Simeon Rabban Ata

Simeon, called Rabban Ata, was a high representative of Syriac Christianity in the 13th century. He was apparently a monk from the Far East and had been put in charge by the Khan of protecting Christians.^[1]

Simeon Rabban Ata was nominated as a sort of high-commissioner in charge of Christian affairs in

Chormagan equipped with considerable powers so that freedom of faith could be respected in Iran, a policy which effectively protected Christianity in an Islamic land.^[5] Simeon was praised by Christians in the Mongol Empire, and seems to have been in charge of establishing Christian churches in the realm:^[6]

"He brought them a lot of relief, saving them from death and servitude. He built churches where previously even pronouncing the name of Christ was forbidden, especially in Tabriz and Nakhichevan (...) where he raised crosses. Even the generals offered him presents"
— Kirakos Gandzaketsi.^[7]

He played an important role in establishing exchanges with the Mongols, and visited the Mongol court in 1235–1240.

Andre de Longjumeau a letter in which the primacy of Rome was being recognized.^[10]

Simeon met and had conversations with André de Longjumeau and Ascelin on the way to their missions to the Mongol realm in 1245, in the city of Tabriz.^[11]

His accounts were reported by

Vincent de Beauvais in his Speculum Historiale. The Armenian historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi wrote an apology

about him and his role in establishing relations with the Mongols.