EDUCATION OF ABRAHAM
Peter was pleased with his new boy. He soon baptized the eight-year-old Abraham in the Orthodox church in Vilnius, Lithuania. Peter became his godfather and the Queen of Poland became his godmother. Abraham was named Peter, after the czar. Abraham did not like being called Peter; he wanted to be called by his true name Ibrahim. The czar negotiated with him and created the Russian form of Ibrahim, Abraham.
Peter the Great watched as Abraham grew. Abraham showed at an early age the he had a great understanding in mathematics. This talent foretold a lasting career in engineering. Peter the Great, noticing Abraham's special qualities, soon brought him along to a couple meetings. Abraham developed into the czar's secretary and valet. The czar, in his chamber, would tell Abraham all about his ideas and ambitions. Abraham soon went with the czar on military campaigns and tours.
Peter expected much from Abraham. He expected the same amount as from a real son. Peter's responsibility to bring Russia into modern times became one of Abraham's duties as well. It would be Abraham's duty to defend Russia. When Peter visited France in 1616, he took Abraham as apart of his entourage.8 In 1717, Abraham was left in France to begin his schooling in civil and military engineering. He studied under Bernard Forest de Belidor at the Ecole d'Artillerie of La Fere. Also Abraham studied under Sebastian Le Preste, Marquis de Vauban, at Sebastian's own institution. Later, he then enrolled in the military engineering and artillery college of Metz.