1. Preservation of Knowledge: The Mongols respected learned scholars and thinkers from various cultures they encountered. They collected, preserved, and translated numerous manuscripts and texts, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge across their vast empire.
2. Intellectual Exchange: The Mongol Empire facilitated cultural exchange and cross-cultural communication between different regions. Scholars from various backgrounds engaged in intellectual discussions and shared knowledge, leading to the transfer of ideas and innovations.
3. Patronage of Scholarship: Mongol rulers supported and patronized astronomers, mathematicians, physicians, historians, and other scholars. They established institutions of learning, such as the Maragheh Observatory in Persia and the Khanbaliq Imperial Academy in China.
4. Scientific Advancements:
- Astronomy: Mongols built observatories and promoted the study of astronomy. Ulug Beg, a grandson of Tamerlane, established an observatory in Samarkand that contributed to the development of astrometry and the creation of accurate star catalogs.
- Mathematics: Mongol scholars made significant advancements in mathematics, particularly algebra and geometry. Persian mathematician Nasir al-Din al-Tusi developed innovative trigonometric methods, while Chinese mathematicians introduced new techniques in solving equations.
- Medicine: Mongols encouraged the study of medicine, and hospitals and medical schools were established. Persian physicians made significant contributions to medical knowledge, pharmacology, and surgical techniques.
5. Historical Records and Chronicles: Mongol scholars compiled extensive historical records and chronicles that documented their conquests, administrative systems, and cultural interactions. These records, such as the "Secret History of the Mongols" and the "Jami' al-Tawarikh" (Compendium of Chronicles), provide valuable insights into Mongol history and society.
6. Cultural Tolerance: The Mongols generally adopted a policy of religious and cultural tolerance, which allowed diverse intellectual traditions to flourish. This open environment fostered intellectual exchange and the coexistence of different belief systems.