The Mongol Empire between myth and reality: studies in anthropological history

Abstract

Contents List of illustrations List of maps List of dynastic tables Acknowledgments Notes on transliteration List of abbreviations Introduction THE MEMORIA OF THE MONGOLS IN HISTORICAL AND LITERARY SOURCES Chapter One. Mythico-legendary figures and history between East and West Chapter Two. The Mongols and the legend of Prester John Chapter Three. The historiographical works of Barhebreaus on the Mongol period Chapter Four. The historical taqwim in Muslim East SHAMANISM AND ISLAM Chapter Five. Shamanism and Islam in Central Asia. Two antinomic religious universes? Chapter Six. The transformation of a myth of origins, Genghis Khan and Timur Chapter Seven. Mongol law versus Islamic law. Myth and reality CONQUERING THE WORLD PROTECTED BY THE TENGGERI Chapter Eight. From 'non-negociation' to an abortive alliance. Thoughts on the diplomatic exchanges between the Mongols and the Latin West Chapter Nine. Hulegu's letters to the last Ayyubid ruler of Syria. The construction of a model MAMLUKS AND ILKHANS. THE QUEST OF LEGITIMACY Chapter Ten. Legitimizing a regicide monarch. Baybars and the Ilkhans Chapter Eleven. The written and the spoken word. Baybars and the caliphal investiture ceremonies in Cairo Chapter Twelve. The Ghazan Khan's invasion of Syria. Polemics on his conversion to Islam and the Christian troops in his army Chapter Thirteen. A religious response to Ghazan Khan's invasion of Syria. The three 'anti-Mongol' fatwas of Ibn Taymiyya Epilogue. The Mongol empire after Genghis Khan Maps Genealogical Tables Bibliography Index Illustrations