Within the framework of the public lecture series by scholars jointly organized by the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and the International Association for Chinggis Khaan Studies, on September 12, 2025, at 14:00, Professor Susan Babai of the University of London presented her lecture entitled “Connecting with the Mongols: About a bag” to the public at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

By establishing the Great Mongol Empire, Chinggis Khaan and his successors laid the foundation of the Great Mongol Empire, conquered the Northern Jin dynasty, the Khorezm Khanate, Central Asia, the North Caucasus, Russia, Poland, and Hungary, and restored and secured the Silk Road connecting the West and the East. Thus, The heritage of the 19th century was brought together under one roof. 

The bag presented in this lecture, discovered in the city of Mosul, Iraq, is made of brass, inlaid with gold and silver, and decorated with the “eternal knot” motif combined with traditional Islamic ornamentation. On this bag are depictions of Mongol khans, queens, and aristocrats. Scholar Susan Babai emphasized that it was the handbag of a Mongol queen of the Ilkhanate. It is a unique heritage that proves that the technology of combining precious metals such as brass, gold, and silver has reached a high level, and it is also an important evidence of the unity between Eurasian cultures and the formation of a unique style. 

We express our deepest gratitude to Professor Susan Babai for presenting a lecture on this highly significant subject, as well as to the honored guests who attended and participated in the discussion.