MONGOLIA: Mongolia revives its legendary historical figure Genghis Khan as the icon of modern capitalism

These are Genghis Khan's children, paying their respects to the father of Mongolia, the legendary warrior who built a vast empire seven hundred years ago. Every day, columns of children, often driven by their teachers, file past the hero of the nation. Mongolians have recently dedicated yet another colossal eight-metre-high new statue to their historical hero Genghis Khan in Sukhbaatar Square at the centre of the capital Ulan Bator. Genghis Khan has almost most deity-like status in Mongolia and many gather after the Lunar New Year dressed in national costume in a ceremony to honour their national figurehead. Khan's reputation in the west has been that of a bloodthirsty conqueror but the Mongolians see him as a wise ruler who united the Mongolian empire. He is said to have granted religious freedom across the range of his empire, outlawed the practice of kidnapping women and allowed diplomatic immunity to all ambassadors of his empire. Khan is believed to have been born around 1162 AD, whilst the empire was formed in 1206. Mongolian children are raised on the legend of their famous ancestor and is one of the country's most popular comic book figures. Some colleges and academic courses are dedicated to the study of his life. "In my opinion he was a unique and exceptional man. Unlike many people, I don't admire him for his military deeds. I admire him for his personality and I think that he was a genius," said 14-year-old Battulga Sainbuyuan. Genghis Khan's face adorns the Mongolian currency and recently, businesses are increasingly eager to cash in on his fame and some are worried that his image now is being taken in vain. "Genghis Khan left the Mongolian people not only territory, history and heritage but also a pride. He's a human god," says Lkhagvasuren Khugulbuu, Director of the Genghis Khan College. But on the streets, in spite of the increase in Genghis Khan images on everything from bank ads to vodka bottle labels, the feeling of respect for the legendary leader has seen little change. "Of course, I worship Khan. He is the one who founded the Mongolian state," said 90-year-old Namsraijav Khshig. Centuries have passed since the rule of Genghis Khan, but the warrior is still at the psychological helm of the country, helping it down the relatively new road of capitalism.

ITN Source | April 27, 2007

Tags:. .cash. .granted. .worried. .often. .born