DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS OF THE GEORGIANS WITH THE MONGOLS (1235–1335)

Abstract

From the beginning of the formation of Pax Mongolica, the Mongols sought to conquer the settled peoples not only militarily but also diplomatically. The status of ambassador to the Mongols was very high, he was greeted with great honors. The first diplomatic contacts of the Mongols in Georgia began not with the queen, but with the mtavars, who sought to preserve their possessions and get out of the influence of Tbilisi. When the large landowners recognized the power of the Mongols, Queen Rusudan also had to submit to the power of the khan. As a result of establishing contacts with Europe, roads for Catholic missionaries were built in Georgia. The Mongols used the principle of ‘divide and rule’ not only in the relationship with the queen and didebuls, but also with the Bagrations family itself. Thus, in 1249, two kings were put on the throne – David Ulu and David Narin, to whom the khan showed ostentatious compliance. Although such a policy did not prevent anti-Mongol riots, the conflict was resolved thanks to well-planned diplomatic negotiations Kurultai and Mongolian festivals, to which Georgian rulers were invited, contributed to the support of allied relations. Informally, the Mongols tried to show respect for the conquered peoples and the possibility of their peaceful coexistence. Such holidays were often held in honor of Georgian-Mongolian marriages. In order to strengthen the alliance with the Christians, the Mongols showed religious tolerance, performed Christian rituals, and treated the shrines with respect. Such a policy was a key component in building an alliance to fight the Muslim Ulus of Jochi and Syria. Although Georgia was subordinate to Ilkhanate, that did not prevent its leaders from conducting secret diplomacy with Egypt and Ulus of Jochi, which were the Hulaguid’s main rivals. Ilkhan had to carefully eliminate the forces that focused on the Golden Horde. The Georgians, realizing that the Hulaguids depended on them, were often in the khan’s immediate entourage, and, enjoying his trust, the Georgian kings gradually managed to get rid of their influence and recreate the Georgian kingdom. Therefore, the specifics of diplomatic relations between the Mongols and the Georgians stood out with significant compliance, in contrast to their relations with other conquered peoples.