Образ Чингисхана в современном бурятском историко-культурном дискурсе

SUMMARY:

The article by Tatiana Skrynnikova focuses on the image of Chinggis Khan in the historical memory of contemporary Buryat society and on the way the image is used in identity formation and affirmation. More specifically, the article explores the input of Buryat intellectuals and politicians to the multifaceted debate on Buryat identity. Skrynnikova notes the existence of two opposing images of Chinggis Khan: one that features him as part of Buddhist culture, and another that portrays him as a symbol of pan-Mongol unity. It is the latter image that has been most frequently employed by contemporary Buryat intellectuals in the postcommunist national “awakening.” The author analyzes how the contemporary construction of Buryat realms of memory related to the Mongol ethnic, cultural, and political unity has resulted in discourses on the organic Mongol identity of the Buryat people.