Teymuraz the First

Czar of Kakheti in 1606-1648 and of Kartli in 1625-1632.

Born in 1589. Together with Georgy Saakadze, headed the long stubborn struggle of Kartli-Kakheti against the Iranian aggression. Sent several embassies to Russia (in 1615, 1618, 1624, 1635, and 1649); in 1658, arrived in Moscow personally with a request for assistance, but did not receive it. Later, stepped away from politics and became a monk in 1661. Soon, Teymuraz the First was summoned to Iran and imprisoned to Astrabad fortress for the refusal to adopt Islam, where he died in 1663. Teymuraz the First was also one of the eminent poets of his time. His lyrics and an historic epic Ketevaniani are especially interesting.