ABSTRACT
W e have shown in Chapter 1 that the Mongol world order, includingqanate China, was supranational in character. Mongols dominated politically, and to sonle extent socially, but were very few in number and thinly spread. As a consequence they were hardly in a position to force others to become Mongol, or to impose more than superficial conformity with important Mongol customs. Mongol conquerors were exposed to, and welcomed the influence of, other cultures as long as they could continue to perceive themselves as Mongols. l
1The following incident from the travelogue of William of Rubruck makes very clear just how important identity was for Medieval Mongols (see Wyngaert, 1929: 205):
Thus as a consequence going towards Baatu due east, we arrived at the Ethilia [Volga] on the third day and when I saw the waters of that river I wondered from where in the north so much water descended. Before leaving Sartach, the above mentioned Coiac said to us, along with many other secretaries of the court: "Do not say that our lord is a Christian, for he is not a Christian but a Moal." For this is because the name Christian seems to them to be the name of some people, and they have such a pride that although perhaps believing some-
Food and cuisine were no exceptions. Mongols were willing to try new foods and dishes, with lavish and conspicuous public consumption to promote their new role as would-be rulers of the world. Many of the new foods even gained their ultimate acceptance, but the conquerors remained remarkably true to their own traditions as well.
