GREAT COMMANDERS: ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND GENGHIS KHAN

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Abstract

Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan are two of the most influential military leaders in history, and their lives and actions have had a profound impact on human culture. While European historians have long praised Alexander as a "great conqueror" and "man who built an empire," it is common for them to refer to Genghis Khan as a "barbarian" or a "cruel invader," rather than a "barbarian." This contrasting view highlights the influence of Eurocentrism.

In historiography, their image is ambiguous: Alexander is often described as a man who paved the way for the flourishing of culture, science, and education, and is often praised as an enlightened ruler who united civilizations and popularized Hellenic culture. However, Genghis Khan's contributions to the establishment of the state, the strengthening of international trade, and cultural connections are often overlooked, and his name is associated primarily with invasion and destruction. The works on Genghis Khan are dominated by a Eurocentric perspective, often referring to him as a "barbarian" or a "cruel conqueror." However, research has shown that both leaders significantly contributed to the expansion of global trade networks, the establishment of new governance systems, and the development of international relations. This paper aims to analyze their military strategies, governance methods, and the legacy of their civilizations, while also examining the scientific accuracy of their historical assessments. The study aims to critically evaluate the influence of Eurocentrism and demonstrate the significance of Alexander and Genghis Khan in a broader historical context.