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Luarsab IIKing of Kartli
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Biography of Luarsab II
- Ruling Against the Ottoman Empire
- Conspiracy and Marriage
- Alliance and Execution
- Imprisonment and Martyrdom
Biography of Luarsab II
Luarsab II was the King of Kartli, a region in present-day Georgia. He ascended to the throne in late 1611, following the sudden death of King George X. At the age of 14, Luarsab II was appointed to rule by Shah Abbas I of Persia, who was present in Tbilisi at the time.
Ruling Against the Ottoman Empire
One of Luarsab II's main tasks as king was to resist the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. He showcased his abilities during the Battle of Tashiskari in 1609. In 1610, Luarsab II visited the Shah, who returned the Tbilisi fortress to him. The fortress had been occupied by the Ottomans, and later by the Qizilbash forces since 1606.
Conspiracy and Marriage
In late 1611, Luarsab II married the sister of Georgi Saakadze, a prominent nobleman. However, the marriage was annulled due to the demands of the nobility, which led to a conspiracy against Georgi Saakadze. In 1612, Luarsab II ordered the killing of Khan Kazakh, who was devastating Kartli under the orders of the Iranian Shah.
Alliance and Execution
In the same year, Luarsab II arranged a marriage between his sister and the King of Kakheti, Teimuraz I. The allied kings agreed to stand together against the expected aggression from Iran. When Shah Abbas invaded Kartli in early 1614, Luarsab II sought help from Georgian kings and Ottoman governors in Imereti.
Imprisonment and Martyrdom
In October of the same year, Luarsab II returned to Kartli upon the Shah's order, fearing that failure to comply would result in the destruction and deportation of its inhabitants to Iran. The Shah imprisoned Luarsab II in Mazandaran and later in Shiraz. Despite pleas from Georgian political figures and Russia's mediation, the king was executed for refusing to convert to Islam.
Although he was married to Georgi Saakadze's sister, Luarsab II did not have any children. He was later recognized as a saint and became revered in Georgian history.
