7] and political activity, except for the election of the third caliph. However, he advised the three caliphs whenever they wanted, in religious, judicial, and political matters.[1] Uthman was killed, he was elected as the next Caliph, which was coincided with the first civil wars between Muslims. faced two separate opposition forces: a group led by Aisha, Talha, and Zubayr in Mecca, who wanted to convene a council to determine the caliphate; and another group led by Mu'awiya in the Levant, who demanded revenge for Uthman's blood. defeated the first group in the Battle of the Camel; but in the end, Battle of Siffin with Mu'awiya was militarily ineffective, and led to an arbitration which ended politically against him. in the year 38 AH, he fought with the Kharijites - who considered Ali's acceptance of arbitration as heresy, and revolted against him - in Nahrawan and defeated them.[3] was eventually killed in the mosque of Kufa by the sword of one of the Kharijites, Ibn Muljam Moradi, and was buried outside the city of Kufa. Later his shrine and the city of Najaf were built around his tomb.[3] the impact of religious differences on Muslim historiography, sources agree that Ali strictly observed religious duties and avoided worldly possessions. writers accused him of lack of political skill and flexibility.[2] According to Wilferd Madelung, Ali did not want to involve himself in the game of political deception which although deprived him of success in life, but, in the eyes of his admirers, he became an example of the piety of the primary un-corrupted Islam, as well as the chivalry of pre-Islamic Arabia.[8] Several books are dedicated to the hadiths, sermons, and prayers narrated by him, the most famous of which is Nahj al-Balagha.

Persia, 661-750, History Folder, Umayyad Caliphate, Sunni, Bashdun Battle of Nahavand in Persia over Sasanians

Persia, 661-750, Umayyad Caliphate, Sunni
Persia, 661-750, Umayyad Caliphate, Sunni;

Persia, 661-709, Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa continued from 642-709
Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 665; Muslim conquest of the Maghreb continued the century of rapid Muslim conquests following the death of Muhammad in 632 and into the Byzantine-controlled territories of Northern Africa. In a series of three stages, the conquest of the Maghreb commenced in 647 and concluded in 709 with the Byzantine Empire losing its last remaining strongholds to the then-Umayyad Caliphate under Caliph Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān. 642 AD, under Caliph Umar, Arab Muslim forces had laid control of Mesopotamia (638 AD), Syria (641 AD), Egypt (642 AD), and had invaded Armenia (642 AD), all territories previously split between the warring Byzantine and Sasanian empires, and were concluding their conquest of the Persian Empire with their defeat of the Persian army at the Battle of Nahāvand. It was at this point that Arab military expeditions into North African regions west of Egypt were first launched, continuing for years and furthering the spread of Islam. 644 at Medina, Umar was succeeded by Uthman, during whose twelve-year rule Armenia, Cyprus, and all of modern-day Iran, would be added to the expanding Rashidun Caliphate. With Afghanistan and North Africa being targets of major invasions and Muslim sea raids ranging from Rhodes to the southern coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, the Byzantine navy was defeated in the eastern Mediterranean. Battle of Nahavand;

Persia, 665, Battle of Nahavand, Rashidun Arabs take North Africa
Persia, 665, Battle of Nahavand, Rashidun Arabs take North Africa; Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 665;

Persia, 665, Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 665
Arab Muslim Conquest of North Africa 665; Battle of Nahavand;

Persia, 722-792, Philaret tMerciful, rich man loved poor, giving all, always rewarded, wife&children eventually learn a90 yrs
Armenia, 722-792, Philaret tMerciful oAmnia, Paphlagonia, Armenia, Rich&Illustrious, but did not hoard wealth, famed for love oPoor, Ishmaelites (Arabs) attached, little left fHim but continued to give, rich wife Theoseba complained, jeers oChildren, he said riches hidden away enough 100 yrs wOut working, his gifts would multiply for recipient, knowing this man asks for calf, cow missed calf, wife complains, but P praises her and gives cow tMan, famine came so p took donkey to borrow 6bushels wheat, poor man asks for some wheat, P tells T give him 1bushel, T says give 4bushels to family, P gives man last 2bushels, T says give half the load, P given him 1 more bushel fHalf tLoad, T says give him the bag too, T says to spite me give him all, P givel all 6, man can't lift 6B so T tells P give him donkey, T &Children hungry, wept, Lord rewarded P friends gave him 40 bushels, T kept most, P gave his share, when eating P went to T&Children for food, T grumbled how long treasure hidden, Empress Irene seeking bride for her son, envoys in Amneia, P happy, T sad because not enough food, P tells T light fire decorate, Neighbors bring everything required, Envoys impressed, select granddaughter Maria, marries Constantine, became Emperess, Emperor C rewards P, P alms&feast fPoor, P&family serve poor aFeast, P orders servant fill 3 bags, 1Gold, 1Silver, 1 copper coins, reach in give as God wills, P refused fine clothes, no imperial rank, just call me grandfather oEmperess, 90 yrs knew death coming, tJudgement Monastery, gave gold, asked buried there, i10days, 10th day exhorted family love poor fSalvation, died 792, miracle after death, T restores monasteries churches a barbarian invasion; Amnia (probably here at the mouth of the Amnia River); Amnia River Region is on the Amnia River near the Battle of Amnia; Righteous Philaret the Merciful of Amnia in Asia Minor, Commemorated December 1 ; Philaret the Merciful, son of George and Anna, was raised in piety and the fear of God. lived during the eighth century in the village of Amnia in the Paphlagonian district of Asia Minor. wife, Theoseba, was from a rich and illustrious family, they had three children: a son John, and daughters Hypatia and Evanthia. was a rich and illustrious dignitary, he did not hoard his wealth. that many people suffered from poverty, he remembered the words of the Savior about the dread Last Judgment and about “these least ones” (Mt. 25:40); Apostle Paul’s reminder that we will take nothing with us from this world (1 Tim 6:7); the assertion of King David that the righteous would not be forsaken (Ps 36/37:25). whose name means “lover of virtue,” was famed for his love for the poor. day Ishmaelites [Arabs] attacked Paphlagonia, devastating the land and plundering the estate of Philaret. remained only two oxen, a donkey, a cow with her calf, some beehives, and the house. he also shared them with the poor. wife reproached him for being heartless and unconcerned for his own family. yet firmly he endured the reproaches of his wife and the jeers of his children. “I have hidden away riches and treasure,” he told his family, “so much that it would be enough for you to feed and clothe yourselves, even if you lived a hundred years without working.” saint’s gifts always brought good to the recipient. received anything from him found that the gift would multiply, and that person would become rich. this, a certain man came to Saint Philaret asking for a calf so that he could start a herd. cow missed its calf and began to bellow. Theoseba said to her husband, “You have no pity on us, you merciless man, but don’t you feel sorry for the cow? You have separated her from her calf.” saint praised his wife, and agreed that it was not right to separate the cow and the calf. he called the poor man to whom he had given the calf and told him to take the cow as well. year there was a famine, so Saint Philaret took the donkey and went to borrow six bushels of wheat from a friend of his. he returned home, a poor man asked him for a little wheat, so he told his wife to give the man a bushel. said, “First you must give a bushel to each of us in the family, then you can give away the rest as you choose.” then gave the man two bushels of wheat. Theoseba said sarcastically, “Give him half the load so you can share it.” saint measured out a third bushel and gave it to the man. Theoseba said, “Why don’t you give him the bag, too, so he can carry it?” gave him the bag. The exasperated wife said, “Just to spite me, why not give him all the wheat.” Saint Philaret did so. the man was unable to lift the six bushels of wheat, so Theoseba told her husband to give him the donkey so he could carry the wheat home. Blessing his wife, Philaret gave the donkey to the man, who went home rejoicing. and the children wept because they were hungry. Lord rewarded Philaret for his generosity: the last measure of wheat was given away, an old friend sent him forty bushels. kept most of the wheat for herself and the children, the saint gave away his share to the poor and had nothing left. his wife and children were eating, he would go to them and they gave him some food. grumbled saying, “How long are you going to keep that treasure of yours hidden? Take it out so we can buy food with it.” this time the Byzantine empress Irene (797-802) was seeking a bride for her son, the future emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (780-797). emissaries were sent throughout all the Empire to find a suitable girl, and the envoys came to Amneia. Philaret and Theoseba learned that these most illustrious guests were to visit their house, was very happy, but Theoseba was sad, for they did not have enough food. Philaret told his wife to light the fire and to decorate their home. neighbors, knowing that imperial envoys were expected, brought everything required for a rich feast. envoys were impressed by the saint’s daughters and granddaughters. Seeing their beauty, their deportment, their clothing, and their admirable qualities, the envoys agreed that Philaret’s granddaughter, Maria was exactly what they were looking for. Maria exceeded all her rivals in quality and modesty and indeed became Constantine’s wife, and the emperor rewarded Philaret. fame and riches returned to Philaret. just as before, this holy lover of the poor generously distributed alms and provided a feast for the poor. and his family served them at the meal. Everyone was astonished at his humility and said: “This is a man of God, a true disciple of Christ.” ordered a servant to take three bags and fill one with gold, one with silver, and one with copper coins. a beggar approached, Philaret ordered his servant to bring forth one of the bags, whichever God’s providence would ordain. he would reach into the bag and give to each person, as much as God willed. Philaret refused to wear fine clothes, nor would he accept any imperial rank. said it was enough for him to be called the grandfather of the Empress. saint reached ninety years of age and knew his end was approaching. went to the Rodolpheia (“The Judgment”) monastery in Constantinople. gave some gold to the Abbess and asked her to allow him to be buried there, saying that he would depart this life in ten days. returned home and became ill. On the tenth day he summoned his family, he exhorted them to imitate his love for the poor if they desired salvation. Then he fell asleep in the Lord. He died in the year 792 and was buried in the Rodolpheia Judgment monastery in Constantinople. appearance of a miracle after his death confirmed the sainthood of Righteous Philaret. they bore the body of the saint to the cemetery, a certain man, possessed by the devil, followed the funeral procession and tried to overturn the coffin. they reached the grave, the devil threw the man down on the ground and went out of him. other miracles and healings also took place at the grave of the saint. the death of the righteous Philaret, his wife Theoseba worked at restoring monasteries and churches devastated during a barbarian invasion.

Persia, 735-736, Umayyad Caliph, Marwan ibn Muhammad (Marwan the Deaf), fought all across Georgia East to West
Persia, 735-736, Umayyad Caliph, Marwan ibn Muhammad (Marwan the Deaf); ibn Muhammad's invasion of Georgia took place from 735 to 737. It was initiated by the Umayyad Caliphate. The goals of the campaign are disputed among historians. The Georgian historiography insists its main purpose was to finally break the stiff Georgian resistance against Arab rule,[1] however, the western historians such as Cyril Toumanoff,[2] and Ronald Suny,[3] view it as a general campaign directed at both the Byzantine Empire, who exerted dominion over Western Georgia, and the Khazars, whose repeated raids affected not only Iberia (Eastern Georgia) and the whole Caucasus, but had in 730 reached Arab lands all the way to Mosul. invasion[edit] invasion was led by Marwan ibn Muhammad, who later became the last Umayyad caliph Marwan II. He first campaigned in Kartli, after which he led his armies to the west and besieged the fortress of Anakopia, where Archil of Kakheti and his brother Mihr, who were assisted by Leon I of Abkhazia, were stationed. The Arabs failed to take the fortress and were forced to retreat. Fearing an onslaught, large numbers of Georgians fled to the mountainous regions. Marwan later invaded Samtskhe, encamped in Odzrkhe and led his forces against the princes of Argveti, Constantine and David, from whom, upon their capture, he demanded unconditional conversion to Islam, which both refused. He tortured and then killed them for their refusal. After that, Marwan took Tshkumi (modern Sukhumi) and Tsikhegoji and again turned to Anakopia. The Georgians fought fiercely and the Arabs were powerless to take the fortress, especially after heavy rains and floods began. The Arabs retreated with heavy losses. cruelty and ruthlessness was epitomized by the Georgians by naming him Murvan Qru ("Marwan the Deaf"). After his campaign, most major settlements were utterly ruined and people faced starvation. If Georgian historiography insists that Kartli was devastated by the invasion, Toumanoff, relying on local and Arab sources, claims that most of the damage in the Eastern part of the country was actually the result of the previous Khazar raids, and that the local Georgian prince, Guaram III of Iberia, actually sided with the Arabs in order to repeal them beyond the Caucasian range.[4] In any case, the Arab intervention gave them more power over Iberia than they had managed to attain in almost a century of previous conquests. They established the Emirate of Tbilisi to exert direct control over Iberia, even though the Principate of Iberia was not abolished, and local nobility retained most of their power. Because civil instability and foreign enemies were plaguing the caliphate, it was unable to launch another invasion and until 786 settled upon receiving irregular tributes from the Georgian local princes. Arab general Marwan the Deaf; ibn Muhammad ibn Marwan ibn al-Hakam (691 - 6 August 750), usually known simply as Marwan II, was the fourteenth and last caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate, ruling from 744 until he was killed in 750. of his reign was dominated by a civil war, and he was the last Umayyad ruler to rule the united Caliphate before the Abbasid Revolution toppled the Umayyad dynasty. and background[edit] ibn Muhammad was a member of the Marwanid household of the Umayyad Caliphate. His grandmother, named Zaynab. Marwan's father, Muhammad ibn Marwan, who was the son of the fourth Umayyad Caliph Marwan I (r. 684–685), and hence half-brother to fifth Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (r. 685–705).[1][2] mother was a woman who's mostly unnamed, however sometimes is called Rayya or Tarubah, and is likely of non-Arab origin (a Kurd according to some accounts). Some have referenced that his mother was already pregnant with Marwan before his legal father, Muhammad, bed her, thus making the child not his.[3] A couple sources report that Muhammad had taken her captive during the suppression of Ibn al-Zubayr's revolt.[4] There is much doubt and dispute on his mother's name but she was most commonly known as Umm Marwan (meaning "Mother of Marwan"). life[edit] 732–733 Caliph Hisham appointed Marwan governor of Armenia. In 735–736 Marwan invaded Georgia, devastated it and then took three fortresses of the Alans and made peace with Tumanshah. In 739-740 he launched further raids and obtained tribute. 744-745, on hearing news of the plot to overthrow al-Walid II, Marwan wrote to his relatives from Armenia strongly discouraging this. He urged them to harmoniously preserve the stability and well-being of the Umayyad house. Yazid III persisted in overthrowing al-Walid II, Marwan at first opposed him, then rendered allegiance to him. On Yazid's early death (Yazid named his brother Ibrahim as his successor. Yazid fell ill of a brain tumour[5]), Marwan renewed his ambitions, ignored Yazid's named successor Ibrahim, and became caliph. Ibrahim initially hid, then requested Marwan give him assurances of personal safety. This Marwan granted and Ibrahim even accompanied the new caliph to Hisham's residence of Rusafah. Old map of western Eurasia and northern Africa showing the expansion of the Caliphate from Arabia to cover most of the Middle East, with the Byzantine Empire outlined in green The expansion of the Muslim Caliphate until 750, from William R. Shepherd's Historical Atlas. Muslim state at the death of Muhammad Expansion under the Rashidun Caliphate Expansion under the Umayyad Caliphate Byzantine Empire named his two sons Ubaydallah and Abdullah heirs. He appointed governors and proceeded to assert his authority by force. However, the anti-Umayyad feeling was very prevalent, especially in Iran and Iraq. The Abbasids had gained much support. As such, Marwan's reign as caliph was almost entirely devoted to trying to keep the Umayyad empire together. took Emesa (Homs) after a bitter ten-month siege. Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani led a Kharijite rebellion. He defeated the Syrian forces and took Kufa. Sulayman ibn Hisham turned against Marwan, but suffered a severe defeat. The Kharijites advanced on Mosul and were defeated. Sulayman joined them. Al-Dahhak's successor al-Khaybari was initially successful in pushing back Marwan's center and even took the caliph's camp and sat on his carpet. However, he and those with him fell into fighting in the camp. Shayban succeeded him. Marwan pursued him and Sulayman to Mosul and besieged them there for six months. Then, reinforced, the caliph drove them out. Shayban fled to Bahrayn where he was killed; Sulayman sailed to India. Khurasan there was internal discord, with the Umayyad governor Nasr ibn Sayyar facing opposition from al-Harith and al-Kirmani. They also fought each other. In addition, Abbasid envoys arrived. There had long been religious fervor and a kind of messianic expectation of Abbasid ascendency. During Ramadan of 747 (16 May – 14 June), the Abbasids unfurled the standards of their revolt. Nasr sent his retainer Yazid against them. Yazid, however, was bested, taken, and held captive. He was impressed by the Abbasids and when released told Nasr he wanted to join them, but his obligations to Nasr brought him back. continued throughout Khurasan with the Abbasids gaining increasing ascendency. Finally, Nasr fell sick and died at Rayy on 9 November 748 at the age of eighty-five. campaigned in Egypt in 749 to quell the Bashmuric Revolt and secure his rear, but his campaign was a failure.[6] The Abbasids, meanwhile, achieved success in the Hijaz. Marwan suffered a decisive defeat by Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah on the banks of the Great Zab, called Battle of the Zab. At this battle alone, over 300 members of the Umayyad family died. Marwan fled, leaving Damascus, Jordan and Palestine and reaching Egypt, where he was caught and killed on 6 August 750. His heirs Ubaydallah and Abdallah escaped to modern Eritrea. Abdallah died in fighting there. death signaled the end of Umayyad fortunes in the East and was followed by the mass killing of Umayyads by the Abbasids. Almost the entire Umayyad dynasty was killed, except for the prince Abd ar-Rahman who escaped to Spain and founded an Umayyad dynasty there. In Egypt, Marwan's tongue was fed to a cat.[7] Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2; 8th century was extremely difficult for the Georgian people. Marwan bin Muhammad (called “the Deaf” by the Georgians and “the Blind” by the Armenians), the Persian ruler and military leader for the Arab caliph, invaded eastern parts of the Byzantine Empire, then Armenia and Georgia. fire and the sword he fought his way across Georgia from the east to the city of Tskhumi (now Sokhumi) in the region of Abkhazeti. The princes David and Constantine Mkheidze of Argveti were faithful Christians and skilled military leaders. When they heard about the enemy’s invasion, the brothers prayed to God for protection, assembled their armies, and urged their people to pray fervently for God’s help. Persian warriors approached Argveti from Samtskhe and attacked the Georgians on Persati Mountain. The Georgian army won the battle, with David and Constantine leading the resistance against the fearsome conquerors. before long the enraged Marwan the Deaf gathered an enormous army and marched toward Argveti to take revenge. This time the enemy routed the Georgian army. Many were killed and those who survived were forced to flee to the forests. The commanders David and Constantine were taken captive. Persian soldiers bound David and Constantine and brought them before Marwan the Deaf, who began to mock them. But they reacted with complete composure, saying, “Your laughter and boasting are in vain, since earthly glory is fleeting and soon fades away. It is not your valor that has captured us, but our own sins. For the atonement of these sins have we fallen into the hands of the godless enemy!” furious Marwan ordered that the brothers be beaten without mercy, but they steadfastly endured the suffering. Stunned by the brothers’ resolve, Marwan decided to win them over with flattery instead. Promising him great honors and command of the armies, he turned to the older brother, David, saying, “I have heard of your valor, and I advise you to abandon your erroneous faith and submit yourself to the faith of Muhammad!” David crossed himself and answered, “Let not this disgrace come upon us, that we would depart from the light and draw nearer to the darkness!” Then he condemned the error of the Islamic faith: “Muhammad converted you from the worship of fire, but he could not instill in you the knowledge of the True God. Therefore it appears as though you suffered a shipwreck and saved yourselves from the depths of the sea, but drowned in the shallow waters of the coast.” at this reply, Marwan turned to the younger brother, Constantine, hoping to win him over to his side. But Constantine was also unbending, and he fearlessly glorified the Most Holy Trinity: “My brother David and I believe and follow the one Faith and one doctrine in which we have been instructed. Our faith is in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and we will die for the sake of the One True God!” ordered that the brothers be starved to death. After they had suffered for ten days, Marwan sent sorcerers and charmers to arouse in them a desire to convert to Islam, but their efforts were in vain. Finally the holy brothers David and Constantine were led to the riverbank near the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian. There they were brutally beaten and bound. Heavy rocks were hung from their necks, and they were drowned in the river. night three beams of light descended from the heavens and lit up the place where the brothers had been drowned. According to God’s holy will, the ropes binding the holy martyrs were loosed, and their bodies floated to the surface. A group of faithful Christians carried them out of the river and buried them on the bank of the Tsqaltsitela River, in a church that Marwan the Deaf had devastated. place of their burial remained concealed until the beginning of the 12th century, during the reign of King Bagrat the Great (1072-1117). Then, in fulfillment of King Bagrat’s decree, the Monastery of the Martyrs (Motsameta) was built over that place, and the incorrupt relics of the Great Martyrs are still preserved there. Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ;

Persia, 864-1041, History Folder, Caspian Expeditions of the Rus

Persia, 1256-1353, History Folder, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Empire, Buddist then Sunni

Persia, 1256-1353, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Empire, 1256-1353, Tabriz
Persia, 1256-1353, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Empire, 1256-1353; St Demetrius the Devoted, King of Georgia, Commemorated on March 16;

Persia, 1257-1300, 13th Century Folder, Ilkhanate Empire, 1256- , Georgia under these Mongols

Persia, 1257-1265, Ilkhan Emperor, Hulagu, civil wars, over m of western asia, Genghis gs
Persia, 1256-1265, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Hulagu Khan; Khan, also known as Hülegü or Hulegu (c. 1215 - 8 February 1265), was a Mongol ruler who conquered much of Western Asia. Son of Tolui and the Keraite princess Sorghaghtani Beki, he was a grandson of Genghis Khan and brother of Ariq Böke, Möngke Khan, and Kublai Khan. army greatly expanded the southwestern portion of the Mongol Empire, founding the Ilkhanate of Persia, a precursor to the eventual Safavid dynasty, and then the modern state of Iran. Under Hulagu's leadership, the siege of Baghdad (1258) destroyed Baghdad's standing in the Islamic Golden Age and weakened Damascus, causing a shift of Islamic influence to the Mamluk Sultanate in Cairo and ended the Abbasid Dynasty. St. Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated on February 12;

Persia, 1265-1282, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Abaqa Khan, civil wars with Mongol Empire, invaded Syria unsuccessfully
Persia, 1265-1282, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Abaqa Khan ; Khan (February 1234 - 4 April 1282, paternal uncle, also transliterated Abaġa), was the second Mongol ruler (Ilkhan) of the Ilkhanate. son of Hulagu Khan and Lady Yesünčin. He was the grandson of Tolui and reigned from 1265 to 1282 and was succeeded by his brother Ahmed Tekuder.[1] of Abaqa's reign was consumed with civil wars in the Mongol Empire, such as those between the Ilkhanate and the northern khanate of the Golden Horde. Abaqa also engaged in unsuccessful attempts at military invasion of Syria, including the Second Battle of Homs. was born in Mongolia[1] in February 1234, son of Ilkhanate founder Hulagu Khan. Abaqa was a Buddhist. A favoured son of Hulagu, he was made governor of Turkestan.[2] died from illness in 1265. Before his death, he had been negotiating with the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos to add a daughter of the Byzantine imperial family to Hulagu's number of wives. VIII had selected his illegitimate daughter Maria Palaiologina, who was dispatched in 1265, escorted by the abbot of Pantokrator monastery, Theodosius de Villehardouin.[3] Historian Steven Runciman relates how she was accompanied by the Patriarch Euthymius of Antioch.[2] Hulagu died before she arrived, she was instead married to Hulagu's son, Abaqa. He received her hand in marriage when he was installed as Ilkhan. When Hulagu's wife Doquz Khatun also died in 1265, the role of spiritual leader transferred to Maria, who was called "Despina Khatun" by the Mongols. was Abaqa who decided on the permanent location for the Ilkhanate capital, Tabriz, which was in the northwestern grasslands that the Mongols preferred.[4] took power four months after the death of his father, and then spent the next several months redistributing fiefs and governorships.[2] of the coins from Abaqa's era display the Christian cross, and bear in Arabic the Christian inscription "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, only one God".[5] campaigns[edit] Horde[edit] Dinar of Abaqa Khan, Isfahan Mint. dirham of Abaqa Khan, struck at the Tiflis (Tbilisi) mint, dated 1265 Hulagu's reign, the Mongols of the Ilkhanate had been at war with the Mongols of the Golden Horde. This continued into Abaqa's reign, and the Golden Horde invaded the Ilkhanate in the Spring after his accession. The invasion was partly due to an alliance between the Golden Horde and the Egyptian Mamluks. As part of this alliance, the Golden Horde would attempt to distract Abaqa through an attack on his territories to keep him from invading Mamluk-held Syria.[2] hostilities continued until the death of the Golden Horde's khan Berke, in 1267. The Great Khan Kublai attempted to intervene to stop the civil war, and due to his influence, the Golden Horde's khan, Möngke Temür did not launch a major invasion into Abaqa's territory.[6] Möngke Temür still established an alliance with the Egyptian Mamluk sultan Baibars promising that he would attack Abaqa and share any conquered territories.[7] However, at the same time, Möngke Temür sent envoys to congratulate Abaqa when the Ilkhan defeated Ghiyas-ud-din Baraq.[8] In 1270, he allowed Mengu-Timur to collect his revenues from workshops in Iran.[9] Ögedei's grandson Kaidu, Batu's grandson Mengu-Timur and Baraq of the Chagatai Khanate formed an alliance against Kublai Khan and Abaqa in Talas. They appointed Kaidu a ruler of Central Asia. The Kaidu–Kublai war lasted for a few decades. 1270, Baraq Khan of the Chagataids tried to annex Iran, which started a new war against Abaqa in the city of Herat, though Abaqa was able to launch a successful defence and, also, defeated Baraq's relative Teguder in Georgia. In the following year, he retaliated by sending an army against the Chagatai Khanate. They plundered Bukhara and surrounding areas. There were small conflicts between Abaqha and Qara'unas under Chagatayd noyans until 1280. Ismailis[edit] Main articles: Mongol campaign against the Nizaris and Gerdkuh of Syria[edit] See also: Mongol invasions of Syria relations with Christians[edit] was one in a long line of Mongol rulers who attempted to secure Western co-operation against the Muslim Mamluks. He corresponded with Pope Clement IV during 1267-1268, and reportedly sent a Mongol ambassador in 1268, trying to form a Franco-Mongol alliance between his forces, those of the West, and those of his father-in-law Michael VIII. He received responses from Rome and from James I of Aragon, though it is unclear if this was what led to James's unsuccessful expedition to Acre in 1269.[10] Abaqa is recorded as having written to the Aragonese king, saying that he was going to send his brother, Aghai, to join the Aragonese when they arrived in Cilicia. Abaqa also sent embassies to Edward I of England, and in 1274 sent a Mongol delegation to Pope Gregory X at the Second Council of Lyons, where Abaqa's secretary Rychaldus read a report to the assembly, reminding them of Hulagu's friendliness towards Christians, and assuring them that Abaqa planned to drive the Muslims from Syria.[11] But neither this diplomatic mission, nor two further embassies to Europe in 1276 and 1277, brought any tangible results. during the Ninth Crusade (1271)[edit] operations (red) under Abaqa's general Samagar during the Ninth Crusade in 1271 also: Ninth Crusade VI of Antioch, under the influence of his father-in-law Hetoum I of Armenia, had voluntarily submitted to Mongol authority in 1260,[12] while Abaqa's father Hulagu was in power, making Antioch and Tripoli vassal states of the Ilkhanate. In 1268, the Mamluk leader Baibars captured Antioch,[13] and Bohemond obtained a truce with Baibars in order to avoid losing Tripoli.[14][15] response to the fall of Antioch, Edward I of England arrived in Acre in 1271, trying to lead a new Crusade. It was ultimately considered a military failure, but Edward was able to eventually secure a truce with the Mamluks before he had to return to England. Edward arrived in Acre, he had sent an embassy to Abaqa, led by Reginald Rossel, Godefroi of Waus and John of Parker, requesting military assistance from the Mongols.[16] Abaqa was occupied by other conflicts in Turkestan but responded positively to Edward's request, sending 10,000 Mongol horsemen under general Samagar from the occupation army in Seljuk Anatolia to Syria: talking over the matter, we have on our account resolved to send to your aid Cemakar (Samagar) at the head of a mighty force; thus, when you discuss among yourselves the other plans involving the aforementioned Cemakar be sure to make explicit arrangements as to the exact month and day on which you will engage the enemy." — Letter from Abaqa to Edward I, 4 September 1271.[17] Mongols, including some auxiliary Seljukid troops, ravaged the land from Aleppo southward. Though the force was relatively small, they triggered an exodus of the Muslim population (who remembered the previous campaigns of the Mongol general Kitbuqa) as far south as Cairo.[18] Edward, for his part, was never able to muster his own forces to coordinate actions with the Mongols or even achieve any military victories, so Abaqa's forces eventually withdrew. When Baibars mounted a counter-offensive from Egypt on 12 November, the Mongols had already retreated beyond the Euphrates. of 1280–1281[edit] Mamluk leader Baibars died in 1277. In 1280–1281, Abaqa promoted new attacks against Syria. In September 1280, the Mongols occupied Baghras and Darbsak, and took Aleppo on October 20. The Mongols sent envoys to Acre to request military support for their campaign, but the Crusaders were still in a 10-year truce with the Mamluks. The Vicar of the Patriarch declined Abaqa's request, saying that the city was suffering from hunger, and that the king of Jerusalem was embroiled in another war. The King of Cyprus Hugues III and Bohemond VII also mobilized their armies, but could not intervene because the Mamluks had already positioned themselves between them and the Mongols.[19] and Leo III urged the Franks to start a new Crusade, but only the Hospitallers and Edward I (who could not come for lack of funds) responded favourably.[20] The Hospitallers of Marqab made combined raids into the Buqaia, and won several engagements against the Sultan,[21] raiding as far as the Krak des Chevaliers in October 1280, and defeating the Mamluk army of the Krak in February 1281.[19] Mongols finally retreated, pledging to come back for the winter of 1281. They informed the Franks that they would bring 50,000 Mongol horsemen and 50,000 Mongol infantry, but the request apparently remained without a response.[21] of Autumn 1281[edit] of the Mongols (left) at the 1281 Battle of Homs. Egyptian Muslims had respected a 10-year truce with the Crusaders which began in 1271. On 3 May 1281, the new Muslim sultan Qalawun signed a new 10-year truce with the Barons of Acre and a second 10-year truce with Bohemond VII of Tripoli, on 16 July 1281.[22] announced Mongol invasion started in September 1281. They were joined by the Armenians under Leo III, and by about 200 Hospitalier knights from the fortress of Marqab,[23][24] who considered they were not bound by the truce with the Mamluks.[25] 30 October 1281, 50,000 Mongol troops, together with 30,000 Armenians, Georgians, Greeks, and the Hospitalier Knights of Marqab fought against the Muslim leader Qalawun at the Second Battle of Homs, but were beaten back.[25] and succession[edit] died at Hamadan on 4 April 1282, probably in a state of delirium tremens. This illness was probably caused by too much consumption of alcohol, a habit common to many Mongol leaders. However, in 1285, his minister of finance Shams ad-Din Juvayni was accused of having had him poisoned.[26] Abaqa's death, his widow Maria fled back to Constantinople where her father, apparently wishing to spare his capital the fate that befell Baghdad, tried to marry her off again to another Mongol khan. Maria would not accept the offer, became a nun, and founded the church of Panagia Mouchliotissa around 1285. was succeeded by his brother Tekuder, who despite his earlier conflicts with the Egyptian Mamluks, had converted to Islam. Tekuder reversed Abaqa's pro-Christian policies and proposed an alliance with the Mamluk Sultan Qalawun, who resumed attacks on Frankish territory, capturing the northern fortress of Margat in 1285, Lattakia in 1287, and Tripoli in 1289.[27] In 1284, Abaqa's son Arghun led a successful revolt, backed by Kublai. Arghun had his uncle Tekuder executed and took power himself, returning to the pro-Christian policies of Abaqa. younger son, Gaykhatu, assumed the throne in 1291.[28][29][30] Martyr Salome the Georgian, Commemorated on July 20; little information has come down to us about the holy martyr Salome of Jerusalem and Kartli, who lived in the XIII century at a women’s monastery in Jerusalem. She was arrested by the Persian Moslems because of her outspoken defense of Christ. Synaxarion of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, where she was martyred, tells us that at first, she gave in to the threats of the Persians and denied Christ. Later, however, she repented and publicly confessed Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Salome was tortured by the Persians because of her faith in Christ. Finally, she was beheaded and her holy relics were thrown into the fire. is believed that she was executed after the martyrdom of Saint Luka of Jerusalem, which occurred on February 12, 1277. St Demetrius the Devoted, King of Georgia, Commemorated on March 16; St Pimen of Salosi the Enlightener of Dagestan and the North Caucasus People, Commemorated on March 16;

Persia, 1277, Luke, Holy Cross Georgian Monastery, Jerusalem, L followed mother to Jerusalem, severed head thanked God
Jerusalem, 1277, Luke & Fathers of Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem, 3 trees of the Cross, Luke followed his mother to Jerusalem, became monk there, became abbot, monks ousted, Luke confronted, beheaded, then severed head turned East and thanked God ; Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem; Fathers & Luke Martyrs of the Georgian Monasteries in Jerusalem, Commemorated February 12 ; holy martyr Luka of Jerusalem lived in the 13th century. He was born to an honorable, pious Georgian family by the name of Mukhaisdze. After the repose of Luka’s father, his mother left her children and went to labor at a monastery in Jerusalem. Luka reached the age of twenty, he traveled to Jerusalem to visit his mother and venerate the holy places. After spending some time there he decided to remain and be tonsured a monk. was later ordained a deacon and became fluent in Arabic. Soon the brothers of the monastery recognized his wisdom and asked him to guide them as abbot. For three years Luka directed the monastery in an exemplary manner. the devil was envious of the holy father and provoked a certain Shekh-Khidar, an influential Persian at the court of Sultan Penducht, (Probably Sultan Zakhir-Rukedin-Baibars-Bundukdar of Egypt (1260-1277)) to take up arms against Saint Luka. Penducht then transferred possession of theHoly CrossMonastery to Shekh-Khidar, who “treated the Georgian monks in a beastly manner and finally ousted them from the monastery altogether.” his God-given duty, the blessed Luka insisted on personally confronting Shekh-Khidar in defense of his brotherhood. ’s Christian brothers and sisters warned him, saying, “Shekh-Khidar is threatening you.... Flee and hide fromhim!” But Luka paid no heed to their admonitions, certain that it was more fitting to die for Christ than to live for the world. As he had insisted, he himself approached and asked for the release of the imprisoned fathers. told him that he was prepared to accept any demands. The wicked Persian leader demanded nothing from Luka except that he convert to Islam, promising to make him emir if he consented. When he refused, the furious Shekh-Khidar ordered Saint Luka’s beheading. the terrible deed had been performed, Saint Luka’s severed head turned toward the east and gave thanks to God with an expression of pure peace. Soon after, his precious body was set on fire at the command of the bewildered Shekh-Khidar. This occurred in 1277. Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; story as above

Persia, 1282-1284, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Tekuder
Persia, 1282-1284, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Tekuder; St Demetrius the Devoted, King of Georgia, Commemorated on March 16; St Pimen of Salosi the Enlightener of Dagestan and the North Caucasus People, Commemorated on March 16;

Persia, 1284-1291, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Arghun
Persia, 1284-1291, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Arghun; St Demetrius the Devoted, King of Georgia, Commemorated on March 16; St Pimen of Salosi the Enlightener of Dagestan and the North Caucasus People, Commemorated on March 16;

Persia, 1291-1295, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Gaykhatu
Persia, 1291-1295, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Gaykhatu;

Persia, 1295-1295, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Baydu, Sodomite
Persia, 1295-1295, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Baydu;

Persia, 1295-1304, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Ghazan, Sunni Islam
Persia, 1295-1304, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Ghazan;

Persia, 1300, 14th Century Folder, Ilkhanate Empire, -1353, Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Damascus

Persia, 1304-1316, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Oljeitu, Sunni Islam
Persia, 1304-1316, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Oljeitu, Sunni Islam; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12;

Persia, 1316-1335, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan, Sunni Islam
Persia, 1316-1335, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan, Sunni Islam;

Persia, 1335-1336, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Arpa Ke'un, Sunni Islam
Persia, 1335-1336, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Arpa Ke'un, Sunni Islam;

Persia, 1336-1337, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Musa (Ilkhanid dynasty)
Persia, 1335-1336, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Arpa Ke'un, Sunni Islam;

Persia, 1337-1338, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Muhammad Khan (Ilkhan)
Persia, 1337-1338, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Muhammad Khan (Ilkhan);

Persia, 1338-1340, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Jahan Temur
Persia, 1338-1340, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Jahan Temur;

Persia, 1340-1357, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Anushirwan
Persia, 1340-1357, Persian Mongolian Ilkhanate Emperor, Anushirwan;

Persia, 864-1041, Caspian Expeditions of the Rus 864-1041
Caspian expeditions of the Rus 864-1041; The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ;

Persia, 888-929, Sajid dynasty Folder, Sunni, Persia into Geogria

Persia, 889, John of Zedazeni, Mtskheta, Georgia, murdered at Zendazeni by Muslims
Georgia, 889, John of Zedazeni, Mtskheta, Georgia, murdered at Zendazeni by Muslims; Zedazeni Monastery. This location is only approximate. Zedazeni Monestary is located on the Zedazeni mountain the hills of Saguramo, northeast to Mtskheta and to the east side of the Aragvi River. ; Martyr John, Abbot of the Zedazeni Monastery, Commemorated December 12 ; life of the holy martyr John, Abbot of Zedazeni Monastery, has not been preserved, but the list recalling “the names of the holy fathers who reposed at Zedazeni Monastery after John of Zedazeni,” which was compiled by Catholicos Arsenius II, tells us that Abbot John was “murdered at Zedazeni by Muslims.” Saint John was martyred in the 9th century.

Persia, 889-929, Sajid dynasty, from Persia into Geogria
Persia, 889-929, Sajid dynasty, from Persia into Geogria; Sajid dynasty, was an Iranian Muslim dynasty that ruled from 889-890 until 929. The Sajids ruled Azerbaijan and parts of Armenia first from Maragha and Barda and then from Ardabil.[a][1] The Sajids originated from the Central Asian province of Ushrusana and were of Iranian (Sogdian)[2][3][b] descent. Muhammad ibn Abi'l-Saj Diwdad the son of Diwdad, the first Sajid ruler of Azerbaijan, was appointed as its ruler in 889 or 890. Muhammad's father Abu'l-Saj Devdad had fought under the Ushrusanan prince Afshin Khaydar during the latter's final campaign against the rebel Babak Khorramdin in Azerbaijan, and later served the caliphs. Toward the end of the 9th century, as the central authority of the Abbasid Caliphate weakened, Muhammad was able to form a virtually independent state. Much of the Sajids' energies were spent in attempting to take control of neighboring Armenia. The dynasty ended with the death of Abu'l-Musafir al-Fath in 929. Arab Sajid invasion of Georgia 914 Kvelistsikhe Fortress; Martyr Michael (Gobron) of Georgia, Commemorated November 17 ;

Persia, 889-901, Muhammad ibn Abi'l-Saj, first Sajid Ruler
Persia, 889-901, Muhammad ibn Abi'l-Saj, first Sajid Ruler; ibn Abi'l-Saj also known as Muhammad al-Afshin (died 901), an Iranian[1] appointed general of al-Mu'tadid, was the first Sajid amir of Azerbaijan, from 889 or 890 until his death. He was the son of Abi'l-Saj Devdad. Early career Like their father, Muhammad and his brother Yusuf had long and active careers. In 879 Muhammad was appointed by the Saffarid Amr ibn al-Layth as his representative in Mecca, and was later appointed by the Abbasids as the governor of Anbar and Rahba. When the amir of Egypt Ahmad ibn Tulun died in 884, Muhammad was presented an opportunity to capture some of his territories in Syria from his inexperienced son and heir, Khumarawayh. He allied himself with another Abbasid general, Ishaq ibn Kundaj, who had received authorization and some troops from al-Muwaffaq.[2][3][4] Ishaq clashed with the Tulunid governor of Raqqa in April 884,[5] and soon after, the Tulunid governor of Damascus defected, bringing with him Antioch, Aleppo and Hims.[4] Khumarawayh responded by sending troops to Syria, who soon succeeded in recovering the lost cities, before both sides settled into winter quarters.[4] In the spring, al-Muwaffaq's son, Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad (the future Caliph al-Mu'tadid), arrived to take control. Ahmad and Ishaq defeated the Tulunids, who were driven back to Palestine, but Ahmad quarrelled with Ishaq and Muhammad, who departed with their troops, and at the Battle of the Mills on 6 April Khumarawayh's general Sa'd al-Aysar routed the Abbasid army.[2][4][6] This signalled the end of the alliance between Muhammad and Ishaq: Muhammad now turned to Khumarawayh, and persuaded him to invade the Jazira. With Egyptian aid, Muhammad crossed the Euphrates, defeated Ishaq's forces in a number of battles in 886â€“887, and forced him to recognize Tulunid control.[2][7][8] The entire Jazira now became a Tulunid province, a fact recognized by the Abbasid government in a treaty in December 886 that confirmed Khumarawayh in his old and new possessions.[7][9] Ishaq remained as governor of Mosul under Tulunid authority. In 887/8 he tried to rebel but was defeated. Although he re-acknowledged Tulunid suzerainty, he was now stripped of Mosul in favor of Muhammad. Ishaq now concentrated his attentions on defeating Muhammad, and soon managed to secure the favor and support of Khumarawayh: in 888â€“889 Ishaq defeated Muhammad at Damascus, who then fled to al-Muwaffaq.[2][10] In 889 or 890 Caliph al-Mu'tamid's brother and regent, al-Muwaffaq, appointed Muhammad as governor of Azerbaijan. His first challenge came in the form of 'Abd-Allah ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Hamdani, a rebel who had taken control of Maragha. Muhammad convinced him to surrender in 893 by promising his safety, but once 'Abd-Allah did so he was executed by the Sajid. Maragha was afterwards made Muhammad's capital, though he usually resided in Bardaa.[11] Conflict over Armenia When the Bagratid Smbat I came to the throne of Armenia in 890, Muhammad had sent him a crown and presents in the name of the caliph, asserting his own authority over Smbat in the process. When Smbat sent envoys to the Byzantine emperor in 892, Muhammad threatened to attack him, but Smbat managed to convince the Sajid not to carry out his threat through diplomatic means. Three years later, however, the Bagratid invaded Georgia and Albania. In response Muhammad seized Nakhchivan and Dvin, but was then defeated and decided to make peace.[12] At some point in his career Muhammad decided to assert his independence from the caliph, probably by refusing to send the revenue due to Baghdad. In 898 he assumed the title al-Afshin, the title previously used by the rulers of Ushrusana in Transoxiana (Muhammad's family was originally from that province). Soon afterwards he decided to restore his loyalty to the caliph, and was confirmed as governor of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Muhammad launched another campaign against Smbat, taking Kars and capturing Smbat's wife and part of his treasury. Dvin was furthermore brought under control. In 899 Muhammad exchanged Smbat's wife for his son Ashot. Shortly after this he forced the Artsrunid ruler of Vaspurakan, Ashot-Sargis Artsruni, to submit to his authority. In the meantime his loyalty to the caliph again became uncertain. In 900 he invaded Vaspurakan again after Ashot-Sargis's brother, whom Muhammad had taken as a hostage the last time he had invaded, escaped. He left a garrison in Vaspurakan after Ashot-Sargis fled and returned to Bardaa. While preparing another campaign against Smbat, he died of an epidemic in 901.[11] He was succeeded by his son Devdad. Persia, 889-929, Sajid dynasty, from Persia into Geogria; Sajid dynasty (Persian: Ø³Ø§Ø¬ÛŒØ§Ù†â€Ž), was an Iranian Muslim dynasty that ruled from 889-890 until 929. The Sajids ruled Azerbaijan and parts of Armenia first from Maragha and Barda and then from Ardabil.[a][1] The Sajids originated from the Central Asian province of Ushrusana and were of Iranian (Sogdian)[2][3][b] descent. Muhammad ibn Abi'l-Saj Diwdad the son of Diwdad, the first Sajid ruler of Azerbaijan, was appointed as its ruler in 889 or 890. Muhammad's father Abu'l-Saj Devdad had fought under the Ushrusanan prince Afshin Khaydar during the latter's final campaign against the rebel Babak Khorramdin in Azerbaijan, and later served the caliphs. Toward the end of the 9th century, as the central authority of the Abbasid Caliphate weakened, Muhammad was able to form a virtually independent state. Much of the Sajids' energies were spent in attempting to take control of neighboring Armenia. The dynasty ended with the death of Abu'l-Musafir al-Fath in 929. Arab Sajid invasion of Georgia 914 Kvelistsikhe Fortress; Martyr Michael (Gobron) of Georgia, Commemorated November 17 ;

Persia, 889-901, Saiid Dynasty in Maragheh, Iran
Saiid Dynasty in Maragheh, Iran;

Persia, 901-929, Saiid Dynasty in Ardabil, Iran
Saiid Dynasty in Ardabil, Iran;

Persia, 914, Arab Sajid invasion of Georgia and Kvelistsikhe Fortress
Arab Sajid invasion of Georgia 914 Kvelistsikhe Fortress; Martyr Michael (Gobron) of Georgia, Commemorated November 17 ;

Persia, 1072-1307, History Folder, Persian-Turk Seljuk Khwarezmid Empire, Sunni

Persia, 1000, 11th Century Folder, Persian-Turk Sultanate of Rome

Persia, 1073-1092, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan, Jalal al-Dawlah Malik Shah I, established order in Georgia, poisoned
Persia, 1072-1092, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Jalal al-Dawlah Malik Shah I; I son of Alp Arslan ------Jalal al-Dawla Muizz al-Dunya Wal-Din Abu'l-Fath ibn Alp Arslan (8 August 1055 – 19 November 1092, better known by his regnal name of Malik-Shah I, was sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1072 to 1092. his youth, he spent his time participating in the campaigns of his father Alp Arslan, along with the latter's vizier Nizam al-Mulk. During one of such campaigns in 1072, Alp Arslan was fatally wounded and died only a few days later. After that, Malik-Shah was crowned as the new sultan of the empire, but the succession was contested by his uncle Qavurt. Although Malik-Shah was the nominal head of the Seljuk state, Nizam al-Mulk held near absolute power during his reign.[4] Malik-Shah spent the rest of his reign waging war against the Karakhanids on the eastern side, and establishing order in the Caucasus. death to this day remains under dispute; according to some scholars, he was poisoned by Abbasid caliph al-Muqtadi, while others say that he was poisoned by the supporters of Nizam al-Mulk. Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1077-1307, Persian-Turk, Seljuk Empire, Sultanate of Rum (Rome), Sunni
Persia, 1077-1307, Persian-Turk, Seljuk Empire, Sultanate of Rum (Rome), Sunni; Sultanate of Rum[a] or Rum Seljuk Sultanate was a Turko-Persian[7][8][9][10] Sunni Muslim ruled state, established over major cities and territories of Anatolia conquered from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire by the Seljuk Turks following the Battle of Manzikert (1071) and a subsequent temporary collapse of Byzantine power. The name Rûm was a synonym for the Byzantine Empire and its peoples, as it remains in modern Turkish. It derives from the Arabic name for ancient Rome, itself a loan from Koine Greek, "Romans, citizens of the Eastern Roman Empire".[11] Sultanate of Rum seceded from the Great Seljuk Empire under Suleiman ibn Qutalmish in 1077, just six years after the Byzantine provinces of central Anatolia were conquered at the Battle of Manzikert (1071). It had its capital first at İznik and then at Konya. It reached the height of its power during the late 12th and early 13th century, when it succeeded in taking key Byzantine ports on the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. In the east, the sultanate reached Lake Van. Trade through Anatolia from Iran and Central Asia was developed by a system of caravanserai. Especially strong trade ties with the Genoese formed during this period. The increased wealth allowed the sultanate to absorb other Turkish states that had been established following the conquest of Byzantine Anatolia: Danishmendids, House of Mengüjek, Saltukids, Artuqids. Seljuk sultans bore the brunt of the Crusades and eventually succumbed to the Mongol invasion at the 1243 Battle of Köse Dağ. For the remainder of the 13th century, the Seljuks acted as vassals of the Ilkhanate.[12] Their power disintegrated during the second half of the 13th century. The last of the Seljuk vassal sultans of the Ilkhanate, Mesud II, was murdered in 1308. The dissolution of the Seljuk state left behind many small Anatolian beyliks (Turkish principalities), among them that of the Ottoman dynasty, which eventually conquered the rest and reunited Anatolia to become the Ottoman Empire. St John of Shavtel-Gaenati, Commemorated on June 9;

Persia, 1077-1256, Persian, Khwarezmid Empire, Sunni
Persia, 1077-1256, Persian, Khwarezmid Empire, Sunni; Sultan Jalal al-Din ; In 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Turkmen attacked Georgia ; 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols, Commemorated on October 31 ;

Persia, 1089-1125, King, David IV of Georgia, The Restorer, The Builder
Georgia, 1089-1125, King, David IV of Georgia, The Restorer, The Builder, 16 yr old King, welfare of the Church responsibility, Church over feudal lords, vital role of Faith, repatriation, began in Kakheti, traitorous feudal lords, David's army God's hands, David himself fought, Turks eliminated, Mehmed I 100,000, 1,500 G to Trialeti, same time 1115 advisor Giorgi recaptured Rustavi Ravine, David's son Demetre, permanent standing army 45,000, Kipchaks recruited, his wife's father Atrak, Mahmud II coalition Muslim countries 600,000, Soldier's of Christ we will defeat Devil himself, greatest weapon covenant w God to die for his love, block retreat w branches, tactics and miracles terrified the enemy at Didgori, recaptured Tiblisi 1122 after 400 yrs, Gelati Monastery 1106; Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; the end of the 11th century the Georgian Church underwent a trial of physically and spiritually catastrophic proportions. Seljuk sultan, Jalal al-Dawlah Malik Shah (1073-1092), captured the village of Samshvilde, imprisoned its leader, Ioane Orbeliani, son of Liparit, ravaged Kvemo (Lower) Kartli, and finally captured all of Georgia, despite the isolated victories of King Giorgi II (1072-1089). The fearful Georgians fled their homes to hide in the mountains and forests. and deeply distressed by the difficult times, the nation that had once vowed its unconditional love for Christ began to fall into sin and corruption. People of all ages and temperaments sinned against God and turned to the path of perdition. God manifested His wrath toward the Georgian people by sending a terrible earthquake that devastated their Paschal celebrations. the year 1089, during this period of devastation and despair, King Giorgi II abdicated, designating his sixteen-year-old only son, David (later known as “the Restorer”), heir to the throne. It is written that the Heavenly Father said: I have found David My servant, with My holy oil have I annointed him (Ps. 88:19). newly crowned King David took upon himself enormous responsibility for the welfare of the Church. He supported the efforts of the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi to restore and reinforce the authority of the Georgian Church and suppress the conceited feudal lords and unworthy clergymen. During King David’s reign, the government’s most significant activities were carried out for the benefit of the Church. At the same time, the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi reasserted the vital role of the Orthodox Faith in rescuing the Georgian people from the godless mire into which they had sunk. among King David’s goals at the beginning of his reign was the repatriation of those who had fled Georgia during the Turkish rule. The king summoned his noblemen and began to reunify the nation. The king’s efforts to reunify Georgia began in the eastern region of Kakheti-Hereti, but the Turks and traitorous feudal lords were unwilling to surrender the power they had gained in the area. Nevertheless, King David’s army was in God’s hands, and the Georgians fought valiantly against the massive Turkish army. King David himself fought like any other soldier: three of his horses were killed, but he mounted a fourth to finish the fight with a fantastic victory. The Turkish presence was eliminated from his country. however, the uncompromising Seljuk sultan Mehmed (Muhammad) I of Baghdad (1105-1118) ordered an army of one hundred thousand soldiers to march on Georgia. When King David heard of the enemy’s approach, he immediately assembled a force of fifteen hundred men and led them towards Trialeti. A battle began in the early morning, and with God’s help the enemy was defeated. the king’s adviser, Giorgi of Chqondidi, recaptured the town of Rustavi in 1115, as the Georgian army recovered the ravine of the Mtkvari River. of Chqondidi was King David’s teacher and closest adviser. He held the post of chancellor-procurator. At the council of Ruisi-Urbnisi, King David introduced a new law, combining the office of chancellor-procurator with the archbishopric of Chqondidi, the most influential episcopate in Georgia.) year later, the Turks, who had been encamped between the towns of Karnipori and Basiani, were banished from the country. The “Great Wars” continued, and the holy king was crowned with new victories. ’s son Demetre (later the venerable Damiane), a young man distinguished in “wisdom, holiness, appearance and courage,” was a great asset to his father. The prince led a war on Shirvan, captured Kaladzori, and returned to his father with slaves and great riches, the spoils of war in those days. One year later, the villages of Lore and Agarani were rejoined to Georgia. spite of his victories, King David knew that it would be difficult for his meager army to protect the recovered cities and fortresses, while continuing to serve as a permanent military force. Thus it became necessary to establish a separate, permanent standing army. The wise king planned to draft men from among the Qipchaks, a northern Caucasian tribe, to form this army. He was well acquainted with the character of these people, and confident that they were brave and seasoned in war. Furthermore, David’s wife, Queen Gurandukhti, was a daughter of Atrak, the Qipchaks’ ruler. Atrak joyfully agreed to the request of his son-in-law, the king. a true diplomat seeking to maintain peaceful relations with the Qipchaks, King David took his adviser, Giorgi of Chqondidi, and traveled to the region of Ossetia in the northern Caucasus. There Giorgi of Chqondidi, an “adviser to his master and participant in his great works and victories,” reposed in the Lord. Following this, the dispirited King David declared that his kingdom would grieve for forty days. But he accomplished what he had set out to do, and selected forty thousand Qipchaks to add to the five thousand Georgian soldiers he had already enlisted. From that point on King David had a standing army of forty-five thousand men. king’s enormous army finally uprooted the Turkish presence in and around Georgia permanently. The defeated Turks returned in shame to their sultan in Baghdad, draped in black as a sign of grief and defeat. Nevertheless, the unyielding sultan Mahmud II (1118-1131) rallied a coalition of Muslim countries to attack Georgia. The sultan summoned the Arab leader Durbays bin Sadaka, commanded his own son Malik (1152-1153) to serve him, gathered an army of six hundred thousand men, and marched once more towards Georgia. was August of 1121. Before heading off to battle, King David inspired his army with these words: “Soldiers of Christ! If we fight bravely for our Faith, we will defeat not only the devil’s servants, but the devil himself. will gain the greatest weapon of spiritual warfare when we make a covenant with the Almighty God and vow that we would rather die for His love than escape from the enemy. And if any one of us should wish to retreat, let us take branches and block the entrance to the gorge to prevent this. When the enemy approaches, let us attack fiercely!” of the soldiers thought of retreating. The king’s stunning battle tactics and the miracles of God terrified the enemy. As it is written, “The hand of God empowered him, and the Great-martyr George visibly led him in battle. The king annihilated the godless enemy with his powerful right hand.” battle at Didgori enfeebled the enemy for many years. The following year, in 1122, King David recaptured the capital city of Tbilisi, which had borne the yoke of slavery for four hundred years. The king returned the city to its mother country. In 1123 King David declared the village of Dmanisi a Georgian possession, and thus, at last, unification of the country was complete. victory followed another, as the Lord defended the king who glorified his Creator. 1106 King David had begun construction of Gelati Monastery in western Georgia, and throughout his life this sacred complex was the focus of his efforts on behalf of the revival of the Georgian Church. Gelati Monastery was the most glorious of all the existing temples to God. To beautify the building, King David offered many of the great treasures he had acquired as spoils of war. Then he gathered all the wise, upright, generous, and pious people from among his kinsmen and from abroad and established the Gelati Theological Academy. King David helped many people in Georgian churches both inside and outside his kingdom. The benevolent king constructed a primitive ambulance for the sick and provided everything necessary for their recovery. He visited the infirm, encouraging them and caring for them like a father. The king always took with him a small pouch in which he carried alms for the poor. intelligent and well-lettered king spent his free time reading the Holy Scriptures and studying the sciences. He even carried his books with him to war, soliciting the help of donkeys and camels to transport his library. When he tired of reading, King David had others read to him, while he listened attentively. One of the king’s biographers recalls, “Each time David finished reading the Epistles, he put a mark on the last page. At the end of one year, we counted that he had read them twenty-four times.” David was also an exemplary writer. His “Hymns of Repentance” are equal in merit to the works of the greatest writers of the Church. most valiant, powerful, and righteous Georgian king left his heirs with a brilliant confession when he died. It recalled all the sins he had committed with profound lamentation and beseeched the Almighty God for forgiveness. David completed his will in 1125, and in the same year he abdicated and designated his son Demetre to be his successor. He entrusted his son with a sword, blessed his future, and wished him many years in good health and service to the Lord. The king reposed peacefully at the age of fifty-three. David the Restorer was buried at the entrance to Gelati Monastery. His final wish was carved in the stone of his grave: This is My rest for ever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have chosen her (Ps. 131:15). St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; St Damiane (Demetrius) the King and Hymnographer, Commemorated on May 23;

Persia, 1092-1105, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Barkiyaruq
Persia, 1092-1105, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Barkiyaruq; Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1100, 12th Century Folder, Persia-Turks, Shamkori, Azerbaijan Georgia Battle over Persia

Persia, 1105-1105, Malik-Shah II, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, deposed and killed by his uncle
Persia, 1105-1105, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Malik-Shah II; II or Mu'izz ad-Din Malik Shah II Seljuq Sultan in Baghdad during 1105. was the grandson of Malik Shah I, and was theoretically the head of the dynasty, although his relative Ahmad Sanjar in Khorasan probably held more effective power. was deposed and killed by his uncle Muhammed Tapar. Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1105-1118, Muhammad I, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, k nephew, theoretical power only, given Armenia & Azerbaijan
Persia, 1105-1118, Muhammad I, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, k nephew, theoretical power only, d sultan Rum 1107, d brother, given Armenia & Azerbaijan, 1106 c Ismali fortress of Shahdiz, d Iraq king of Arabs ; Persia 1105-1118, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Mehmed I of Bagdad ; Shuja Ghiyath al-Dunya wa'l-Din Muhammad ibn Malik-Shah (1082 – 1118), better known as Muhammad I Tapar, the sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1105 to 1118. was a son of Malik-Shah I (r. 1072-1092) and Taj al-Din Khatun Safariya.[1] Turkish, Tapar means "he who obtains, finds". was born in January 1082.[2] succeeded his nephew, Malik Shah II, as Seljuq Sultan in Baghdad, and thus was theoretically the head of the dynasty, his brother Ahmad Sanjar in Khorasan held more practical power. I probably allied himself with Radwan of Aleppo in the battle of the Khabur River against Kilij Arslan I, the sultan of Rüm, in 1107, in which the latter was defeated and killed.[3] the internecine conflict with his half brother, Barkiyaruq, he was given the title of malik and the provinces of Armenia and Azerbaijan. by this he revolted again, but had to flee back to Armenia. 1104, Barkiyaruq, ill and tired of war, agreed to divide the sultanate with Muhammad.[4] became sole sultan following the death of Barkiyaruq in 1105. 1106, Muhammad conquered the Ismaili fortress of Shahdiz, and ordered the Bavandid ruler Shahriyar IV to participate in his campaign against the Ismailis. greatly angered by the message Muhammad sent him, refused to aid him against the Ismailis.[5] after, Muhammad sent an army headed by Amir Chavli, who tried to capture Sari but was unexpectedly defeated by an army under Shahriyar and his son Qarin III. then sent a letter, which requested Shahriyar to send one of his sons to the Seljuq court in Isfahan.[6] sent his son Ali I, who impressed Muhammad so much that he offered him his daughter in marriage, but Ali refused and told him to grant the honor to his brother and heir of the Bavand dynasty, Qarin III. III then went to the Isfahan court and married her. 1106/1107, Ahmad ibn Nizam al-Mulk, the son of the famous vizier Nizam al-Mulk, went to the court of Muhammad I to file a complaint against the rais (head) of Hamadan. Ahmad arrived to the court, Muhammad I appointed him as his vizier, replacing Sa'd al-Mulk Abu'l-Mahasen Abi, who had been recently executed on suspicion of heresy. appointment was due mainly to the reputation of Ahmad's father. He was then given various titles which his father held (Qewam al-din, Sadr al-Islam and Nizam al-Mulk). I, along with his vizier Ahmad, later campaigned in Iraq, where they defeated and killed the Mazyadid ruler Sayf al-dawla Sadaqa ibn Mansur, who bore the title "king of the Arabs". 1109, Muhammad I sent Ahmad and Chavli Saqavu to capture the Ismaili fortresses of Alamut and Ostavand, but they failed to achieve any decisive result and withdrew.[7] was shortly replaced by Khatir al-Mulk Abu Mansur Maybudi as vizier of the Sejluq Empire. to Ali ibn al-Athir (a historian who lived about a hundred years later), Ahmad then retired to a private life in Baghdad, but, according to the contemporary biographer, Anushirvan ibn Khalid, Muhammad I had Ahmad imprisoned for ten years.[8] I died in 1118 and was succeeded by Mahmud II, although after Muhammad I's death Sanjar was clearly the chief power in the Seljuq realms. Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1118-1152, Mahmud II, Persian-Turk Seljuk of Bagdad, r I & P, d by A Sanjar, Khorasan, m Ahmad's d, heir, gave N Persia
Persia, 1118-1152, Mahmud II of Great Seljuq, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan of Bagdad, ruled Iraq and Persia, defeated by Ahmad Sanjar in Khorasan & 5 kings incl Garsharp II in persia, married uncle Ahmad's daughter, became heir, gave up northern Persia; Persia, 1118-1152, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan, Mahmud II of Great Seljuq; II (c. 1105 – 1131) was the Seljuk sultan of Baghdad from 1118–1131 following the death of his father Muhammad I Tapar.[1] the time Mahmud was fourteen, and ruled over Iraq and Persia. Mahmud's early reign, his vassal king Garshasp II, who was a favorite of his father Muhammad I, fell into disgrace. about him spread to the court that made him lose confidence, and made Mahmud send a military force to Yazd where Garshasp was arrested and jailed in Jibal, while Yazd was granted to the royal cupbearer. however, escaped and returned to Yazd, where he requested protection from Mahmud's rival Ahmad Sanjar (Garshasp's wife was the sister of Ahmad). urged Ahmad to invade the domains of Mahmud in Central Persia, and gave him information on how to march to Central Persia, and the ways to combat Mahmud. accepted and advanced with an army to the west in 1119, where he together with five kings defeated Mahmud at Saveh.[1] The kings who aided Ahmad during the battle were Garshasp II himself, the emirs of Sistan and of Khwarazm,[1] and two other unnamed kings. being victorious, Ahmad then restored the domains of Garshasp II.[2] then proceeded as far as Baghdad, whereupon Mahmud was married to one of Sanjar's daughters, made his uncle's heir, and forced to give up strategic territories in northern Persia.[1] younger brother Mas'ud revolted against him in 1120, but the civil war ended the following year due to the intervention of the atabeg of Mosul, Aqsunqur al-Bursuqi, and Mas'ud was pardoned. 1126, al-Bursuqi was murdered by Assassins, believed have been under orders from Mahmud. 1127, he appointed Anushirvan ibn Khalid as his vizier, but had him removed from the office the following year. 1129 Mahmud officially recognized the authority of Zengi, who had supported him against a revolt led by al-Mustarshid, caliph of Baghdad, in Syria and northern Iraq. then aged 26, died in 1131. His death was followed by a civil war between his son Dawud, and his brothers Mas'ud, Suleiman-Shah, and Toghrul II. other son Alp Arslan ibn Mahmud was ruler of Mosul with atabeg Zengi. Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1116-1156, Mesud I, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman, turned on help, Alaeddin Mosque, defeated 2 Crusader Armies
Persia, 1116-1156, Mesud I, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, lost throne, got it back w help, turned on help, Alaeddin Mosque, defeated 2 Crusader Armies 1147 1148; Persia, 1116-1156, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Mesud I; al-Dīn Mesud ibn Kilij Arslan or Mesud I the sultan of the Sultanate of Rûm from 1116 until his death in 1156. the defeat and death of his father Kilij Arslan fighting against Ridwan of Aleppo at the battle of Khabur river in 1107,[1] lost the throne in favor of his brother Malik Shah. the help of the Danishmends, Mesud captured Konya and defeated Malik Shah in 1116, later blinding and eventually murdering him. would later turn on the Danishmends and conquer some of their lands. 1130, he started construction of the Alaeddin Mosque in Konya, which was later completed in 1221.[2] towards the end of his reign, fought against the armies of the Second Crusade. led by emperor Conrad III of Germany and the other led by king Louis VII of France. defeated both of them; the first at the battle of Dorylaeum near modern Eskişehir in 1147[3] and the second army in Laodicea near modern Denizli in 1148. he died, Mesud was succeeded by his son Kilij Arslan II. one of Mesud's daughters married John Tzelepes Komnenos, a member of the royal house of Komnenos who had converted to Islam.[4] St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Persia, 1152-1153, Malik-Shah III, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan, deposed by his brother, son rival claimant, 600K men to Georgia
Persia, 1152-1153, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan,Malik-Shah III; III (died 1160[1]) ruled as Sultan of Great Seljuq from 1152–53. was the son of Mahmud II of Great Seljuq. 1153, he was deposed and was succeeded by his brother, Muhammad. his death in 1160, his son Mahmud was held in Istakhr by the Salghurids as a rival claimant to the Seljuq throne.[2] Blessed David IV the King of Georgia, Commemorated on January 26;

Persia, 1156-1192, Kilij Arslan II, Persian-Turk Seljuk Sultan of Rum, great road at Konya, fought B, Crusaders and sons there
Persia, 1156-1192, Kilij Arslan II, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, related to germans, 1159 attacked Manuel I on great road at Iconium, 1161 d by M's nephew, 1173 against Mosul, 1175 B peace ended, 1176 d invading B, 1179 Henry I held for ransom paid by B, 1180 S coast of Anatolia, 1182 Cotyaeum f B, 1185 peace w B, but 1186 11 sons power, turned on Saladin to allow 3rd Crusade through, but sons fought C, oldest son back to Konya, Kilij refuge in Cappadocia, 1192 w son c Konya, died besieging Aksaray, promised son Kaykhusraw but brothers fight; Persia, 1156-1192, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Kilij Arslan II; Arslan II was a Seljuk Sultan of Rum from 1156 until his death in 1192. Arnold of Lübeck reports in his Chronica Slavorum, he was present at the meeting of Henry the Lion with Kilij-Arslan during the former's pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1172. they met near Tarsus, the sultan embraced and kissed the German duke, reminding him that they were blood cousins ('amplexans et deosculans eum, dicens, eum consanguineum suum esse'). the duke asked for details of this relationship, Kilij Arslan informed him that 'a noble lady from the land of Germans married a king of Russia who had a daughter by her; this daughter's daughter arrived to our land, and I descend from her.' 1159, Kilij Arslan attacked Byzantine emperor Manuel I Comnenus as he marched past Iconium (Konya, capital of Rüm), as Manuel returned from negotiating with Nur ad-Din Zengi in Syria. 1161 Manuel's nephew John Contostephanus defeated Kilij Arslan, and the sultan travelled to Constantinople in a show of submission.[1] 1173, Kilij Arslan, now at peace with the Byzantines, allied with Nur ad-Din against Mosul. The Tomb of Kilij Arslan II in the courtyard of Alâeddin Mosque, Konya peace treaty with the Byzantines lasted until 1175, when Kilij Arslan refused to hand over to Manuel the territory conquered from the Danishmends, although both sides had for some time been building up their fortifications and armies in preparation for a renewed war. Arslan tried to negotiate, but Manuel invaded the sultanate in 1176, intending to capture Iconium itself. Arslan was able to defeat Emperor Manuel I Komnenos's army at the Battle of Myriokephalon,[2] the Sultan forced the emperor to negotiate a fragile peace. 1179, Kilij Arslan captured and held to ransom Henry I, the renowned count of Champagne, who was returning overland from a visit to Jerusalem.[3] The ransom was paid by the Byzantine Emperor and Henry was released, but died soon afterwards. 1180, the sultan took advantage of the instability in the Byzantine Empire after Manuel's death to secure most of the southern coast of Anatolia, and sent his vizier Ikhtiyar al-Din to conclude an alliance with Saladin, Nur ad-Din's successor, that same year. in 1182, he succeeded in capturing the city of Cotyaeum from the Byzantines. 1185, he made peace with Emperor Isaac II Angelus, the next year he transferred power to his eleven sons, who immediately fought each other for control. Kilij Arslan's alliance with Saladin, he promised the armies of the Third Crusade, led by Frederick Barbarossa to freely pass through his territories; his sons who were local chieftains disagreed and fought against the Crusaders at the Battle of Philomelion and Battle of Iconium.[4] the Crusaders departure, his eldest son Qutb al-Din who led the Turks in the latter battle then fled afterwards, came back to control Konya; Kilij Arslan II escaped and took refuge in Kayseri. on, Qutb al-Din declared himself to be the new Sultan, but his father and his brother Kaykhusraw I drove him out of Konya in 1192, then chased him to Aksaray, and besieged the city. Arslan II died during the siege of Aksaray in August 1192, aged 77, after promising Kaykhusraw I the succession.[5] he was buried in the Alaeddin Kosku in Konya.[a] I's brothers continued to fight for control of the other parts of the sultanate.[7]

Persia, 1192-1196, Kaykhusraw I, Persian-Turk Seljuk, B mother, K on great road, fled to C, baptized, back to K, seized M port
Persia, 1192-1196 & 1205-1211, Kaykhusraw I, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Byzantine mother, Konya on great road, 1197-1203 fled to C from bro, baptized in C, back to K in 1203 over father Kilji, 1207 seized M port Antalya & f mosque there Persia, 1192-1196, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Kaykhusraw I; I, the eleventh and youngest son of Kilij Arslan II, was Seljuk Sultan of Rum. succeeded his father in 1192, but had to fight his brothers for control of the Sultanate, losing to his brother Suleiman II in 1196.[1] He ruled it 1192–1196 and 1205–1211. name "Kaykhusraw" is based on the name of the legendary Shahnameh hero Kay Khosrow.[2] date of birth is unknown. He was the eleventh and youngest son of Kilij Arslan II (r. 1156–1192). mother was of Byzantine ancestry. received a good education during his upbringing, learning other languages besides his native Turkish, which was Persian, Arabic, and Greek.[3] married a daughter of Manuel Maurozomes.[4] Manuel Maurozomes would hold the castles of Chonae and Laodicea as a vassal of Kaykhusraw.[5] 1192/93, Kaykhusraw returned the Byzantine nobleman, Theodore Mangaphas, to Emperor Isaac II after receiving assurances of Mangaphas treatment (a pardon).[6] his brother, Rukn ad-Din Suleiman Shah, quickly advancing towards Konya, Kaykhusraw fled to Constantinople in 1196.[7] lived in Constantinople from 1197–1203, possibly even being baptised.[8] A mathnawi written by Kaykhusraw himself compares his destiny during that period to that of the legendary Iranian hero Jam (Jamshid), who had to go into exile after losing his divine fortune (farr).[9] Suleiman's death and Kilij Arslan's ascension to the sultanate, Kaykhusraw forced his way into Konya, removed Kilij from power and was enthroned for a second time.[10] seized Antalya in 1207 from its Niceaen garrison which furnished the Seljuk sultanate with a port on the Mediterranean.[11] was during this year, Kaykhusraw founded a mosque in Antalya.[12] was killed at the Battle of Antioch on the Meander in 1211.[13] son Kayqubad I, by Manuel Maurozomes' daughter, ruled the Sultanate from 1220 to 1237, and his grandson, Kaykhusraw II, ruled from 1237 to 1246.[14] body was taken to Konya, where it was buried in the ancestral tomb of his family.[15] to Rustam Shukurov, Kaykhusraw I "had dual Christian and Muslim identity, an identity which was further complicated by dual Turkic/Persian and Greek ethnic identity".[16] Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Persia, 1195, battle near Shamkori, Georgia over Azerbaijan Persia
Georgia, 1195, battle near Shamkori, Azerbaijan, Georgia over Persia; St Eulogius of Salosi, the Prophet and Fool-for-Christ, Commemorated on April 1; St John Shavteli of Salosi, Bishop of Gaenati, Georgia, Commemorated on April 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; Holy Queen Tamara, Commemorated on May 8; St Shalva of Akhaltsikhe, Commemorated on June 17;

Persia, 1196-1204, Rukn al-Din, Persian-Turk Seljuk of Rum, aka Suleiman II, overthrew bro, expanded sultanate, defeated by Georgians, suceeded by Kilij III
Persia, 1196-1204, Rukn al-Din, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan of Rum, aka Suleiman II, overthrew bro, expanded sultanate, 1201 c Erzurum, wars over Byzantines, defeated by Georgians 1203, suceeded by Kilij III 1204-05, who lost to Kaykhusraw I; Persa, 1196-1204, Persian-Turk Seljuk Suleiman Sultan, Rukn al-Din; II, also known as Rukn ad-Din Suleiman Shah, was the Seljuk Sultan of Rum between 1196 and 1204.[1] of Kilij Arslan II, he overthrew his brother, Sultan Kaykhusraw I, and became sultan in 1196.[2] fought neighbouring rulers and expanded the territories of the Sultanate. In 1201, he conquered Erzurum, giving it as a fief to Mughith al-Din Tugrulshah in 1202.[3] Successful in the wars with the Byzantines, he was routed by the Georgians in the Battle of Basian of 1203.[4] was succeeded by his son Kilij Arslan III in 1204–1205,[5] after which Kaykhusraw I forced his way into Konya, removed Kilij from power and was enthroned for a second time.[5] St Eulogius of Salosi, the Prophet and Fool-for-Christ, Commemorated on April 1; St John Shavteli of Salosi, Bishop of Gaenati, Georgia, Commemorated on April 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; St John of Shavtel-Gaenati, Commemorated on June 9;

Persia, 1200-1256, 13th Century Folder, Khwarazms, battles with Georgia, Sunni

Persia, 1203, Battle of Bassian, 60 K NE Erzurum, Georgia over Persian Turk Sultan Rukn al-Din
Georgia, 1202, Battle of Bassian, 60 K NE Erzurum; St. Eulogius of Salosi, the Prophet and Fool-for-Christ, Commemorated on April 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Persia, 1220-1231, Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu, Persian Khwarazmian Sultan, fought Mongols, d by Genghis Khan, then a warlord
Persia, 1220-1231, Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu, Persian Khwarazmian Sultan, Sunni, able general, son of concubine, challanged as successor, fought Mongols, gathered army, dispute over spoils, defeated by Genghis Khan, then a warlord, no political ability, warlord army after his death ; Persia, 1220-1231, Persian Khwarazmian Sultan, Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu ; al-Din Mangburni (c.1199 - August 1231), the last Khwarazmshah of the Anushtegin dynasty. eldest son and successor of Ala ad-Din Muhammad II of the Khwarazmian Empire, al-Din was brought up at Gurganj, the wealthy capital of the Khwarezmid homeland. able general, he served as second-in-command to his father in at least one battle; however, since he was the son of a concubine, he was challenged as successor by a younger brother, whose cause was supported by the powerful Queen Mother, Turken Khatun. after the Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire led to his father's flight and death on an island in the Caspian Sea, Jalal-al Din gained the loyalty of the majority of Khwarazmian loyalists. new Shah moved to Gurganj, but departed eastwards after Terken Khatun moved against him; Mongol patrols, he gathered a substantial army at Ghazni. managed to inflict an excellent defeat on Shigi Qutuqu at the Battle of Parwan, soon lost a good portion of his army in a dispute over spoils. was defeated by a vengeful Genghis Khan at the Battle of the Indus, and fled across the river. essentially a warlord, Jalal al-Din managed to establish a succession of short-lived states: in the Punjab, from 1222-4, then in northwest Iran Georgia, after 1225. politics, Jalal al-Din did not have the ability which underpinned his martial exploits, and he was forced to combat several large revolts and increasing pressure from Mongol forces. he was killed by a Kurd in August 1231. army he had gathered would continue to terrorize the Levant as the mercenary Khwarazmiyya until its final defeat in 1246. St Tbeli Abuseridze, Commemorated on August 17; 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols, Commemorated on October 31; St Shalva of Akhaltsikhe, Commemorated on June 17;

Persia, 1227, Persian Khwarazms Attack Georgia, Sultan Jalal al-Din, Sunni
Persia, 1227, Persian Khwarazms Attack Georgia, Sultan Jalal al-Din attacked Georgia ; Sultan Jalal al-Din ; In 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Turkmen attacked Georgia ; 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols, Commemorated on October 31 ;

Persia, 1227, 100K Martyrs, Tbilisi, Jalal al-Din, Khwarazm, repelled but inside m traitors opened gates at night
Georgia, 1227, Tbilisi, Kartli, Georgia Capital (Tiblisi River Mouth, Kura River 9), Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm, Turkmenistan attacked, Georgia repelled but inside moslem traitors opened the gates at night; Tbilisi; 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols, Commemorated on October 31 ; 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Turkmen attacked Georgia. the first day of the battle the Georgian army valorously warded off the invaders as they were approaching Tbilisi. night, however, a group of Persians who were living in Tbilisi secretly opened the gates and summoned the enemy army into the city. to one manuscript in which this most terrible day in Georgian history was described: “Words are powerless to convey the destruction that the enemy wrought: tearing infants from their mothers’ breasts, they beat their heads against the bridge, watching as their eyes dropped from their skulls....” river of blood flowed through the city. The Turkmen castrated young children, raped women, and stabbed mothers to death over their children’s lifeless bodies. The whole city shuddered at the sound of wailing and lamentation. The river and streets of the city were filled with death. sultan ordered that the cupola of Sioni Cathedral be taken down and replaced by his vile throne. And at his command the icons of the Theotokos and our Savior were carried out of Sioni Cathedral and placed at the center of the bridge across the Mtkvari River. invaders goaded the people to the bridge, ordering them to cross it and spit on the holy icons. Those who betrayed the Christian Faith and mocked the icons were spared their lives, while the Orthodox confessors were beheaded. hundred thousand Georgians sacrificed their lives to venerate the holy icons. One hundred thousand severed heads and headless bodies were carried by the bloody current down the Mtkvari River.

Persia, 1370-1507, History Folder, Timurid Empire, Tammerlane's Dynasty, Sunni Muslim

Persia, 1370-1507, Timurid Empire, Tamurlane's Dynasty
Persia, 1370-1507, Timurid Empire, Tamurlane's Dynasty; St Euphrosyne the Princess, (Eudoxia) of Moscow, Commemorated on May 17;

Persia, 1300, 14th Century Folder, Timurid Empire

Persia, 1370-1405, Timurid Emperor, Tammerlane aka Timur
Persia, 1370-1405, Timurid Emperor, Tammerlane aka Timur ; Timurid Empire, 1370-1507, Sunni, Persia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Afganistan ; Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane, Commemorated on August 26; St Euphrosyne the Princess, (Eudoxia) of Moscow, Commemorated on May 17;

Persia, 1395, Tammerlane retreats after Dream, Vladimir Icon Mother of God (Don River 1, Kulikovo Pole)
Kulikovo Pole (Kulikovo Field); Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane, Commemorated on August 26 ; Tamerlane was sleeping in his tent. Suddenly, he saw in a dream a great mountain, at the summit of which were the holy hierarchs with golden staffs coming towards him. Above them, in a brilliant radiance, was a Majestic Woman. She commanded him to leave the domains of Russia. Awakening in fright, Tamerlane asked the meaning of the vision. The experts answered that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat.

Persia, 1395, Feast of the Dormition, Vladimir Icon sent to Moscow, same hour of meeting at Kuchkov, T's dream
Kulikovo Pole (Kulikovo Field); Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane, Commemorated on August 26 ; Tamerlane was sleeping in his tent. Suddenly, he saw in a dream a great mountain, at the summit of which were the holy hierarchs with golden staffs coming towards him. Above them, in a brilliant radiance, was a Majestic Woman. She commanded him to leave the domains of Russia. Awakening in fright, Tamerlane asked the meaning of the vision. The experts answered that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat. Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was painted by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Savior ate together with His All-Pure Mother and Righteous Joseph. The Mother of God, upon seeing this image, exclaimed, “Henceforth, all generations shall call Me blessed. The grace of both My Son and Me shall be with this icon.” the year 1131, the icon was sent from Constantinople to Rus to holy Prince Mstislav (April 15) and was installed in the Devichi monastery in Vyshgorod, the ancient appanage city of the holy Equal of the Apostles Princess Olga. son of George Dolgoruky, Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky, brought the icon to the city of Vladimir in 1155 and installed it in the renowned Dormition cathedral which he built. At this time the icon received its name of “the Vladimir Icon.” The icon was first brought to Moscow in the year 1395. Thus, the blessing of the Mother of God established the spiritual bonds of Byzantium and Rus via Kiev, Vladimir and Moscow. festal celebration of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos occurs several times during the year (21 May, 23 June and 26 August). The most solemn celebration occurs on August 26, the Feast established in honor of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon upon its Transfer from Vladimir to Moscow. the year 1395, the fearsome conqueror Khan Tamerlane (Temir-Aksak) reached the Ryazan frontier, took the city of Elets and advancing towards Moscow he came near the banks of the River Don. Great Prince Basil Dimitrievich went with an army to Kolomna and halted at the banks of the River Oka. He prayed to the holy Hierarchs of Moscow and Saint Sergius for the deliverance of the Fatherland, and he wrote to the Metropolitan of Moscow Saint Cyprian (September 16), that the pending Dormition Fast should be devoted to zealous prayers for mercy and repentance. were sent to Vladimir, where the famed wonderworking Vladimir Icon was. After Divine Liturgy and a Molieben on the feast of the Dormition, they clergy took the icon and brought it to Moscow. Along the way, on both sides of the road, countless people prayed kneeling: “O Mother of God, save the land of Russia!” At that same hour, when the people of Moscow were meeting the Vladimir Icon on Kuchkov Field, Tamerlane was sleeping in his tent. Suddenly, he saw in a dream a great mountain, at the summit of which were the holy hierarchs with golden staffs coming towards him. Above them, in a brilliant radiance, was a Majestic Woman. She commanded him to leave the domains of Russia. in fright, Tamerlane asked the meaning of the vision. The experts answered that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat. In memory of this miraculous deliverance of the Russian Land from Tamerlane, they built the monastery of the Meeting on Kuchkov Field, where the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon took place. On August 26, the all-Russian celebration in honor of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God was established. important events in Russian Church history have occurred before the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: the election and elevation of Saint Jonah, advocate of an Autocephalous Russian Church (1448), and of Saint Job, first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1589), and of His Holiness Patriarch Saint Tikhon (1917). The enthronement of His Holiness Pimen, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, occurred on a day of celebration in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God on May 21 (O.S.), 1971. historical days of 21 May, 23 June and 26 August, connected with this holy icon, have become memorable days for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Persia, 1395, Luke's Vladimir Icon, Grace of Jesus and MOG shall be with this Icon
Kulikovo Pole (Kulikovo Field); Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane, Commemorated on August 26 ; Tamerlane was sleeping in his tent. Suddenly, he saw in a dream a great mountain, at the summit of which were the holy hierarchs with golden staffs coming towards him. Above them, in a brilliant radiance, was a Majestic Woman. She commanded him to leave the domains of Russia. Awakening in fright, Tamerlane asked the meaning of the vision. The experts answered that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat. Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was painted by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Savior ate together with His All-Pure Mother and Righteous Joseph. The Mother of God, upon seeing this image, exclaimed, “Henceforth, all generations shall call Me blessed. The grace of both My Son and Me shall be with this icon.” the year 1131, the icon was sent from Constantinople to Rus to holy Prince Mstislav (April 15) and was installed in the Devichi monastery in Vyshgorod, the ancient appanage city of the holy Equal of the Apostles Princess Olga. son of George Dolgoruky, Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky, brought the icon to the city of Vladimir in 1155 and installed it in the renowned Dormition cathedral which he built. At this time the icon received its name of “the Vladimir Icon.” The icon was first brought to Moscow in the year 1395. Thus, the blessing of the Mother of God established the spiritual bonds of Byzantium and Rus via Kiev, Vladimir and Moscow. festal celebration of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos occurs several times during the year (21 May, 23 June and 26 August). The most solemn celebration occurs on August 26, the Feast established in honor of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon upon its Transfer from Vladimir to Moscow. the year 1395, the fearsome conqueror Khan Tamerlane (Temir-Aksak) reached the Ryazan frontier, took the city of Elets and advancing towards Moscow he came near the banks of the River Don. Great Prince Basil Dimitrievich went with an army to Kolomna and halted at the banks of the River Oka. He prayed to the holy Hierarchs of Moscow and Saint Sergius for the deliverance of the Fatherland, and he wrote to the Metropolitan of Moscow Saint Cyprian (September 16), that the pending Dormition Fast should be devoted to zealous prayers for mercy and repentance. were sent to Vladimir, where the famed wonderworking Vladimir Icon was. After Divine Liturgy and a Molieben on the feast of the Dormition, they clergy took the icon and brought it to Moscow. Along the way, on both sides of the road, countless people prayed kneeling: “O Mother of God, save the land of Russia!” At that same hour, when the people of Moscow were meeting the Vladimir Icon on Kuchkov Field, Tamerlane was sleeping in his tent. Suddenly, he saw in a dream a great mountain, at the summit of which were the holy hierarchs with golden staffs coming towards him. Above them, in a brilliant radiance, was a Majestic Woman. She commanded him to leave the domains of Russia. in fright, Tamerlane asked the meaning of the vision. The experts answered that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat. In memory of this miraculous deliverance of the Russian Land from Tamerlane, they built the monastery of the Meeting on Kuchkov Field, where the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon took place. On August 26, the all-Russian celebration in honor of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God was established. important events in Russian Church history have occurred before the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: the election and elevation of Saint Jonah, advocate of an Autocephalous Russian Church (1448), and of Saint Job, first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1589), and of His Holiness Patriarch Saint Tikhon (1917). The enthronement of His Holiness Pimen, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, occurred on a day of celebration in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God on May 21 (O.S.), 1971. historical days of 21 May, 23 June and 26 August, connected with this holy icon, have become memorable days for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Persia, 1501-1736, History Folder, Persain Safarid Dynasty, Shia Muslim

Persia, 1500, 16th Century Folder, Safarvids in Isfahan and Tabriz, Luther's 95 Theses

Persia, 1501-1736, Persian Safavid dynasty, at Isfahan, Shia Muslim
Persia, 1501-1736, Persian Safavid dynasty, at Isfahan, Shia Muslim; 6,000 Martyrs of the St David Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on April 26; St Gerasimus of Boldino, Commemorated on May 1; Fathers martyred by the Dagestanians, Commemorated on June 1;

Persia, 1501-1736, Persian Safavid Dynasty, at Tabriz, Shia Muslim
Persia, 1501-1736, Persian Safavid Dynasty, at Tabriz, Shia Muslim; St Gerasimus of Boldino, Commemorated on May 1;

Persia, 1517, Ninety Five Theses, Martin Luther, Protestant
Germany, 1517, Ninety Five Theses, Martin Luther, Protestant; Germany, 1503-1546, Martin Luther, Protestant ; Wittenberg, Germany ; Lutherhaus; MARTIN LUTHER, EDUCATOR, TRANSLATOR (18 FEB 1546); JAN HUS, PRIEST and MARTYR, 6 July 1415;

Persia, 1588-1629, Abbas 1, Isfahan, Shia, Great b ghilman system, rid deep state, r lost provinces, Kakheti deportations
Persia, 1588-1629, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas 1, Isfahan; the Great or Abbas I of Persia (27 January 1571 - 19 January 1629) was the 5th Safavid Shah (king) of Iran, and is generally considered as one of the greatest rulers of Iranian history and the Safavid dynasty. He was the third son of Shah Mohammad Khodabanda.[3] Abbas would preside over the apex of Iran's military, political and economic power, he came to the throne during a troubled time for the Safavid Empire. his weak-willed father, the country was riven with discord between the different factions of the Qizilbash army, who killed Abbas' mother and elder brother. Meanwhile, Iran's enemies, the Ottoman Empire (its archrival) and the Uzbeks, exploited this political chaos to seize territory for themselves. 1588, one of the Qizilbash leaders, Murshid Qoli Khan, overthrew Shah Mohammed in a coup and placed the 16-year-old Abbas on the throne. However, Abbas soon seized power for himself. his leadership, Iran developed the ghilman system where thousands of Circassian, Georgian, and Armenian slave-soldiers joined the civil administration and the military. With the help of these newly created layers in Iranian society (initiated by his predecessors but significantly expanded during his rule), Abbas managed to eclipse the power of the Qizilbash in the civil administration, the royal house, and the military. These actions, as well as his reforms of the Iranian army, enabled him to fight the Ottomans and Uzbeks and reconquer Iran's lost provinces, including Kakheti whose people he subjected to widescale massacres and deportations. the end of the 1603–1618 Ottoman War, Abbas had regained possession over Transcaucasia and Dagestan, as well as swaths of Eastern Anatolia and Mesopotamia. He also took back land from the Portuguese and the Mughals and expanded Iranian rule and influence in the North Caucasus, beyond the traditional territories of Dagestan. was a great builder and moved his kingdom's capital from Qazvin to Isfahan, making the city the pinnacle of Safavid architecture. In his later years, following a court intrigue involving several leading Circassians, Abbas became suspicious of his own sons and had them killed or blinded. The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Persian Capture of Tbilisi and G war 1616 Shah Abbas 1 ; Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; 9 Kherkheulidze Brothers with their Mother and Sister and Nine Thousand Martyrs of Marabda, Commemorated on August 3; Icon of the Mother of God of Georgia, Commemorated August 22 ; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated February 18 ; Greatmartyr Ketevan the Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on September 13; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; 6,000 Martyrs of the St David Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on April 26; Martyr Luarsab II the King of Georgia, Commemorated on June 21;

Persia, 1589-1613, Persian Iman, Allahverdi Khan, ghilman syatem military slave from Georgia
Persia, 1589-1613, Persian Iman, Allahverdi Khan from Georgia Khan (c. 1560 - June 3, 1613) was an Iranian general and statesman of Georgian origin who, initially a gholÄm ("military slave"), rose to high office in the Safavid state. Beg Munshi, the Safavid court historian at the time, describes him as "one of the most powerful statesman to hold office under this dynasty", and a "man of great forbearance, modest and chaste.â€[1] Abbas I demonstrated his genuine respect and affection for him by personally supervising the funeral arrangements, and by going to his house the day after his death to offer his personal condolences to his family.[1] Persian Iman, 1610-1633, Imam-Quli Khan from Georgia ; Greatmartyr Ketevan the Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on September 13; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18;

Persia, 1600, 17th Century Folder, Sarafids Capture Tbilisi, Gareji Fathers Martyred by Dagestani

Persia, 1605-1639, George III of Georgia, challanged by Levan II, alligned with Teimuraz by a m, defeated by Levan
Georgia, 1605-1639, King George III of Imereti; III (died 1639), of the Bagrationi Dynasty, was a king of Imereti from 1605 to 1639. was a natural half-brother of Rostom of Imereti on whose death he succeeded in 1605, but his authority was seriously challenged by the energetic prince of Mingrelia, Levan II Dadiani, whose increasing influence over the western Georgian polities George tried to restrict without any success. In 1623, Levan, with a combined Mingrelian-Abkhaziann army, inflicted a heavy defeat upon the royal troops. his quest for allies, George established close ties with the influential eastern Georgian noble Giorgi Saakadze who employed an Imeretian force in his struggle against King Teimuraz I of Kakheti. Saakadze's defeat in 1626, George made an alliance with Teimuraz and arranged a marriage between his son, Alexander (III), and Teimuraz's daughter Darejan (1629). This, however, failed to bring the feudal anarchy in Imereti to an end and the unrest continued. in his reign, George III once again campaigned against Levan Dadiani, but was defeated and taken captive. He was ransomed by his son Alexander, but George did not live long and died in 1639. III of Imereti was married to the certain Tamar (died 1639). He had four sons and one daughter: Alexander III (1609–1 March 1660), King of Imereti; Rostom (fl. 1619–1639); Mamuka (died 1654), military commander; Beri, Archbishop of Gelati as Svimeon Genateli (fl. 1639); Khvaramze (fl. 1619–1626), married to Avtandil Saakadze (died 1629), son of Giorgi Saakadze. Greatmartyr Ketevan the Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on September 13; 6,000 Martyrs of the St David Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on April 26; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Luarsab II the King of Georgia, Commemorated on June 21;

Persia, 1610-1632, Imam-Quli Khan, Georgian, Shia, son of ghilman system military slave
Persia, 1610-1632, Imam-Quli Khan, Georgian, Shia; Khan (died 1632) was an Iranian military and political leader of Georgian origin who served as a governor of Fars, Lar and Bahrain for the shahs Abbas I and Safi. Shiraz; Venerable Christodoulos the Philosopher, Commemorated on August 18; Greatmartyr Ketevan the Queen of Georgia, Commemorated September 13 ; Martyr Luarsab II the King of Georgia, Commemorated on June 21;

Persia, 1614-1629, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas I, 1614 Tabriz, Persia, had to return Shio's r
Persia, 1614-1629, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas I, 1614 Tabriz, Persia, had to return Shio's r; during one of the Persian invasions, the soldiers of Shah Abbas uncovered the holy father’s relics and carried them back to Persia. In the same year Persia was ravaged by a terrible plague, and the frightened invaders returned the holy relics to the Shio-Mgvime Monastery. Persia, 1588-1629, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas I, Tabriz, Persia, 1614 ; Safavid dynasty ; Tabriz, Persia; 9 Kherkheulidze Brothers with their Mother and Sister and Nine Thousand Martyrs of Marabda, Commemorated on August 3; Icon of the Mother of God of Georgia, Commemorated August 22 ; Martyr Evdemoz the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on October 4; Repose of the Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Commemorated on May 9; St Kaikhosro the Georgian, Commemorated on June 16;

Persia, 1616, Capture of Tbilisi and Gokce war, Resetlement of Georgians to mainland Persia
Shah Abbas 1; Persian Capture of Tbilisi and Gokce war 1616 Shah Abbas 1; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated February 18 ;

Persia, 1616, 6,000 Martyrs of David Gareja, Georgia, angel gave them choice, die and be or flee, myrrh to this day
Georgia, 1616, 6,000 Martyrs of David Gareja monastery complex, Kakheti, Georgia (Iori River 4), while, Celebrating Resurrection with lights, angel gave them choice, die and be or flee, only 2 fled, rose bush in dry soil, bones stream myrrh to this day; David Gareja monastery complex (Georgia) ; 6,000 Martyrs of the St David Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on April 26; 1616 the Persian shah Abbas I led his enormous army in an attack on Georgia. quenched his thirst for the blood of the Christians, he arranged a hunt in the valley of Gare (Outer) Kakheti. He encamped with his escorts in the mountains of Gareji and spent the night in that place. midnight the shah’s attention was drawn to a flaming column of lights advancing up the mountain. At first he took it to be an apparition. He was soon informed, however, that a famous monastery was situated in that place and on that night the monks were circling their church three times with lighted candles in celebration of Christ’s Holy Resurrection. Immediately the shah commanded his army to march to the monastery and destroy all those found celebrating. same night an angel of the Lord appeared to Abbot Arsenius of David-Gareji and told him, “Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling the brothers to His Heavenly Kingdom. On this night great suffering awaits you—you will be killed by the sword. He who desires to prolong his earthly life, let him flee, but he who thirsts to purify his soul for eternity, let him perish by the sword, and the Lord God will adorn him with the crown of immortality. Tell this to all who dwell in the monastery, and let each man choose for himself!” abbot informed the monks about his vision, and they began to prepare for their imminent sufferings. Only two young monks feared death and fled to a mountain not far from the monastery. the chanting of the Lord’s Prayer near the end of the Paschal Liturgy, the monastery was completely surrounded by Persian warriors. Abbot Arsenius stepped out of the church and approached their leader to request that the monks be given a bit more time to finish the service and for all the brothers to receive Holy Communion. Persians consulted among themselves and agreed to honor this request. The fathers partook of the Holy Gifts, encouraged one another, and presented themselves clad in festive garments before the unbelievers. the Persians beheaded Abbot Arsenius; then they massacred his brothers in Christ without mercy. the Persians finished killing the monks, they were organized into several regiments and made their way towards the other monasteries of the Gareji Wilderness. Halfway between the Chichkhituri and Saint John the Baptist Monasteries the Muslims captured the two young monks who had earlier fled and demanded that they convert to Islam. monks refused to abandon the Christian Faith and for this they were killed. A rose bush grew up in the place where they were killed and continued to fragrantly blossom through the 19th century, despite the dry and rocky soil. the end of the 17th century, King Archil gathered the bones of the martyrs with great reverence and buried them in a large stone reliquary to the left of the altar in the Transfiguration Church of David-Gareji Monastery. Their holy relics continue to stream myrrh to this day. brothers of the Monasteries of Saint David of Gareji and Saint John the Baptist received a blessing from Catholicos Anton I to compose a commemorative service for the martyrs and to designate their feast day as Bright Tuesday, or the third day of Holy Pascha.

Persia, 1622, Georgia Icon to Archangelsk from Persia, via MOG
Russia, Vologda, 1622, Georgia Icon to Archangelsk from Persia, via MOG; 1622, the Persian Shah Abbas I, after the devastating invasion of Orthodox Georgia, took part of the Robe of the Lord, and some especially revered icons. Three years later, when the Russian clerk Stephen Lazarev, who was in Persia to do some trading, a certain person from the Shah's retinue offered to let him purchase one of the stolen Georgian icons: an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. At the same time, at Yaroslavl, the merchant Gregory Lytkin, by whom Stephen was employed, had a revelation of his clerk's imminent arrival with the precious acquisition. had been instructed by a voice from above to take the Icon from Yaroslavl to Arkhangelsk, near the Pinega River. Here, 16 versts from Kholmogorsk, was the Black Mountain monastery (which took its name from the mountain, on which a church was built in 1603.) Later, it was called Krasnogorsk (Beautiful Mountain). the merchant delivered the Georgian Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1629, during the reign of Tsar Michael. On August 22, with a large contingent of the faithful, the Icon was reverently placed in the monastery. At the same time, the miraculous healing of the blind and deaf monk Pitirim took place. The subsequent manifestations of the Icon's miraculous power prompted Metropolitan Nikon of Novgorod (later the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) to investigate. Afterward, from 1650, the annual celebration of this Icon took place on August 22, the day of its arrival at Krasnogorsk Monastery. that time, the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Arkhangelsk each year with honors. The revered Icon was left for a certain time in the main cathedral of the city, for the sanctification of the city and of the Christ-loving people. During the reign of Tsar Alexei (1645-1676), the miraculous Icon was taken to Vologda, Great Ustyug, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and Siberia. Archangelsk; Icon of the Mother of God of Georgia, Commemorated on August 22; 1622, the Persian Shah Abbas I, after the devastating invasion of Orthodox Georgia, took part of the Robe of the Lord, and some especially revered icons. Three years later, when the Russian clerk Stephen Lazarev, who was in Persia to do some trading, a certain person from the Shah's retinue offered to let him purchase one of the stolen Georgian icons: an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. At the same time, at Yaroslavl, the merchant Gregory Lytkin, by whom Stephen was employed, had a revelation of his clerk's imminent arrival with the precious acquisition. had been instructed by a voice from above to take the Icon from Yaroslavl to Arkhangelsk, near the Pinega River. Here, 16 versts from Kholmogorsk, was the Black Mountain monastery (which took its name from the mountain, on which a church was built in 1603.) Later, it was called Krasnogorsk (Beautiful Mountain). the merchant delivered the Georgian Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1629, during the reign of Tsar Michael. On August 22, with a large contingent of the faithful, the Icon was reverently placed in the monastery. At the same time, the miraculous healing of the blind and deaf monk Pitirim took place. The subsequent manifestations of the Icon's miraculous power prompted Metropolitan Nikon of Novgorod (later the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) to investigate. Afterward, from 1650, the annual celebration of this Icon took place on August 22, the day of its arrival at Krasnogorsk Monastery. that time, the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Arkhangelsk each year with honors. The revered Icon was left for a certain time in the main cathedral of the city, for the sanctification of the city and of the Christ-loving people. During the reign of Tsar Alexei (1645-1676), the miraculous Icon was taken to Vologda, Great Ustyug, Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, and Siberia. 1654, Hieromonk Makarios of Krasnogorsk Monastery brought the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (which had been brought from Persia) to Moscow for restoration, and to be covered with a new riza. It was placed in the newly-built church, dedicated to the Life-giving Trinity, at Nikitnikov Lane near the Saint Barbara Gate, where the Kremlin masters carried on their iconographic work. Gregory Nikitnikov had built the church on his property at his own expense (1628-1651). In the church was a chapel dedicated to Saint Nikḗtas (September 15). Members of the Nikitnikov family were also entombed there. that time, a plague or pestilence was raging in Moscow. At the request of the master silversmith Gabriel Evdokimov, whose son was near death, a Moleben was served in his house before the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God from Krasnogorsk Monastery. The patient soon recovered. In gratitude for this miraculous healing, a copy of Georgian Icon was made and placed in Holy Trinity church. From that time, the church was also called Georgian. gracious help of the Most Holy Theotokos continued to be conferred by the aforementioned copy of her Icon. During the plague epidemic of 1654, the Moscow merchant Stephanov prayed continuously to the Queen of Heaven. The Most Holy Virgin appeared to him three times in a dream saying: "Pray to the Georgian Theotokos, on the Glinishchi at the mills, and you will be spared." The Holy Trinity church at Nikitniki was also called the church of the Great Martyr Nikḗtas (one of the chapels) on Glinishchi, near the mills. The merchant did not take his family from Moscow as he intended, but began to pray fervently in the Holy Trinity church. The epidemic did not touch him or his family. Churchwide celebration of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God was established with the blessing of Patriarch Nikon in 1654. In 1698, the caretaker of the Moscow printing house Theodore Polikarpov compiled a second edition of the Service. the liberation of Moscow from Napoleon's troops, on December 1, 1812 the wonderworking Georgian Icon of the Mother of God, along with other miraculous Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos (Vladimir, Iveron, and Assuage my Sorrows) were carried in solemn procession around the Kremlin. 1904, a chapel was built in Holy Trinity church in honor of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God. Now this Icon is in the church of the Holy Trinity in Nikitnikov (Razin Street). healings were granted by the Most Holy Theotokos through her wonderworking Icon, which were documented and verified at the end of the XIX century. For example, on June 17, 1887, Lydia Tserkovnitskaya, the wife of a priest in the village of Shuysk, Vologda Province, was critically ill. She recovered after praying before the wonderworking Georgian Icon. There is historical evidence of four more Georgian icons of the Most Holy Theotokos. the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God, which was in Moscow's Alekseevsky Convent, church evidence reports that it is not a copy of the Icons from Krasnogorsk Monastery nor from Holy Trinity church at Nikitnikov, which were brought from Georgia. In the same deadly plague epidemic of 1654, one of the nuns at the Alekseev Convent fell ill. While she addressed long prayers to the Heavenly Healer, the sick woman suddenly remembered the miraculous recovery she had heard about from the Icon of the Mother of God, which is in the church of the Life-giving Trinity by Saint Barbara's Gate. However, there was no one to send there. After some time, an unknown monk came to the Convent. Turning to the sick nun, he said: "Do not be sad that the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God cannot be brought here. You have here exactly the same Icon as the one brought from Georgia. You will find it in the cave, and you shall behold God's mercy." allegorical meaning of these words became clear afterward in the monastery sacristy, which was laid out like caves, when a hitherto unknown Icon of the Mother of God was discovered. After a Moleben, the miraculous Icon was carried to the cells of the nuns who were suffering from the pestilence. All of them were healed. From that time, the epidemic in Moscow began to abate. the prayerful intercession of the Georgian Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Alekseev Convent, the blind Princess Martha Prozorovskaya received miraculous healing in 1662. She gained her sight by the prayers of her parents, after seven years of serious illness. the northwest of Kazan, 18 versts from the city of Sviyazhsk, in the middle of the XVII century was the Raithu communal Hermitage of the Theotokos, which got its name from one of its churches, which was dedicated to the Venerable Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu (January 14). Tradition states that during the construction of the monastery, Metropolitan Laurence of Kazan, by a revelation from above, sent the best local iconographers to Pinega, to the Krasnogorsk Monastery, which was very far from Kazan, in order to make a faithful copy of the wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was brought from Persia. 1661, a skillfully executed copy of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God was delivered from Arkhangelsk. It became highly revered by the local population. Subsequently, this Icon was placed in the cathedral church in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. the XVIII century, the pious peasants of the village of Klyucharev, Korchev county, Tver Province, presented the caretaker of the Moscow Archangel Cathedral with a copy of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God, which became highly regarded by the locals, when the rye crop was threatened with destruction in the late 1860s. Vast fields of newly-sprouted crops were being eaten by an unknown worm, and nothing they did was of any use. Then the peasants prayed for help to the Most Holy Theotokos, whose Georgian Icon they revered. After a Cross Procession around the fields with the Icon, a sudden, unprecedented torrential rain fell. Streams of water washed the worms out of the ground, which were eaten by a large flock of birds. See also other revered copies of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God in the Protection church at Vorontsov Field, and in the Holy Cross Church in the city of Tula. Icon disappeared after the closure of the monastery (1920-1922), and later it was returned to the monastery. In his 1946 report to the Moscow Patriarchate, Bishop Leonty (Smirnov) of Arkhangelsk states that the Georgian Icon was carried in a procession, which took place at Arkhangelsk in 1946. The further fate of the Georgian Icon is unknown. St Spyridon the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Tryphon the Abbot of Vyatka, Commemorated on October 8; Hieromartyr Hilarion, Archbishop of Vereiya, Commemorated December 15 ; Repose of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated December 20 ; Glorification of St John of Kronstadt, Commemorated on June 8 ; Venerable Elisha of Suma, Solovki, Commemorated on June 14; Venerable Nikon of Optina, Commemorated on June 25 ;

Persia, 1625, Battle of Martkopi, Georgia defeats Persia
Martkopi, Georgia; 9 Kherkheulidze Brothers with their Mother and Sister and Nine Thousand Martyrs of Marabda, Commemorated August 3 ; the Feast of the Annunciation in the year 1625, the Georgians annihilated the army of the Persian shah Abbas I in the Battle of Martqopi. The victory unified Georgia’s eastern provinces of Kartli and Kakheti. It also instilled hope in other enslaved peoples of the Transcaucasus, and rebellions began to break out everywhere. the enraged Shah Abbas marched his finest and largest army toward Georgia under the leadership of Isa-Khan Qurchibash. A Georgian army of some twenty thousand men encamped near Kojori-Tabakhmela in preparation for the attack, while the enemy’s army, which numbered in excess of fifty thousand men, encamped at Marabda. According to tradition, the Georgian soldiers received Holy Communion at dawn before the battle. Domenti (Avalishvili) of Ruisi prepared to serve the Holy Gifts to the soldiers but they cried out with a single voice: “If you will join us and take up your sword and fight, then do so. We can receive Holy Communion from another!” by these words, the bishop joined in, proclaiming, “Today we will fight a battle for faith and for Christ; therefore my blood must be spilled before yours!” With his vestments as armor, the bishop blessed the soldiers and took his place in the front line. banner of the Georgian army was entrusted to the nine Kherkheulidze brothers. Persians panicked upon coming face-to-face with the courage and fortitude of the Georgian soldiers, but the experienced commander Isa-Khan Qurchibash would not yield in battle. Help arrived from Beglerbeg Shaybani-Khan, and with the extra forces the Persians soon gained the advantage over the Georgian army. The Georgian colonel Teimuraz Mukhranbatoni was fatally wounded, and rumors of his death threw the soldiers into a frenzy, since they erroneously believed that the dead man was King Teimuraz I of Kakheti, the commander of their army. that their leader had fallen, the Georgian soldiers became anxious and their army was enfeebled. Before long they recognized their mistake, but it was too late—the fate of the battle had already been decided. military leaders Davit Jandieri, Aghatang Kherkheulidze and Baadur Tsitsishvili and the bishops of Rustavi and Kharchasho all fell in the battle at Marabda. The nine banner-bearing Kherkheulidze brothers were also killed. When the banner that had led their army through the battles at Didgori and Basiani fell from the hands of the youngest brother, their sister grabbed hold of it immediately, and when she also fell, the banner and symbol of Georgian invincibility was raised up again by their mother. Teimuraz fought until sunset, when every sword he had held in his hands had been broken. Even his rings were broken in the combat. The uniform of the brilliant military leader Giorgi Saakadze was stained with blood from top to bottom. Atabeg Manuchar of Samtskhe and his sons also fought bravely in this battle. exhausted and debilitated by the heat, the Georgians fought heroically to the last moment. But the battle that had begun at dawn finally ended late that night with the defeat of the Georgian army. Nine thousand Georgians gave their lives for Christ and their motherland on the battlefield at Marabda. St Anthony the Founder of Monasticism in Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ;

Persia, 1625, Battle of Marabda, Persia defeats Georgia
Georgia, 1625, Battle of Marabda, Persia defeats Georgia Marabda; 9 Kherkheulidze Brothers with their Mother and Sister and Nine Thousand Martyrs of Marabda, Commemorated August 3 ; the Feast of the Annunciation in the year 1625, the Georgians annihilated the army of the Persian shah Abbas I in the Battle of Martqopi. The victory unified Georgia’s eastern provinces of Kartli and Kakheti. It also instilled hope in other enslaved peoples of the Transcaucasus, and rebellions began to break out everywhere. the enraged Shah Abbas marched his finest and largest army toward Georgia under the leadership of Isa-Khan Qurchibash. A Georgian army of some twenty thousand men encamped near Kojori-Tabakhmela in preparation for the attack, while the enemy’s army, which numbered in excess of fifty thousand men, encamped at Marabda. According to tradition, the Georgian soldiers received Holy Communion at dawn before the battle. Domenti (Avalishvili) of Ruisi prepared to serve the Holy Gifts to the soldiers but they cried out with a single voice: “If you will join us and take up your sword and fight, then do so. We can receive Holy Communion from another!” by these words, the bishop joined in, proclaiming, “Today we will fight a battle for faith and for Christ; therefore my blood must be spilled before yours!” With his vestments as armor, the bishop blessed the soldiers and took his place in the front line. banner of the Georgian army was entrusted to the nine Kherkheulidze brothers. Persians panicked upon coming face-to-face with the courage and fortitude of the Georgian soldiers, but the experienced commander Isa-Khan Qurchibash would not yield in battle. Help arrived from Beglerbeg Shaybani-Khan, and with the extra forces the Persians soon gained the advantage over the Georgian army. The Georgian colonel Teimuraz Mukhranbatoni was fatally wounded, and rumors of his death threw the soldiers into a frenzy, since they erroneously believed that the dead man was King Teimuraz I of Kakheti, the commander of their army. that their leader had fallen, the Georgian soldiers became anxious and their army was enfeebled. Before long they recognized their mistake, but it was too late—the fate of the battle had already been decided. military leaders Davit Jandieri, Aghatang Kherkheulidze and Baadur Tsitsishvili and the bishops of Rustavi and Kharchasho all fell in the battle at Marabda. The nine banner-bearing Kherkheulidze brothers were also killed. When the banner that had led their army through the battles at Didgori and Basiani fell from the hands of the youngest brother, their sister grabbed hold of it immediately, and when she also fell, the banner and symbol of Georgian invincibility was raised up again by their mother. Teimuraz fought until sunset, when every sword he had held in his hands had been broken. Even his rings were broken in the combat. The uniform of the brilliant military leader Giorgi Saakadze was stained with blood from top to bottom. Atabeg Manuchar of Samtskhe and his sons also fought bravely in this battle. exhausted and debilitated by the heat, the Georgians fought heroically to the last moment. But the battle that had begun at dawn finally ended late that night with the defeat of the Georgian army. Nine thousand Georgians gave their lives for Christ and their motherland on the battlefield at Marabda.

Persia, 1629-1642, Safi, Safavid Shah, at 18 executed all his foes, uneducated, wine and opium, drinking contest death
Persia, 1629-1642, Persian Safavid Shah, Safi of Persia; Mirza (1611 - 12 May 1642), better known by his dynastic name of Shah Safi, was the sixth Safavid shah (king) of Iran, ruling from 1629 to 1642. life[edit] was given the name Sam Mirza when he was born. He was the son of Mohammad Baqer Mirza, the eldest son of Shah Abbas I, and Dilaram Khanum, a Georgian wife.[1] In 1615, Abbas had Mohammed Baqer killed, fearing he was plotting against his life. Over the next few years, the suspicious Abbas killed or blinded his other sons, leaving his grandson Safi heir to the throne. (also known as Rustam Khan), viceroy of Kartli, eastern Georgia, from 1633 to 1658. was crowned on 28 January 1629 at the age of eighteen.[citation needed] He ruthlessly eliminated anyone he regarded as a threat to his power, executing almost all the Safavid royal princes as well as leading courtiers and generals. He paid little attention to the business of government and had no cultural or intellectual interests (he had never learned to read or write properly), preferring to spend his time drinking wine or indulging in his addiction to opium. Supposedly, however, he abhorred tobacco smoke as much as his grandfather did, going as far as to have those caught smoking tobacco in public killed by pouring molten lead in their mouths.[citation needed] dominant political figure of Safi's reign was Saru Taqi, appointed grand vizier in 1634. Saru Taqi was incorruptible and highly efficient at raising revenues for the state, but he could also be autocratic and arrogant. foreign enemies took the opportunity to exploit Safi's perceived weakness. Despite firm initial Safavid successes and humiliating defeats in the Ottoman–Safavid War (1623–1639) by Safi's grandfather and predecessor Shah Abbas the Great, the Ottomans, having had their economy and military stabilized and reorganized under Sultan Murad IV made incursions in the west in one year following Safi's ascension to the throne. In 1634 they briefly occupied Yerevan and Tabriz and in 1638 they finally succeeded in recapturing Baghdad Reconquest of Baghdad (1638) and other parts of Mesopotamia (Iraq) which, despite being taken again several times later on in history by the Persians and most notably by Nader Shah, it would all remain in their hands until the aftermath of World War I. Nevertheless, the Treaty of Zuhab which ensued in 1639 put an end to all further wars between the Safavids and the Ottomans. Apart from the Ottoman wars, Iran was troubled by the Uzbeks and Turkmens in the east and briefly lost Kandahar in their easternmost territories to the Mughals in 1638, due to what seems as an act of revenge by their own governor over the region, Ali Mardan Khan, after being dismissed from office.[2] 1636 he received a trade delegation from Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, which included Adam Olearius. Olearius wrote a book about this visit in 1647, which was widely published in Europe. In 1639, Safi sent a return delegation to Holstein-Gottorp, bestowing gifts on the Duke.[3] However, the Duke did not succeed in his ultimate aim - starting a regular trading relationship with Iran (and Russia) and making the Duke's newly founded town of Friedrichstadt into a European trade terminus. died on 12 May 1642 and was buried in Qom. He was succeeded by his son Abbas II. His death was related to heavy drinking. According to one account, found in Archangelo Lamberti's Relation de la Colchide ou Mengrellie (1654), Safi died in a drinking contest with a certain Scedan Cilaze (Chiladze), a renowned Georgian drinking champion invited to Isfahan from Mingrelia.[4] Martyr Evdemoz the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on October 4;

Persia, 1630, Dagestani Raid on David Gareja Monastery
Dagestani Raid on David Gareja Monastery 1630 Abbas I of Persia attack on Georgia (1616) ; Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; 6,000 Martyrs of the St David Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on April 26;

Persia, 1642-1666, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas II of Persia, capable and energetic
Persia, 1642-1666, Persian Safavid Shah, Abbas II of Persia; Abbas II (30 August 1632 – 26 October 1666), was the seventh Safavid king (shah) of Iran, ruling from 1642 to 1666. Born Soltan Mohammad Mirza, he was the eldest son of Safi I with his Circassian wife, Anna Khanum. II was undoubtedly the most capable and energetic Safavid shah after his great-grandfather Shah Abbas I the Great (r. 1588-1629), whom he in many aspects bore resemblance to. Albeit Abbas II ascended the throne at the age of merely 9 years old, he showed considerable toughness and resolve—in 1645, no longer than three years after his succession, the grand vizier Saru Taqi was murdered by a faction of the Qizilbash led by the qurchi-bashi Jani Beg Khan Shamlu, one of the most influential administrators of the country; in the ensuing days, Abbas II had all the perpetrators put to death. to Abbas I, Abbas II possessed a strong dedication for fairness, and objections of misconduct and injustice by civil servants were promptly taken care of, whilst the responsible individuals were strictly penalized. II was also a poet with the pen name Thani, writing in Azerbaijani Turkish.[1] Greatmartyr and Prince Bidzina of Georgia, Commemorated on September 18;

Persia, 1666-1694, Persian Safavid Shah, Suleiman I of Persia, language Azerbaijani, raised in harem, raised by eunuchs, refused to attack Ottomans, George XI rebellion 1688
Persia, 1666-1694, Persian Safavid Shah, Suleiman I of Persia; Mirza, later known by his first dynastic name of Safi II, and thereafter known by his more famous second dynastic name of Suleiman I, was the eighth Safavid shah (king) of Iran, ruling from 1 November 1666 to 29 July 1694. youth and accession[edit] Mirza was born in February 1648 (or March); he was the elder son of the previous shah Abbas II and Circassian slave Nakihat Khanum.[1] Sam Mirza had a younger brother named Hamza Mirza, as well as two other brothers named Ismail Mirza and Mirza Ali Naqi. He also had two unnamed sisters. Sam Mirza grew up isolated in the royal harem, where he was cared for by Agha Nazira, a eunuch. Because of this, Sam Mirza's first language was Azerbaijani; it is still not clearly known how much Persian he was able to speak.[2] Furthermore, due to the way Sam Mirza was raised, he was much less experienced and less energetic than his father,[3] which had significant consequences for his reign.[2] II died in Mazandaran on 25 September 1666, without revealing his successor. Five days later, the news spread to Isfahan. The eunuchs, who took care of the palace, now got to name the successor;. Most of them preferred the seven year-old Hamza Mirza, who they could easily control. However, the matter was decided when Hamza Mirza's tutor made a statement in the court supporting Sam Mirza to assume the throne.[2] after first coronation; 1666-1668[edit] of Suleiman I's first coronation in 1666. day later, on 1 October 1666, Sam Mirza was crowned as Safi II.[citation needed] The ceremony took place in the afternoon and was managed by Mohammad-Baqer Sabzavari, the shaykh al-Islam of Isfahan. Safi II was given the heads of some dead Uzbeks, and in turn rewarded those who had given him the heads with money.[2] He also gave money to 300 exiles from the Ottoman Empire who sought refuge in Iran to avoid being enrolled into the Ottoman army. All administrative positions were reconfirmed that same day. The name "Abbas II" was removed from royal stamps, and new coins were minted in Safi II's name. Demonstrating the sleekness of the changeover, the city of Isfahan remained peaceful; "the shops stayed open, and life went on as if nothing had happened, causing foreign residents who, fearing disturbances and looting, had kept their houses locked, to emerge before the day was out."[2] first year of his reign was markedly unsuccessful. A series of natural disasters such as earthquakes (1667 Shamakhi earthquake) in Shirvan, spread of deadly diseases around Iran, combined with devastating raids by the Cossack Stenka Razin on the coast of the Caspian Sea, convinced court astrologers that the coronation had taken place at the wrong time, and the ceremony was repeated on March 20, 1668. The shah took the new name Suleiman I. He had little interest in the business of government, preferring retreat to the harem. after second coronation; 1668-1694[edit] left political decision-making to his grand viziers or to a council of harem eunuchs, whose power increased during the shah's reign. Corruption became widespread in Persia and discipline in the army was dangerously lax. At the same time revenues increased by the imposition of new taxes and higher taxes. This affected the country's economy and spread poverty, which resulted in many rebellions even in Suleiman's capital Isfahan. In 1672, shah Suleiman offered the former vizier Mohammad Beg to become vizier once again, which he agreed to, but while on his way to Isfahan, he died. According to the French traveler Jean Chardin, Mohammad Beg had been poisoned by Suleiman's vizier Shaykh Ali Khan Zangana.[4] In 1676, Suleiman appointed the Georgian prince George XI as the ruler of Kartli. the 1670s, Georgians came to make up an even larger part of the actual Safavid fighting forces, reaching a contested number of 40,000.[5][note 1] made no attempt to exploit the weakness of Safavid Persia's traditional rival, the Ottoman Empire, after the Ottomans suffered a serious defeat at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. He even refused the proposals from the European states to form a coalition against the Ottoman Empire. Persia also suffered raids by the Uzbeks and Kalmyks on the eastern and northern (North Caucasus) borders of the empire respectively. 1688, George XI rebelled against Suleiman, and tried to urge the Ottomans to aid him. However, his request for help was fruitless, and Suleiman appointed another Georgian prince named Heraclius I as the ruler of Kartli, and forced George XI to flee from Kartli. To secure Iranian control over Kartli, he appointed Abbas-Quli Khan as the viceroy of the region. Qizilbash remained an important part of the Safavid executive apparatus, even though ethnic Caucasians had come to largely replace them. For example, even in the 1690s, when ethnic Georgians formed the mainstay of the Safavid military, the Qizilbash still played a significant role in the army.[6] activity[edit] activity had already started decreasing since the reign of Shah Abbas I (r. 1587–1629), but it decreased even more under Suleiman. Although Suleiman had requested King William III of England for adept artisans in 1668/69, he is not known to have been involved in an operating foreign diplomacy.[2]

Persia, 1690-1716, Anthimus tGeorgian, Turk slave, Romanian Metroplitn, author, printer, woodcarver, builder, R spirit L
Georgia, 1690-1716, Anthimus the Georgian, Georgia (Iberia, the land of St George), Orthodox, captured by Turks invading Georgia, slave in Constantinople, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, skilled woodcarving, embroidery, painting, Escaped tEcumenical Patriarchate, invited to Wallachia by Constantine Brancoveanu for his talents, became monk 1691, later priest, royal print shop iBucharest, printing house iSnagov Monastery, printed 63 books iRomanian, Greek, Arabic, Georgian, author 38 oThem, Igumen 1696, Bishop Rimnicu-Vilcea 1705, Metropolitan Wallachia 1708, schools, churches, monasteries, spiritual legacy Romanian Church, arrested by Turks 1716, tSt Catherines Mt Sinai, killed along the way; Georgia (country) ; Saint Anthimus the Georgian, Commemorated on September 27; Anthimus was born in Georgia, and his parents were called John and Mary. The child received the name Andrew in Baptism, and his parents raised him as an Orthodox Christian. was captured by Turks who invaded Georgia when he was young, he was one of many who were made slaves in Constantinople. he learned to speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish, and also became skilled in woodcarving, embroidery, and painting. a few years as a slave, Andrew escaped and fled to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for refuge. 1690, Andrew was invited to Wallachia by Prince Constantine Brancoveanu (August 16), who had heard of his talents. a year or so, he became a monk and received the name Anthimus. he was ordained to the holy priesthood. was placed in charge of the royal print shop in Bucharest, and later set up a printing house in the Snagov Monastery. monastery printed sixty-three books in Romanian, Greek, Arabic, and Georgian. Anthimus was the author of thirty-eight of them. He was chosen to be the igumen of Snagov in 1696. saint was consecrated as Bishop of Rimnicu-Vilcea in 1705, three years later he was made Metropolitan of Wallachia. Metropolitan, he established schools for poor children, and built churches and monasteries. Since he was a woodcarver, he used his talent to beautify many churches. Anthimus was a zealous pastor who satisfied his flock’s hunger for spiritual knowledge. in the Romanian language, he taught them the saving truths of Orthodoxy, and offered words of encouragement and consolation. His edifying books and sermons are part of the spiritual legacy of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Anthimus was arrested by the Turks in 1716 and sentenced to be exiled at Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, but he never arrived at his destination. September 27, 1716, he was killed by the soldiers who were escorting him. cut his body into little pieces and threw them into the Tungia River, south of the Danube. Thus, the faithful servant of Christ received the crown of martyrdom. Anthimus was a true shepherd of his flock, and a father to his clergy. He was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992.

Persia, 1694-1722, Safavid Shah, Sultan Husayn, Isfahan, Persia, end of Safavid d
Persia, 1694-1722, Safavid Shah, Sultan Husayn, Isfahan, Persia; Husayn (also known as Soltan Hosayn and Soltan Hosein), (October 1668 - November 1726) reigned 1694–1722; was a Safavid Shah of Iran (Persia). ruled from 1694 until he was overthrown in 1722 by rebellious marauder Mahmud Hotaki, an Afghan of Pashtun ethnic background.[1] reign saw the downfall of the Safavid dynasty, which had ruled Persia since the beginning of the 16th century. Fathers martyred by the Dagestanians, Commemorated on June 1;

Persia, 1736-1796, History Folder, Persian Afsharid Dynasty, Sunni Muslim

Persia, 1736-1796, 18th Century Folder, Afsharids, Sunni

Persia, 1736-1796, Afsharid dynasty, at Mashhad in Northeast, Nadir and Shahrukh, Sunni
Persia, 1736-1796, Persian Afsharid dynasty, at Mashhad, Sunni; Afsharid dynasty was an Iranian[7] dynasty that originated from the Turkoman[8][9] Afshar tribe in Iran's north-eastern province of Khorasan, ruling Iran (Persia) in the mid-eighteenth century. dynasty was founded in 1736 by the brilliant military[10] commander Nader Shah, who deposed the last member of the Safavid dynasty and proclaimed himself as the Shah of Iran. Nader's reign, Iran reached its greatest extent since the Sasanian Empire. At its height it controlled modern-day Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan Republic, parts of the North Caucasus (Dagestan), Afghanistan, Bahrain, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and parts of Iraq, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Oman. his death, most of his empire was divided between the Zands, Durranis, Georgians, and the Caucasian khanates, while Afsharid rule was confined to a small local state in Khorasan. the Afsharid dynasty was overthrown by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar in 1796, who would establish a new native Iranian empire and restore Iranian suzerainty over several of the aforementioned regions. dynasty was named after the Turcoman Afshar tribe from Khorasan in north-east Iran, to which Nader belonged.[11] The Afshars had originally migrated from Turkestan to Azerbaijan (Iranian Azerbaijan) in the 13th century. In the early 17th century, Abbas the Great moved many Afshars from Azerbaijan to Khorasan to defend the north-eastern borders of his state against the Uzbeks, after which the Afshars settled in those regions. Nader belonged to the Qereqlu branch of the Afshars.[12] Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated on September 12 ;

Persia, 1736-1747, Nadir, Persian Afsharid Shah, Sunni, Napoleon of Persia, destroyed Shio's relics
Persia, 1736-1747, Persian Afsharid Shah, Nadir, Sunni ; Shah Afshar (August 1688[5] - 19 June 1747) was one of the most powerful Iranian[13] rulers in Iranian history, ruling as Shah of Iran (Persia) from 1736 to 1747 when he was assassinated during a rebellion. of his military genius[14] as evidenced in his numerous campaigns throughout Middle East, Caucasus, Central and South Asia, such as the battles of Herat, Mihmandust, Murche-Khort, Kirkuk, Yeghevard, Khyber Pass, Karnal and Kars, some historians have described him as the Napoleon of Persia, Sword of Persia,[15] or the Second Alexander. belonged to the Turkoman[16] Afshar tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe settled in Khorasan in northeastern Iran,[17] which had supplied military power to the Safavid dynasty since the time of Shah Ismail I.[18] rose to power during a period of chaos in Iran after a rebellion by the Hotaki Pashtuns had overthrown the weak Shah Sultan Husayn, the arch-enemy of the Safavids, the Ottomans, as well as the Russians had seized Iranian territory for themselves. reunited the Iranian realm and removed the invaders. He became so powerful that he decided to depose the last members of the Safavid dynasty, which had ruled Iran for over 200 years, and become Shah himself in 1736. numerous campaigns created a great empire that, at its greatest extent, briefly encompassed what is now part of or includes Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the North Caucasus, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Pakistan, Oman and the Persian Gulf, his military spending had a ruinous effect on the Iranian economy.[19] idolized Genghis Khan and Timur, the previous conquerors from Central Asia. imitated their military prowess and—especially later in his reign—their cruelty. victories during his campaigns briefly made him West Asia's most powerful sovereign, ruling over what was arguably the most powerful empire in the world,[20] his empire and the Afsharid dynasty he founded quickly disintegrated after he was assassinated in 1747.[21] turning point in his military career started from his second and third campaigns against the by then revolting Lezgians, as well as other ethnic groups of Dagestan in the northwestern parts of his domain. Nader Shah has been described as "the last great Asiatic military conqueror".[22] Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated September 12 ; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated on March 3;

Persia, 1748-1796, Shahrukh, Persian Afsharid Shah, Sunni, Nader's GSon, not massachred, installed by Kurds
Persia, 1748-1796, Persian Afsharid Shah, Shahrukh Afshar, Sunni; Mirza, better known by his dynastic title of Shahrokh Shah was the Afsharid king (shah) of the western part of Khorasan (corresponding to the present-day Khorasan Province)[1] from 1750 to 1796, with a two-month interruption. grandson of the Iranian conqueror Nader Shah (r. 1736–1747), Shahrokh was the son of Reza Qoli Mirza Afshar and his Safavid wife Fatemeh Soltan Begom, who was the sister of Tahmasp II, the penultimate Safavid shah of Iran. half-Safavid descent made him stand out amongst his Afsharid relatives, and was used to bolster the legitimacy of his grandfather. the assassination of Nader Shah in 1747, his nephew Ali-qoli Khan (who assumed the regnal name Adel Shah), ascended the throne in Mashhad and had all of Nader Shah's descendants in fortress of Kalat massacred. Shahrokh was spared in case his Safavid lineage would come to use, and was instead kept in the fortress as a prisoner. Adel Shah was battling his rebellious younger brother Ebrahim Mirza, a party of Turkic, Kurdish and Arab tribal leaders took advantage of his absence and installed Shahrokh on the throne. Adel Shah and Ebrahim were eventually defeated and killed, but Shahrokh was not long afterwards overthrown by a party of dissident tribal leaders, who installed the Safavid pretender Mir Sayyed Mohammad (who assumed the regnal name of Suleiman II) on the throne. was soon blinded at the instigation of Mir Alam Khan Khuzayma and other leading nobles, much against Suleiman II's will. group of conspirators lead by the Turkic tribal leader Yusuf Ali Khan Jalayir eventually deposed Suleiman II and restored Shahrokh to the throne. St Euthymius the Elder of the St John the Baptist Monastery, Commemorated on August 8; Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated September 12 ;

Persia, 1795-1797, Aga Mohammad, Cruel rapacious Persian Qajar, d Georgia, Battle of Kitsanisi
Persia, 1789-1797, Persian Qajar Shah, Aga Mohammad Khan Qajar ; Mohammad Khan Qajar (14 March 1742 - 17 June 1797), also known by his regnal name of Agha Mohammad Shah, was the founder of the Qajar dynasty of Iran, ruling from 1789 to 1797 as king (shah). chieftain of the Qoyunlu branch of the Qajar tribe, Agha Mohammad Khan was enthroned as the king of Iran in 1789, but was not officially crowned until March 1796, having deposed Lotf Ali Khan of the Zand dynasty in 1794. Mohammad Khan Qajar was famously the eunuch Monarch, being castrated as a young adult upon his capture by Adel Shah Afshar, and hence was childless. He was assassinated on 17 June 1797, and was succeeded by his nephew, Fath-Ali Shah Qajar. Mohammad Khan's reign is noted for the return of a centralized and unified Iran and for relocating the capital to Tehran, where it still stands today. He is also noted for his cruel and rapacious behavior, particularly during the re-subjugation of Georgia. He sacked the capital Tbilisi, massacred many of its inhabitants, and moved some 15,000 Georgian captives back to mainland Iran. Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated on September 12 ;

Persia, 1796-1925, History Folder, Persian Qajar Dynasty, Shia Muslim

Persia, 1796-1799, 18th Century Folder, Qajars, Shia

Persia, 1789-1797, Aga Mohammad, Persian Qajar Shah, eunuch, dynasty f, Tehran
Persia, 1789-1797, Persian Qajar Shah, Aga Mohammad Khan Qajar ; Mohammad Khan Qajar (14 March 1742 - 17 June 1797), also known by his regnal name of Agha Mohammad Shah, was the founder of the Qajar dynasty of Iran, ruling from 1789 to 1797 as king (shah). chieftain of the Qoyunlu branch of the Qajar tribe, Agha Mohammad Khan was enthroned as the king of Iran in 1789, but was not officially crowned until March 1796, having deposed Lotf Ali Khan of the Zand dynasty in 1794. Mohammad Khan Qajar was famously the eunuch Monarch, being castrated as a young adult upon his capture by Adel Shah Afshar, and hence was childless. He was assassinated on 17 June 1797, and was succeeded by his nephew, Fath-Ali Shah Qajar. Mohammad Khan's reign is noted for the return of a centralized and unified Iran and for relocating the capital to Tehran, where it still stands today. He is also noted for his cruel and rapacious behavior, particularly during the re-subjugation of Georgia. He sacked the capital Tbilisi, massacred many of its inhabitants, and moved some 15,000 Georgian captives back to mainland Iran. Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated on September 12 ;

Persia, 1795, Persian Battle of Krtsanisi, Tiblisi, Muslim Traitors
Persia, 1795, Persian Battle of Krtsanisi, Tiblisi, Muslim Traitors inside the gates ; Persian Qajar Shah, 1789-1797, Aga Mohammad Khan Qajar ; Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated on September 12 ;

Persia, 1796-1925, Persian Qajar dynasty, in Tehran, Shia Islam
Persia, 1796-1925, Persian Qajar dynasty, in Tehran, Shia Islam; Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Commemorated on September 12 ;