The Dimensions of the Mongol Invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire

Abstract

This research discusses the dimensions and motivations behind the Mongol invasion and attack on the Khwarazmian Empire. It highlights the most important aspects of this campaign, categorized by their sequential closeness. The interaction and intermingling of the peoples of these two nations are examined, along with an attempt to consider the most impactful dimension. The geographical factor, which eventually led to the proximity of the distant borders between the two sides and increased familiarity and interaction, played a significant role. The political and expansionist factor further encouraged the Mongols to move westward. This was also fueled by their elimination of opposing and enemy forces in the west, which drew their attention towards that direction. The presence of a single strong political force in the region, which considered itself an equal to their power, fostered a sense of rivalry within them. They aimed to impose their unipolar political and military dominance over the region, thus the existence of any other power in the area besides themselves was unacceptable to them. Furthermore, the main cause of this campaign lies in economic factors, especially in the trade relations between these two neighboring states. The killing of the Mongol trade caravan by the governor of Otrar, Inal Khan, in 616 AH / 1219 CE, provided a pretext for the Mongol Khan to invade the Islamic world and the Khwarazmian Empire.

In addition, external motivations and incitement played a crucial role, stemming from the conflict between the Abbasid Caliphate and the Khwarazmian Empire. The Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir li-Din Allah (575-622 AH / 1179-1225 CE) sought assistance from Genghis Khan of the Mongols to curb the excesses of the Khwarazmian Sultan Ala ad-Din Muhammad II (596-617 AH).