Why and How the Mongols became Muslim

Summary

This video explores the Mongols' conversion to Islam despite their initial devastation of the Islamic world. It discusses the Mongols' religious tolerance, the influence of Muslim merchants and leaders, and the strategic adoption of Islam by Mongol rulers like Berke Khan and Ghazan. The video also touches on the Mongols' continued shamanic practices alongside their new faith, reflecting a complex interplay of religion, culture, and politics.

Takeaways

• ⏳ The Mongols' interaction with Islam began in the 12th century through trade with Muslim merchants.
• 🌍 The Mongols showed religious tolerance when it was advantageous, but also persecuted beliefs contrary to their customs and laws.
• 🔥 The conquest of the Khwarezmian Empire was particularly devastating, causing the deaths of millions.
• 📚 Early Muslim figures like Hasan and Ja’far Khoja were among Chinggis Khan’s close allies.
• 📈 The Mongols' proximity to Muslim populations in the Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, and Chagatai Khanate facilitated conversion.
• 👥 Muslims were valuable to the Mongols for their skills in craftsmanship, administration, and healing.
• 🔮 The Mongols valued Islamic holy men for their abilities in alchemy and astrology.
• 👤 Conversions among the Mongols began in the 1240s, with figures like Korguz and Baiju playing significant roles.
• 🕌 Berke Khan's conversion to Islam was notable and marked a shift in the Golden Horde's religious orientation.
• 📜 The Mongols' conversion to Islam was not a complete abandonment of their traditional beliefs but an integration into their worldview.
• 📉 The full Islamization of the Mongols was a gradual process that took several generations and varied across different khanates.

Q & A

What was the initial Mongol attitude towards Islam?

Initially, the Mongols were religiously tolerant when it suited them, allowing Muslims to serve in prominent roles and continue their religious practices.

How did the Mongols' interaction with Islam begin?

The Mongols' interaction with Islam began in the twelfth century through trade with Islamic merchants who brought textiles and metal tools in exchange for furs and animals.

Who were some of the Muslims that were close allies of Genghis Khan?

At least two Muslims, Hasan and Ja’far Khoja, were among Genghis Khan’s close allies during his escape to lake Baljuna, where they swore loyalty to him.

What was the impact of the Mongol conquest of the Khwarezmian Empire?

The conquest resulted in the deaths of millions and was highly destructive, causing immense suffering across what is now Uzbekistan through eastern Iran and Afghanistan.

Why did some Mongols convert to Islam?

Proximity to Muslim populations, the usefulness of Muslims in various roles within the Mongol Empire, and the influence of Sufis and Islamic leaders were key factors in the conversion of Mongols to Islam.

How did the Mongols' religious practices change after conversion to Islam?

Even after converting, Mongols often continued to observe shamanic practices and standard cultural actions alongside their professed Islamic faith.

What role did Islamic craftsmen, administrators, and healers play in the Mongol Empire?

Islamic craftsmen, administrators, and healers were quickly spread across the Mongol Empire, commanding armies, and serving as valuable assets due to their skills and manpower.

Why did the Mongols find Muslims useful?

The Mongols found Muslims useful because they provided skills and manpower that the Mongols lacked, such as in administration, craftsmanship, and healing.

What was the significance of the conversion of Korguz, an Uyghur, to Islam?

Korguz's conversion was significant because he was a high-ranking official in the Mongol government, marking one of the highest-profile converts at the time.

How did the Mongols' treatment of other religions compare to their treatment of Islam?

While the Mongols were generally tolerant of other religions, they did persecute specific beliefs they saw as contrary to their customs and the laws of Genghis Khan, the Yassa.

What was the role of Sufis in the conversion of Mongols to Islam?

Sufis played a significant role in the conversion of Mongols to Islam by proselytizing to the Mongol leadership and military, and were often held in high esteem in Mongol courts.