It was October of 1578.Simon I,former king of Kartli,who found out,that Ottomans took over the capital-Tbilisi,Gori(City in Eastern Georgia) and Samtskhe(Georgian principality in the 16th and 17th centuries),he decided to convert to Islam.He decided to pretend and make the Shah-Mohammad Khodabanda believe,that he accepted Islamic faith.Simon deemed this necessary for his kingdom.Because only this way he would be able to lead the army against Ottomans.There was practically no one who could do this except him.Simon's only brother-Davit who was younger than him converted to Islam long time ago and he invaded his own kingdom with Iranians.So,Simon wanted to do the contrary-to pretend converting and leading Iranians towards Kartli in order to beat the common enemy-Ottoman empire.So,this strategy was beneficial both for Simon and Safavid Iran.
Georgian king was in Alamut stronghold,where he spent his 8 years of captivity due to the betrayal of his compatriot.Simon called loudly and the stronghold guards opened the door.They entered and asked him:
-Do you need anything?Why did you call us?
-Yes,as you can guess.I have something important to tell to the shah.Can I meet him?
-No,he has many duties to deal with.
-How about writing a letter to him?I'm sure,that he won't refuse.Bring me feather,ink and paper.
-Alright,you will receive what you've just asked.
The guards left the king and returned in a few minutes.They put what he requested on the chair,then left again.Simon put the paper on the table and started writing.Here is what he wrote:
"Your majesty,I have been thinking about your request of converting to Islam.Previously,I had been refusing to do so.However,my inner voice dictates me,that we need to join hands in order to defeat the Ottomans in Kartli.I promise,that I will be leading Iranians towards Kartli and act according to your orders.I know,that you need to get rid of the Ottomans from Kartli.But,without me it will be impossible for you.Give me several thousands of Iranian warriors and I will add Georgians too when we arrive to Kartli.What do you think?Will you be able to accept my offer?
Simon,the former king of Kartli "