•  
  •  
 

Corresponding Author

Dr. Esra Özel

Document Type

Original Study

Keywords

Mongol, Alcohol, Ceremony, Culture, Ritual.

Abstract

In the 13th century, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire emerged where alcohol was not merely a consumable item but a multifaceted and functional cultural practice integral to the construction of political legitimacy, the establishment of social order, and the performance of ritual representations. For the nomadic Mongols, alcohol consumption transcended personal habit, playing a central role in regulating social relations, strengthening leadership, and consolidating political alliances. Alcohol presentations during ceremonial events such as kurultais, enthronement ceremonies, diplomatic meetings, military victory celebrations, and festivals were regarded as symbolic indicators of generosity, loyalty, and hierarchical order. Particularly, the “cup exchange” rituals functioned not only as a security measure but also as expressions of political allegiance and social cohesion. The ceremonial use of alcohol was directly linked to Shamanistic belief systems explaining the relationship between nature, humans, and the sacred. Cosmological practices such as pouring alcohol toward the four directions endowed it with sacred and cosmic significance. Additionally, travelers’ accounts confirm that alcohol served as a central element in reinforcing social unity not only in court ceremonies but also among the populace. However, existing literature on Mongol history predominantly focuses on military structures, conquests, and administrative institutions, while everyday life practices, especially alcohol culture, remain relatively neglected. This study aims to offer a new perspective on the symbolic world of Mongol society by examining the ritualistic, political, and cultural dimensions of alcohol through a multidimensional approach based on travelogues and historical sources.

Receive Date

13 October 2025

Accept Date

12 February 2026

Publication Date

3-31-2026

Download

Share

COinS