Genghis Khan

Indeed Genghis Khan is among my favourite heroes. I have two books on him - "Genghis Khan" by Michel Hoang and the other, "Storm From The East" by Robert Marshall. Not too long ago, while recuperating from tendon operation in my right leg a dear friend had lent me some DVD of Chinese series on Genghis Khan. Theh were simply wonderful.

Sure, Europe called him and his people barbarians. Yet surprisingly, they were very tolerant towards religions, unlike some of European Empire. If only Genghis Khan had not died early (he is said to have fallen off a horse in his 60s) he might have taken the whole of Europe. His grave remains unknown till this day. All those who witnessed the burial ceremony were killed so that his remains lay undisturbed.


CONTRIBUTION ISLAM


In the year 1295, Ghazan Ilkhan converted to Islam and hence persia and Mesopotamia returned to Islam till today. Ghazan introduced many reformation in it's government, economy, taxes and judiciary. His brother, Olgietu who became the next Ilkhan continued the reformation of his realm, much in the expression of arts - poetry, paintings, ceremic and above all, architecture. His new city, Sultaniyya became well known with his octagonal buildings. His monuments were masterpieces and his mausoleum became one of the greatest Islamic landmarks.

Oljeitu's son, Abu Sa'id became the first Ilkhan with a Muslim name.It brought the golden age of Mongol era - economy boomed and there was peace. Unfortunately, Abu Sa'id died heirless in 1335. Many non-Muslim elite left while the rest became absorbed into the local population.Mongol control on Persia ceased and the Ilkhanate disappearsd Persia then drifted into a period of ununified government until 30 years later Timur The Lama (Tamerlane,a Turki-Mongol warrior appeared from Samarqand.



On another front, Ozbeg Khan of the Golden Horde (Jochi-Batu line) officially embraced Islam in 1313 and all Muslim nations in the Middle East rejoiced. They maintained good relations with the Christian West. Mosques were built by Mamluk Egyptian architects. Ozbeg too did not have an heir. Soon after the Khanate seemed to languish and numerous puppet Khan became the order of the day.


On yet another front, in 1529 Babur of the Chaghdai Khanate escaped to Northern India an defeated the Lodi Dynasty. Henceforth began the Moghul Dynasty whose centre was in Agra.They built beautiful gardens,and famous palaces and forts which are known till today like the Taj Mahal.