The Curse of the Merkids

[elbandito]

We all know the story. Temujin's young wife Borte was kidnapped by the Merkids for some time (actual time length is debatable) and soon after Temujin took her back, she gave birth to his first son Jochi. Because of that, many people at the time thought of Jochi as a Merkid bastard. Even his name Jochi derived from Mongol word Zochin (means guest) shows what Temujin thought of his son. After many years passed the story was largely forgotten, especially when Jochi showed unrivalled bravery in combat during the early conquests of Chingis.

The story reared its ugly head when Chingis decided to appoint his heir before his invasion of Khwarismian Empire. According to the Secret History of Mongols, when Chingis allowed his first son Jochi to speak his mind first (maybe with the intention on letting Jochi continue his work), Chingis's second son Tsagadai interferred and called Jochi a Merkid bastard and the two came to blows. So shocked by the event and the magnitude of the rift between his sons, Chingis then chose Ogodei as his successor and decreed that all the following appointment of future khans will be done with such military democracy.

Now, I know from history, such democratic method of choosing the rulers never worked for a long time and eventually will cause fragmentations. (just read the Yao, Shun story of ancient China) Indeed it wasn't long before the Golden family squabbled with themselves and used murder, backstabbing and political maneuvres to get their family member elected. Mongol unity was heavily shaken loose. The curse continued for centuries after the Mongols' powers waned.

My question is this. Would the Mongols have stayed united for longer period of time if they had adopted the "Oldest son inherits the throne" rule? Such methods were in use in settled lands and in my view much more efficient way of continuing the lineage. The Ottomans even went as far as allowing the heir to kill his other brothers to ensure he will rule unchallenged when he comes to the throne. If so, then the vanquished Merkids probably had done the Mongols the longest lasting harm.

[nanman]

When you say the Mongols would have stayed united for longer period did you mean in terms of the Greater Mongol empire staying intact?

If that was what you meant then I think "Oldest son inherits the throne" would not have met the goal. This approach would also had caused squabbles, backstabbing etc but I also think squabbles alone were not the only factors that lead to the demise in power of the Great Mongol Empire.

[H. İhsan Erkoç]

The Mongols had the concept of Mandate of Heaven, as also found among Turks (as Qut), Chinese, Byzantine Romans, etc... Every son born from the marriage of the great ruler and his chief wife were believed to have been able to receive Qut from the God. So it was impossible for the Mongols to adopt a sedentary succession system. Even the pre-1453 Ottomans had this mentality. It was only during Mehmed II's time when the sultans were given the legal right to execute their brothers for the sake of the goodness of the state. This was largely due to the civil war that had raged the Ottoman Empire from 1402 to 1413 in an active way, and until 1453 in a semi-active way. However, such civil wars and enthronement struggles continued to happen until the early 17th century, when Ahmed I finally made the regulation that only the eldest and most developed (mindly) prince would ascend to the throne.

Now, I know from history, such democratic method of choosing the rulers never worked for a long time and eventually will cause fragmentations.

Not never, because there are many incidents when such elected Blue Turk (Gök Türk, Tūjué / T'u-chüeh 突厥) and Uyghur rulers continued to rule until their natural deaths.

[Temüjin]

well i thought it was always the youngest brother who suceeds his father?

[H. İhsan Erkoç]

Not always Because every legitimate son could receive Qut, any one of them would have the right to become the ruler, as long as they fit the recquired merits.

[snafu]

I'm not entirely sure that Jochi's name referred to his illegitimate status. The Secret History mentions three other Jochi's besides Temujin's son. Even Temujin's brother Qasar was known formally as Jochi Qasar. I get the impression that it was just a popular name, and not meant as a mark against Jochi.

[H. İhsan Erkoç]

That is true indeed.

[odbayarb2000]

I believe, H. Ihsan Erkoc is right about Zochi's name though it's only speculations and can not be proven.

[Subu'atai]

My question is this. Would the Mongols have stayed united for longer period of time if they had adopted the "Oldest son inherits the throne" rule?

No, it would have changed nothing in my humble opinion. It wasn't Chingghis Khaan's death that fragmented the empire after all, or even Ogedei Khaan's death.

Unfortunately it's just the way of nomads that only the strongest will lead, civil war is inevitable unless nomads have one hell of a leader.

Also, I blame booze, *drinks some bourbon*

[nomadi]

Merkids are Kalmyk now ?

[Subu'atai]

There are Merkits still in Mongolia, and some Oirat tribes say they are Merkit descendants too, for me, I'm rather unsure... in fact, I'm rather confused big time.

[nomadi]

Wow Merkit Subo I will kill you ! with my anda Jamokha !