This is the story of one Georgian man called Davit Manvelashvili.He was born in the family of peasants in Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia.He was separated from his parents and brothers at the age of 5.This happened because he was kidnapped by thugs who traded with slaves.These thugs took him to the Ottoman capital-Istanbul,where he changed several masters and eventually ended up with the man called-Mustafa.He bestowed 11 year-old Davit to the governor of Iraq-Suleiman pasha the Great,who was Georgian.This governor named him Davut and send him to the islamic school-Madrassie.There he learned islamic law,Quran and oriental languages:Arabic,Ottoman Turkish and Persian.He learned all of these subjects very well and as a result,his master paid him special attention.Suleiman personally taught Davut horseriding,swordsmanship and archery.After finishing his studies Suleiman released Davut from slavery and made him free man.Davut became his official bodyguard.At the age of 27,Davut got married with Suleiman's daughter-Rabia.They had 3 sons and 1 daughter.
     In 1822,he officially became the governor of Iraq.He made Iraq flourish with irrigation channels and wells.He constructed libraries,mosques,silk factories,public bathhouses,hospitals and bridges.He also founded the very first publishing house in 1828-1829.Besides,he had extremely strong army that consisted of 100 thousand Georgian mamluk soldiers.This army was divided in 3 units among his 3 sons.In 1831,he attempted to make Iraq independent from Ottoman empire,but he failed and was captured by Ottoman forces with his family.The Ottoman sultan-Mahmud II exiled him in Bursa(City in Turkey).

    It was dawn when Davit awoke.Zehra brought beautiful blue shirt and gray trousers from her and Yusuf's room.She smiled at Davit:


-Look at these!They are exclusively for you!I sewed it myself from the silk that Yusuf bought for me.Back then,I didn't know,that Yusuf would bring you to me.But,it has always been my dream to have a child.Do you like these or not?


-How can I not like them?Indeed,they are stunning.I have no idea how to wear them.Can you assist me,mother?


-I called you mother.I saw how you love me when you were comforting me.


   Zehra burst into tears from joy.She hugged Davit and then kissed him on both cheeks.


-I will do my best to be the best mother for you!Now,let's get dressed!Turn around and put your arms in the sleeves.Then zip the shirt with buttons.


    After putting his shirt on,Davit put this trousers on too.But he saw another thing,the one that he had never used in his homeland.He asked Zehra:


-Mother,what is this?-Davit pointed his finger at the black belt.


-This is called belt.You can use it in order to make yourself sure,that the trousers won't come down.Let me help you,son!


   Zehra was smiling for herself and attaching the belt on Davit's waist simultaneously.


-Now,let's go to the kitchen!It's time to have breakfast!Come with me,Davit!


   Zehra held Davit's hand and they went to the kitchen.Soon,the table was laid in the dining room.Yusuf started the conversation:


-Today is very meaningful day,Davit!Especially for you.


-Because you will become muslim today.After finishing breakfast,we will march towards the mosque.


-The building where followers of Islam go to pray.Apart from this,you must know,that you will no longer be Davit.Your name will be altered.


    After having breakfast,Yusuf held Davit's hand and they walked towards the blue mosque of Istanbul.When they reached their destination,they halted at the doorstep.Yusuf took his shoes off and made Davit take them off too.Afterwards,father and son entered inside the mosque.Davit was observing its interior.Its walls were gray and they were decorated with dark blue ornaments.Its ceiling was very high.


Chapter 14 - Chapter 14