Legacy of Chingis Khan

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the role of Chingis Khan in shaping Central Asia. Also cited is his role in destroying the ancient cultures, ethnic and linguistic groups of the region. The paper further describes Chingis Khan's conquests and how they resulted in the fusion of many Eastern and Western elements. Nevertheless, the dream of an empire, combined with an ability to hold together or reproduce that empire, created the modern situation of fragmentation and warfare. The modern states of Central Asia still live with, and struggle with, the legacy of Chingis Khan.

From the Paper:

"In his day, Chingis Khan was the scourge of God. His hordes toppled empires and destroyed civilizations. Yet the great Mongol leader also laid the groundwork for much of modern Central Asia. The Mongol Conqueror set in motion the processes that led to the establishment of today's ethnic groups, and to the creation of the Region's contemporary linguistic picture. New peoples and languages replaced old peoples and languages, or mixed with them to produce today's nationalities. The descendants of Chingis Khan forged a new political landscape. New states were born. Many of their leaders would claim descent from their famous - or notorious - ancestor. Religion, too, was affected as Islam replaced many of the faiths that had formerly dominated the vast area of mountain, steppe, and desert. A bridge was formed between Middle East and Far East and the stage was set for today's promises and problems. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Frank, Andre Gunder. "The Centrality of Central Asia." Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars 24, no. 2 (1992): 50-74.
• Hunter, Shireen T. Central Asia since Independence. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1996.
• Manz, Beatrice F. Central Asia in Historical Perspective. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1994.
• Manz, Beatrice Forbes. "1 The Development and Meaning of Chaghatay Identity." In Muslims in Central Asia: Expressions of Identity and Change, edited by Gross, Jo-Ann, 27-42. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1992.

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