How did Mongol rule affect cultural development in the lands under their control?

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The Mongol rule had a significant impact on the cultural development in the lands under their control. To understand this impact, let's break it down into three key aspects: trade and communication, religious tolerance, and artistic and intellectual exchanges.

1. Trade and Communication:
- The Mongols established the largest contiguous land empire in the world, which facilitated increased trade and communication between different regions. The Mongols implemented a system called the Pax Mongolica, or Mongol Peace, which improved the safety of trade routes and encouraged merchants to travel freely across their vast empire.
- This allowed for the exchange of goods, technologies, and ideas, leading to cultural diffusion and the spread of innovations. For example, paper money, postal system, and new agricultural practices were introduced to various regions under Mongol rule.

2. Religious Tolerance:
- The Mongols practiced a policy of religious tolerance, allowing different religions to coexist without persecution. They respected and protected the religious beliefs and practices of the conquered lands. This policy promoted cultural diversity and religious freedom.
- As a result, different religions and philosophies flourished, and religious leaders, scholars, and artists benefited from the patronage and support of the Mongol rulers. This led to the growth and cross-pollination of various cultural and intellectual traditions.

3. Artistic and Intellectual Exchanges:
- Mongol rule created a unique environment for artistic and intellectual exchanges. The Mongols actively promoted cultural interactions, bringing together artists, musicians, scholars, and philosophers from different regions.
- For example, during Kublai Khan's reign, the Mongols integrated elements of different cultures, such as Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian, into their own Mongol culture. This fusion resulted in new artistic styles, architectural innovations, music, literature, and poetry.
- The Mongols also established the famous Yuan Dynasty in China, which attracted renowned scholars like Marco Polo. These exchanges between East and West contributed to the spread of knowledge and ideas.

In summary, Mongol rule had a transformative impact on cultural development. Their emphasis on trade and communication, religious tolerance, and artistic and intellectual exchanges led to the diffusion of ideas, the growth of different cultures, and the formation of new artistic and intellectual traditions in the lands under their control.