Giorgius the Turk

Giorgius the Turk or St.Gregory of Brunant was initially the strategos of Brunant who refused to accede to the surrender and led 600 soldiers south to Niesium, where the town and fortress had over 1,000 soldiers manning it. The Emir al-Hakam bin Hisham thus followed and had 1,400 soldiers at his disposal. Unable to force a battle, he instead began a siege. An outbreak of an epidemic greatly affected his soldiers, and he was forced to break the siege and retreat for Brezonde in December 817.

In February 818, armed with an additional 400 reinforcements from the mainland, the mir's army launched another siege, which was considered long and bloody. The town eventually fell by surrendering in July, with tales of people resorting to cannibalism being reported. Giorgius was beheaded by the Emir and his head was placed on a pike at the town gate.

Beatification
The Pope Paschal I beatified Giorgius in 1819. He would then become a Saint.

Legacy
Giorgius would become famous even amongst non-Christians. In Arabic language, he would be called Jarjur and In Turkish, he would be called Gurgur.

Haydar Halit Effendi, on the command of Hazretleri Ülü Hakan Sultan Suleiman built a gold dome over his grave in St.Gregory's Cathedral,Gurgurbolü.