The Ilkhanate's diplomatic relations with the Muslim and Christian worlds

Diplomacy has historically functioned as an indispensable tool in the establishment and conduct of inter-state relations. In the medieval period, such relations were often carried out through envoys, enabling political, military, and commercial interactions across vast territories. In this context, beginning in the 13th century, the Great Mongol Empire and one of its prominent successor states, the Ilkhanate, distinguished themselves through their pragmatic and institutionalized approach to diplomacy. Initiated by Chinggis Khan and further developed by his successors, Mongol diplomatic practices demonstrate that the expansion of imperial influence was achieved not solely through military conquest but also through calculated and systematic diplomatic efforts. This thesis explores the nature and mechanisms of diplomacy within the Mongol world during the 13th and 14th centuries, focusing on both the Great Mongol Empire and the Ilkhanate. The study examines the roles and missions of envoys in international affairs, the reception protocols employed by Mongol rulers, the functional relationship between the imperial postal system (yam) and diplomatic correspondence, the political significance of dynastic marriages, and the diplomatic language and rhetoric employed in letters addressed to foreign rulers. Furthermore, it evaluates the diversity and flexibility of Mongol and Ilkhanid diplomacy in relation to various political entities such as the Islamic world, China, Europe, and Byzantium. The findings of this research reveal that the Mongol and Ilkhanid administrations established their political dominance not only through military strength but also by implementing a highly organized and centralized diplomatic infrastructure. The emphasis placed on the institution of envoys, the development of efficient communication systems, and the strategic use of language in correspondence were key components of their success. In this regard, the expansion of Mongol influence during the 13th and 14th centuries is closely linked to a coherent political vision rooted in diplomacy and institutional governance.