Mongols

Map of the Rouran Khaganate

元骑马武士俑1

Mongols are an East Asian ethnic group native to Mongolia, China (specifically Inner Mongolia), and parts of Russia. The Mongols have a rich history that dates back to the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian Plateau in ancient times. They are best known for their empire in the 13th and 14th centuries, which, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, became the largest contiguous land empire in history.

History

The history of the Mongols is marked by their nomadic origins, where they lived in the steppes of Central Asia, herding livestock and moving from place to place. The turning point in Mongol history came in the early 13th century when Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and started a series of conquests. The Mongol Empire expanded rapidly, covering much of Asia and even parts of Europe and the Middle East. After the death of Genghis Khan, the empire was divided among his descendants into several khanates, including the Yuan Dynasty in China, the Golden Horde in Russia, the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia.

Culture

Mongol culture is deeply influenced by their nomadic heritage. Traditional Mongolian lifestyle includes living in yurts, wearing distinctive clothing such as the deel, and consuming a diet rich in dairy products and meat. Mongolian music and dance are also important aspects of their culture, with the throat singing technique being internationally recognized.

Language

The Mongolian language is the official language of Mongolia and is also spoken in parts of China and Russia. It belongs to the Mongolic languages group and is written in the Cyrillic alphabet in Mongolia, while the traditional Mongolian script is still used in Inner Mongolia, China.

Religion

Religion among the Mongols has historically included Shamanism and Tengrism, with a strong belief in the spiritual world and nature. However, after the conversion of some Mongol leaders to Buddhism in the 16th century, Tibetan Buddhism became the predominant religion in Mongolia. Islam is also practiced among some Mongol groups, particularly the Kazakhs and other Turkic peoples in western Mongolia.

Modern Day Mongolia

Today, Mongolia is a sovereign state in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a strong sense of national identity and pride in the Mongol heritage. The economy is largely based on agriculture and mining, with a growing interest in tourism.

Mongols in China

In China, Mongols are one of the recognized ethnic minorities, with the majority living in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. They maintain a distinct cultural identity, with their own language, traditions, and social practices.

Mongols in Russia

In Russia, Mongolic peoples primarily include the Buryats in Siberia and the Kalmyks near the Caspian Sea. They have their autonomous regions and contribute to the multicultural tapestry of the Russian Federation. Template:Asian-history-stub