The Successors of Genghis Khan - Robert Bedrosian's Armenian ...

BEGINNING OF THE HISTORY OF MONGKE QA AN
information about their circumstances. The genealogical table of
these sons is as shown.
«* ACCOUNT OF THE REASON FOR THE TRANSFER OF
the Khanate to Mongke Qa'an and the events that led up to his
accession to the throne of the Khanate and the Empire
The reason for the transfer of the Khanate to him and the exertions
and measures of his mother, Sorqoqtani Beki, by virtue of her ability
When Giiyiik Khan passed away confusion again found its way
into the affairs of the Empire, and matters of state were administered
by Oghul-Qaimi'sh and the ministers. Previously, when Ogetei Qa'an
had gone to war against Khitai and the inevitable disaster had overtaken
Tolui Khan, Qa'an was always bemoaning the pain of separation
from him, and when he was drunk he used to weep a great deal and
say: " I am exceedingly sad because of separation from my brother and
for that reason I choose to be drunk, in the hope of quenching the
flame a little for awhile." And because of the great concern that he
had for his children he commanded that the affairs of the ulus and the
control of the army should be entrusted to the counsel of his chief
wife, Sorqoqtani Beki, who was the most intelligent woman in the
world, and that the princes and the army should be under her command.
And Sorqoqtani Beki, in the care and supervision of her sons and
in the management of their affairs and those of the army and the ulus,
laid the foundation of such control as no turban-wearer was or could
be capable of. Qa'an used to consult her on all affairs of state and
would never disregard her advice or suffer any change or alteration
of her words. Her dependants were distinguished by her protection,
solicitude, and respect, and in no period of unrest did they do anything
contrary to the old and newyasas. At the time of each Emperor's
accession all the princes were put to shame because of their actions,
all except Sorqoqtani Beki and her noble sons, and this was because
of her great ability, perfect wisdom, and shrewdness and consideration
of the latter end of things. And from the time of Tolui Khan's death
she had always conciliated her kinsfolk and relations by the bestowing
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