The Ideology of Mongolian World Domination in the “Tabaqat-i Nasiri” by Juzjani

The work of Persian historian Juzjani “Tabaqat-i Nasiri” is one of the most valuable sources on the Mongol Empire during its unity. It highlights legendary history of Chinggis Khan’s rise to power, provides unique information on the Mongol conquests in Central Asia and Afghanistan and their invasions of Delhi Sultanate. This work contains information about Chinggis Khan’s aggressive plans, however, not all of it stands up to criticism. Apparently, one can agree with authenticity of contents of Chinggis Khan’s letters to Khorezmshah; description of personal qualities of the great Mongol, and positive characteristics of Mongol warriors. Juzjani’s story about Wahid al-Din Bushenji deserves credibility, who conveyed the words of Chinggis Khan, from which it follows that he intended to ravage all the lands subject to Khorezmshah, but did not intend to conquer the whole world. The last will of Chinggis Khan in the “Tabaqat-i Nasiri” does not give grounds to assume that his goal was the world domination. He bequeaths to his sons to defeat the Tangut state, and no more. Like many of his contemporaries, the author expresses idea that Mongols invaded the world of Islam as God’s punishment. Chinggis Khan received power by the Almighty will and possessed a shamanic gift. Speaking about his contacts with Tengri (Eternal Sky), Juzjani confirms basic principles of the Mongolian imperial ideology, according to which Heaven granted the Chinggis clan power over all peoples. Depending on attitude of Mongol khans to Islam, he speaks about them either negatively or sympathetically.