Abstract:
Introduction. The article examines a yarliq from the medieval Persian treatise
Dastur al-Katib to characterize the institution of ulug bitigchi that used to be widespread in
the Mongol Empire and states of Genghis Khan’s descendants. Goals. The study attempts an
interdisciplinary analysis of the historical monument — one yarliq appointing an ulug bitigchi (head of scribes) and contained in Dastur al-Katib fi Tayin al-Maratib (A Scribe’s Guide
to Determining Ranks) compiled in the mid-14th century by Persian official Muhammad ibn
Hindushah Nakhchivani. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on Dastur al-Katib and
the mentioned yarliq proper, involves related medieval sources on Mongol Iran and other
Chinggisid states, including works by Juvayni, Rashid al-Din, Fasih Khwafi, etc., official
documents of the Chinggisid chancelleries. The work employs a series of historical and legal
research methods, such as those of source criticism, diplomatics analysis, comparative historical research, formal legal approach, historical legal and comparative legal analyses. Results. The paper introduces the yarliq appointing an ulug bitigchi from the medieval Persian
treatise Dastur al-Katib into Russian-language scientific discourse and supplements it with
a detailed interdisciplinary analysis. The work clarifies specific features of an ulug bitigchi’s legal status — including his functions, rights, requirements for candidates in Chinggisid
chancelleries — and traces its evolution. It also shows reasons for the survival of the institution in those states even after the official conversion to Islam and shaping of a corresponding government system in accordance with traditions that had existed across the Volga Region, Iran and Central Asia long before the Mongol conquest. Conclusions. The fact that the
institution of ulug bitigchi did survive the subsequent Islamization was to primarily position
of Ilkhans as heirs of the Mongol Empire where it had first been established as well as to
seek a compromised approach in governing their various subjects — nomadic and sedentary
peoples, Turko-Mongols and those who spoke Iranian languages, Moslems and adherents of
other religions.
