The Horde's Islamic Turn: Khan Berke and the Conversion

In this episode of The Golden Horde: Mongol Rule Over Russia Explained, Lucas and Luna explore the pivotal conversion of the Golden Horde to Islam under Khan Berke in the 13th century. Unlike the earlier episodes that focused on Russian principalities, this conversation examines Berke's personal journey, his rivalry with his cousin Hulagu of the Ilkhanate, and the political and cultural consequences of adopting Islam. They discuss Berke's correspondence with the Mamluk sultan Baybars, the role of Sufi missionaries like Sayf al-Din al-Bakharzi, and how the conversion reshaped trade, law, and religious tolerance within the Horde. The episode also touches on the tension between Mongol traditions (the Yasa) and Islamic law, the building of mosques in Sarai, and the long-term impact on the Horde's identity. Lucas provides vivid details from sources like Ibn Battuta and Rashid al-Din, while Luna asks sharp questions about how the Horde managed to remain religiously diverse even after conversion. #GoldenHorde #KhanBerke #Islam #Conversion #MongolEmpire #Ilkhanate #Hulagu #MamlukSultanate #Baybars #Sufi #Sayf al-Din al-Bakharzi #Sarai #Yasa #JochidUlus #History #FexingoHistory #CentralAsia #MedievalIslam Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo