Why do scholars believe Russia was the country most impacted by Mongol occupation?

Question

The Mongol occupation brought thousands of Mongolian words into the Russian language.

The Mongol occupation limited the power of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Mongolian art techniques became more evident in Russian art.

The Mongol occupation of Russia caused conflicts between Buddhism and Taoism.

Answer 1

Scholars believe that Russia was the country most impacted by Mongol occupation for several reasons:

1. Political and economic impact: The Mongol occupation brought significant political and economic changes to Russia. The Mongols established the Golden Horde, a Mongol state, and imposed a tribute system on the Russian principalities. This resulted in the fragmentation and weakening of the Russian feudal system, as well as the centralization of power under Mongol rule.

2. Cultural and linguistic impact: The Mongols had a profound influence on Russian culture and language. The Mongol occupation brought thousands of Mongolian words into the Russian language, enriching its vocabulary. Additionally, the Mongols influenced Russian art, architecture, and clothing styles.

3. Religious impact: The Mongol occupation limited the power and influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Mongols allowed the Russian Church to continue operating, but they placed restrictions on its activities and interfered in its affairs. This led to a decline in the influence of the Orthodox Church and the rise of heterodox beliefs and sects.

4. Geopolitical impact: The Mongol occupation of Russia caused conflicts and tensions between different religious traditions. While there may have been conflicts between Buddhism and Taoism in other regions influenced by Mongol rule, it is not specifically related to Russia. In Russia, the Mongol occupation led to a confrontation between the Orthodox Church and Islam, as the Mongols themselves were predominantly Muslim.

Overall, these various factors make scholars believe that Russia was uniquely impacted by Mongol occupation, resulting in lasting changes in its language, culture, politics, and religion.