Worthy stateswoman Sorkhugtani Bekhi, the honourable bride of the Chinggis Khaan
There are many wonderful, brave and women in Mongolian history. Alun Goo, Uulun Ujin, Burte Tsetsen, Tsever khatan (Chabi), Mandukhai Tsetsen, Anu were the queens, who sustained Mongolian Great Empire, poet Agai, E.Oyun, Udwal were famous ladies, who greatly contributed Mongolian State. One of those well known ladies, Mandukhai the Wise, was not only brave and prudent, but also prominent military commander, leader. Comparing to Joan de Ark, she was much better than Joan.
I would like to introduce one of the most trustworthy brides, wise queen, famous stateswoman Sorkhugtani Bekhi.
From “Wretched King Arag Buke” book…
Sorkhugtani Bekhi met with Tului prince at young age. When the Chinggis Khaan was in close relationship with Wan Khaan Tooril, he made engagement between his son Tului, and Sorkhugtani, a daughter of Jahar Khambu, who was a brother of Tooril’s.
Later, in 1203, after the elimination of Khereid tribe, Sorkhugtani and Tului were married. Sorkhugtani was the most beloved queen of Tului, also trustworthy bride of Chinggis’s.
“Altantovch” by Luvsandanzan, Mongolian great King Chinggis and his son Tului felt exhaust together. Fortuneteller said, one of them must be recovered and another one should be fallen. So that, Chaur Bekhi, Tului’s queen, prayed to Heaven “If King Chinggis shall fall, the empire shall suffer, if my husband falls, only I shall suffer. Heal the great king, Heaven!” . Soon, the king got better and pleased with her. Since that, the queen had been given an honorary title “Bekhi Taikhu”, and 8 Tsakhar clans to her control. Later, her husband, Tului saved his brother Ugudei king with his life, too. Also she had been written in many historical books like Uulun queen.
In 1231, Tului had gone to his noble ancestors at the age of 38. It was hard to grew up children alone was difficult duty for Sorkhugtani queen. Once, Ugudei king sent emissary to bring Sorkhugtani queen on the purpose of marrying her once more. Even she accepted, she had been entitled to grow up her children. Uulun Ujin married to Menlig, Sorkhugtani didn’t, so she was more honest her husband. Even though Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen had no trouble like Uulun Ujin’s, she looked after her children very well.
The four sons of Tului, Sorkhugtani Bekhi were Munkh, the 4th great king of Mongolian empire, Khubilai, founder of Yuan dynasty, king Khulegu, founder of Il Khaan dynasty in Far-East, and Arag Buke, the 5th great king of Mongolian Empire. The four sons played in important roles on the world’s history; it says how Sorkhugtani Bekhi was wise mother.
Chinggis, the Great, divided his empire into four sections to his four sons. Zuchi’s descendants, the eldest son of Chinggis, inherited the vast land from Erchis river to Black Sea, Tsagaidai, the second son received Western and Eastern Turkmenstan, Ugudei, inherited the throne, also the land from the basin of Emil river to Jungar, Tului, the youngest son accepted whole Mongolia due to ancient tradition. But, Tului’s descendants were much poorer, weaker than other Chinggis’s sons’ because of Ugdei’s assignment.
So Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen grew up her children very well and her chidren all became noblemen and kings thatnks to her mighty efforts.
It seems, she palyed an important role like Uulun Ujin. In “Sutra Session” or “Sudryn Chuulgan”, “… after the death of Tului, his wife and chilren left under the care of Ugudei king. Once, Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen wanted to get a merchant of king’s. But, the king didn’t agree it. Thus, Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen complied and cried “For whom, my husband sacrificed himself? Who needed his death!”. The complaining reached the king’s ears soon, and finally, he gave her some merchants. At that time, her children were youngsters. Again, Uguudei gave 2000 households to Godan, which were under the control of Sorkhugtani’s. Some representatives of those civilians came to see the queen and her eldest son, Munkh. They said that they were given to Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen by the order of Chinggis Khaan. But now, Godan got us. Should we go to great king’s faint judge? Sorkhugtani Bekhi replies “You are right. However, my family has no honour and glory. Also, we don’t need soldirs and civilians anyhow. Great king knows what he must do. We should obey his order.” The noblemen pleased with her words…”
Academic Vladimirtsov wrote about her “… Sorkhugtani Bekhi was a wise woman. Thanks to her wise, generous and humble characters, she educated her children as the kings.” In “Mongolian history”, by Plano Carpini, “…Sorkhugtani Bekhi queen is the second most important queen among Tatars. Only the mother of Guyg king, Naimalj queen is superior to her.” In fact, she was. Lord Chormogan was sent by the order of Ugudei king in order to govern conquered Far-east countries. In additon, all provinces governors were sent one emissary due to king’s decree. Therefore, according to the King’s decree, Khorasan, Chintumur from Masander, came for Chormogan. Other emissaries came from prince’s countries including:
- Kol- Bulat from Ugudei’s
- A lord from Bat’s
- Kizil from Tsagadai’s
- An emissary from Sorkhugtani Bekhi’s
Each representative came from each Khan huvguud (striplings) in order to establish relay station, and they went through the whole country. After the measurement of the land, they set destination of the relay station. The following people established the station firstly:
Khuridai, a representative of The great King Uguudei,
Imkhalchin and Taichutai – Tsagaadai
Suku and Mulchitai- Bat,
and Iljigdei noyon by the issue of Sorhugtany Behi khatan (queen) – Tului Khan.
It is confirmed not only the agreement and cooperation in ownership states of the Chinggis Khaan’s four children, but also how Tului’s reputation was higher when Sorhugtany khatan was permitted in decision making even Tului was dead and his children were not reached the age of consent. It seemed, Sorhugtany Behi participated in any political affairs actively like this way during the difficult periods after her husband’s death. After the Great session, intended for Guyug to be a Khaan, Sorhugtany Behi and her children were greatly praised for their wonderful example. Therefore, Guyug Khaan would consult with Sohrugtany Behi more than his mother, Naimaalz, if he needed to make some important decisions.
In the late of winter, 1248, Guyug Khaan set off a journey by covering of the following matter to confound Bat, argued with Guyug during the period of war in Western Europe and made Guyug left the battlefield. “The weather is getting to be warmer. The climate in Emil is really suited me. The water and climate will be affected in my illness.” said Guyug. When Guyug went to the west, Sorgutany Khatan sent an envoy to Bat in order to make known about it and to be carefully. Guyug could not confound Bat, and then he passed away in Ilyn Khundy. After his funeral rites, as an oldest son of Chinggis Khaan’s family, Bat Khaan, sent envoys in all directions and invited other Kans and lords in order to discuss about a new Khaan by convening The Great Session.
Posterities of Uguudei and Tsagaadai didn’t agree with it, so saying “Chinggis Khaan’s motherland and permanent abode are on the Basin of Kherlen River. So, why will we go to the Bat’s Hivchaagyn area? ”. Then they sent a few representatives, including Tumur, a chief of Khar-Korin capital city and lords, non – considered the Golden family. However, Sorhugtany Behi confirmed to Munkh that he would come with his brothers and grant an audience to their sick brother due to Khaan huvguud don’t care their older brother’s command. In addition, she sent a letter that is “Bat is the oldest brother of the other Khans and his every words and decree are a law to be followed by us. That’s why, we have to agree with his idea and follow his decision.“
It was noted that “The meeting of Alagtag “, because the Great session was held in the region of the Alagtag lake at this time. At the meeting, a preliminary resolution to install Munkh on Mongolian fourth throne was made and they decided to install him as a real Khaan by re-convening The Great Session on the Basin of Kherlen River, next spring. As soon as a sensation to install Munkh as a Khaan spread in all directions, Sorhugtany Behi started to present a lot of gifts and donations to attract public and The Golden family’s attention.
As a result of efforts made by posterities of Juchi, especially Sorhugtany Behyn such riskable acts, Munkh became a Khaan during the time when there was a throne transition between posterities of Ugudui and Tului.33 of Mongolian 35 Khaans from the Golden family are Tului’s Posterities. Efforts and intelligence of Sorhugtany Behi khatan were really efficient and important in above –mentioned historical circumstances.
It is said that Sorhugtany Behi khatan was Christianity. Although Khar-korin, the capital city in given period, covered a smaller territory, it was the main political heart of the world. Even though there were some high developed countries such as Buhar, Samarkhand, Baghdad, Constantinople, Cordova and Han joy of Eastern China, none of them were such influential and powerful. Various nationalities such as Saracen soldiers with scowling look and white thin silk gauze covering, catholic jossers, Russian Catholics, Arthurian merchants and others used to come in Khar-korin. The religious sector was free. There were Buddhist, Christian, Nestorian and Muslim had their own monasteries and churches.
From the note of Rubric, there were not only a district of merchants, sartuul and Med Asian Muslim’s, and a district of craftsmen dominated by Chinese, but also a lot of big palaces of lords and dignitaries. There were also 12 temples for various worships, 2 Muslim churches and a Christian church. All of these religions tried to convert the citizens, maintained in Central Asia, suddenly. It would provide at least their securities. However, Mongolians used to have all of these religions without any depression or differences. This is one of the evidence that Mongolian Empire was great. Historians explain that it was influenced for foreign occupations. Mongolians are tolerant and patient in any foreign religions.
Various nationalities and different ethnic groups have their own ideas about Buddha. Comparing, even though a sharp mountain is different such as rough, dirty, straight and etc, the top is only one. Like this, Buddha is only one concept that includes saving road, study of truth, purification of humanity’s mind. Mongolian lords and dignitaries used to know about such truth. There is one example that testifies such thing:
When Munkh Khaan called Rubrik, an envoy of Ludoviq. XI, France. to come his palace. Then Munkh Khaan said,“Mongolians believe that there is only one Buddha. However, Buddha taught different ways like it gave different fingers to every person. Even tough Buddha gave you sutras (Buddhist book), you don’t follow it.
And Buddha gave doctors and diviner for us, however, we live by restricting these rules in the world.” This means that Munkh Khaan was not Buddhist, he was a shamanist.
Sorhugtany Behi Khatan, intelligent and clever, did not believe not only Christian, but also she prayed for Hai –Yun, a famous religious protector, and Tsoi- Junhga. Unfortunately, religious representatives wrote and left if a Mongolian person is positive for any religion, that person is written – religious. On the behind, there were political secret interest and activities.
In 1242, when Mongolians have attacked to Europe twice, a younger brother of Munkh Khaan captured French craftsman Wilhelm Bush from the City Belgrade, Major. Sorhugtany Behi Khatan required to Munkh Khaan several times to give that craftsman for her, because his ability of ironsmith was incredible. Then she made him her citizen. After the Khatan’s death, her all properties and craftsman Wilhelm Bush belonged to Arigbukh. Wilhelm Bush crafted a famous silver tree flowing honey, mare’s fermented milk, wine etc… by the signal of an Angel with a trumpet in front of the Khaan’s palace in Khar-Korum. Even tough he was a captured man, he lived satisfied, trouble-free and abundance. . It is not only related with Wilhelm Bush, but also other foreigners.
Temuge Behi, only one daughter of Tului, studied about Buddhism, especially Hai-yun’s religious teachings. However, Hulug Khaan, a Christian benefactor and a historical person made Buddhist monastery, forbidden in Muslim world, build. Khubilai Khaan distributed to develop Buddhism and he proclaimed that this religion is the state main religion. .
If we look such activities of Tului’s Posterity, we can know that they were respecting knowledge and perfect. Sorhugtany’s influence was really efficient.
The death of outstanding people is surprising.
Sorhugtany Behi’s death was not normal. In 1251, as soon as Munkh became a Mongolian 4th Khaa, he killed some people of Golden Family in order to put down the protest of Ugudei and Tsagaadai’s posterities to Haimish Khatan, who didn’t agree with the decision.
At that time, Munkh Khaan executed about 75 people of the Golden family. Sorhugtany Behi’used to say for her son: “You should conduct merciful policies, because you are just newly elected Khaan. Also, you should solve gradually the issue about Haimish Khatan and her sons’ due to it is a relational problem.”
Unfortunately, Munkh Khaan did not treat his mother’s sayings and started to execute his relatives hardly. That’s why, Sorhugtany Behi’ didn’t like it and she became hollow from the politics by going to northern part in Khar-Korin with her youngest son Arigbukh. She lived in the area among Jarantai, and Tsagaan Sumyn River, by herding cattles. She grows old quickly because of bad feeling and sense. Next year, she was dead in the Summer Palace of Arigbukh Khaan.
During the time when she had a normal life, she granted a lot of donations for vulnerable poor people who come to pray in Khar-Korin. According to “Session of Sutras”, her remain was buried in Buddha /the land name / Undur, The Chinggis Khaan’s Great protected area. Except Khubilai Khaan, all other Khan huvguud were buried there. As a result, Sorhugtany Behi khatan was buried like a Khaan. Even tough Sorhugtany Behi used to restrict and require Chinggis Khaan’s sayings for her sons; she loved public and religious praying.
Only one example that shows her kindness and mercy, and she used to act charitable activities, is she gave 1000 gold to build a school in Bahrain. About 1000 Muslim children enrolled to. The school. Islam and prayers called the school “The school of the Khatan (queen)” by dedicating her honor. This building is still now.
Nowadays, if you are in Bahrain or interested to go to Bahrain, you should search about this topic. Then you will be surprised. Today, a document related to sorhugtany Behi Khatan attracting this document is a book “ Melody of State golden truth to develop Sky Mongolia” read by heart by herself. According to order of Chinggis Khan, Tsagaadai, Esui, Chutsai, Doloodoi and Sorhugtary Behi Khatan wrote three volumes, defined Chinjuu policy of Mongolian State.
Sorhugtany Behi who influenced on the creation of state. Great Sutra has been studied with other scientists and novelists. However, after the death of Ugudei, in 1245, his wife sent this 3 volumes book to Turkina Arac. In 1251, when Munkh became a king there was no any heritages which could show Mongolian traditional black-box policy, and wisdom of reign. Thus, Sorhugtany khatan /collected/chosen the best plats of such 3 volume-book to make it “ Altan ayalguu”. When Munkh became a king, she read it by her heart for him. It’s an interesting history that this 3 volume book, published in 1251, has been saved for 750 years. Thus work/ masterpiece published in 1251 had been saved for 750. Between 1958 and 1962 Nurzed Jurnai, a academics of nomadic civilization and an engager learned by heart and inherited the book “Golden Melody”from his cousin Legjin older Maaramba lama and a subject of Sahil soum, Uvs aimag, thus. Sky Nohoi(dor) tribes had inherited the book for their 15 generations. It was their merit for culture history of their nationality. Nurzed translated the book “Golden Melody” into presents Mongolia, published and showed to scientists and researchers.
According to meaning concept of “Golden Melody”, it defined Mongolian history, state policy, life, language and culture of 12th century. However, it is necessary to study the book anymore. When we see this book, we can see that there are not only wisdom words and proverbs been also some lyrics which showed existence of the state and people in the world. That an idea which Sorhugtang Bahikhatan was perfect minded / intelligent when she was creating such book. For example:
“ Even though a lian is born to eat ostrich and antelope, it can’t satiate when it eats only rabbits. Even though a wolf and a leopard are born to eat wild goat and wild mountain sheep. It’s unnecessary to eat follow-chat for them. Even though the state has a duty to encourage its citizens, it’s not a good thing to be supported by Tunbao etc…
