The Mongols

The Mongols, Muhgals, and Ottoman

	In Central Asia, there were three dominate empires: The Mongols, Ottoman, and Mughals. Within these empires lived expansion and achievements, which helped them grow. They all had similarities and differences that qualified each as its own empire.
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	The Mongol Empire was located on the steppes of Asia, where the treeless plains turned cold during the winter. The Mongols were first a traveling group of clans that used horses to survive. In 1206, Genghis Khan was elected leader of the Mongols. He conquered lands between Beijing and the Caspian Sea, including the Siberian Forest and deserts. Genghis Khan ruled with extraordinary battle tactics and with tolerance towards other religions. He contributes to the Silk Road, which was a very important trade route at the time. After he died, his rule was split into four divisions for each of his sons. Each of his sons ruled a section of the empire. After Genghis Khan’s youngest son died, his grandson ruled. Kublai Khan was his name. He took control of many new lands, and soon the lands became too massive to rule. His successor, Tamerlane, attempted to help the empire. His people rebelled. After Tamerlane’s sons died, the empire fell apart.

	The Ottoman group was once driven away by the Mongols, and was reborn under the reign of Osman. Osman and his ghazis, who were warriors trying to expand Islam, traveled to expand Islam and conquer lands. By conquering lands, it formed the beginning of the new empire. The leader, or the sultan, ruled his land with the assistance of his grand vizier. Together they controlled the Imperial Council and ruled janissaries. Back then, women had political power to host parties and even become rulers. The government believed in tolerance toward other religions, so as long as they pay a tax. These non-Muslims were organized into groups called millets. Constantinople was captured, and it soon became the capital. It was renamed Istanbul. Bayezid, another sultan, expanded his land and became in charge of three important holy places. These places were Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. One of the best rulers was Suleiman, also known as The Magnificent or The Lawgiver. Power thrived under him. He developed 300 buildings, made non-Muslims tolerated, and supported art patrons. The empire declined from loss of revenues on lands and losing control of the janissaries.
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	The Himalayas, valleys, and fertile plains were amongst the Muhgal Empire. This land was perfect for divisions. After Delhi Sultane was captured in 1517, the empire began. The ruler at this time was Babur. Babur was a fitting conqueror and wrote about his adventures. After he died, Akbar ruled. Akbar was one of the greatest rulers to the Muhgals. Akbar treated the unfair tax system, supported art patrons, and had tolerance on non-Muslims without any tax. His son Jahinger took his place after 49 years, and after that Shan Jahan. Shan Jahan is best remembered for his architecture and the money he used for it. His best work is the Taj Mahal, one of the greatest buildings of the world. He had a money deficit because of his use of money. His son Aurangzeb restored the jizya, or the tax on non-Muslims. His reasoning was to regain the money lost used in battles. The Muslims rebelled. Soon the empire came to an end, losing its land to Great Britain.

	These three empires had things in common. The Mongol and Ottoman empires both had very good tactics during wars. The Ottoman and Muhgal domains had rulers interested in construction in buildings. The Mongol and Muhgal Empires both had rebellions. All empires had some point where there was tolerance towards non-Muslims. But most importantly is that all empires were influenced by power. Power was their motivations that led people to do the wrong, bringing downfalls.
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	So there are the lives of three successful empires. All empires had beginnings, declines, and accomplishments. They had good rulers and bad ones. The power influence was within each empire. Power was the one important thing they had in common. The Muhgal, Ottoman, and Mongol empires will live on forever.

	Sources
	McDougal,1999, Three Empires,162-185,Across The Centuries, Boston. Houghton Mifflin Company
	Written By Kailani

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