ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the place of religion in Mongol Eurasia. The Silk Road and the heart of Eurasia were home to numerous religions which included Zoroastranism, Buddhism, Islam and Nestorian Christianity among many more. Akin to other nomadic entities, the Mongols followed Tengri and were shamans, and maintained an open and tolerant policy towards other faiths. All religious institutions (churches, mosques and Buddhist monasteries etc.) in Mongol Eurasia were exempt from taxes and conscription. Within the religious milieu the Mongols carved out a place for religious institutions to not only operate freely but also encouraged them to participate in economic activity which benefitted the religious elites and the Mongol courts. The Mongols included medical practitioners, scientists and astronomers within the religious landscape and the Khans’ courts were populated with religious elite of numerous kinds. The Mongol approach to religion was one of pragmatism and directed toward building bridges via open dialogue and discussion which was seen throughout Mongol courts across Eurasia. The chapter is divided into two sections: the Khanates (collective) and the Khans (individual) and covers the conversions and interests of the Mongols in their relationships with religious institutions. The role of religion primarily revolves around the ability of the Mongols to harness the power of religion toward economic prosperity in Eurasia.
