Jochi’s image through ages: From epics to comics

This time, Zhaksylyk Sabitov, director of the Scientific Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi, shared how Jochi's image has been shaped in written and oral traditions, including in the recently released comic book “Jochi Khan”.

How did the Jochi Khan comic come about?

It tells the story of Kazakhstan’s conquest from Jochi’s perspective rather than that of the ruling elite of the Mongol Empire. We aimed to maintain historical accuracy while incorporating artistic elements to engage young readers. The script was written by professional children's writer and screenwriter Zaure Torekhanova.

Based on the script, the comic was illustrated by artist Elnar Beymish. In 2024, it won the Ayboz literary award, established by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Sports. In my view, the comic is an ideal format for conveying Jochi’s story to young readers—presenting history in an engaging, accessible way without complex academic language and terminology.

How is Jochi portrayed in folk epics and oral traditions?

Jochi’s image in folk epics and legends is undoubtedly a tragic one. In 2025, it will be 800 years since the creation of the Aksak Kulan kui (kui - instrumental musical composition, - editor’s note), which is linked to Jochi’s death in 1225. On one hand, it is known as a kui, a melody. On the other hand, there was also the Aksak Kulan zhyr (a poetic form), composed by Ketbuga Zhyray from the Naiman tribe, known as Uly Zhyrshy, the Great folk singer-narrator. He was the first zhyray to be remembered in historical records. According to legend, he was the one who informed Genghis Khan of his eldest son’s death while the khan was hunting kulans.

In other accounts, for example, the Kyrgyz people remember Jochi as the first and last khan of the Kyrgyz. No one ruled over them before or after him.

Additionally, Jochi Khan’s mausoleum in Ulytau stands as a testament to his legacy. Overall, historical memory of Jochi is primarily associated with the Aksak Kulan kui and the legend of his death.

What did medieval chroniclers, European and Arab travelers write about Jochi?

Various medieval chroniclers wrote about Jochi, including European researchers like Plano Carpini and William of Rubruck. Among Arab historians, notable mentions include Ibn al-Athir, Rashid al-Din, al-Umari, and Ibn Battuta. Even the Indian author Jauzi of the Delhi Sultanate era refers to Jochi as “the son of Genghis Khan who never reached India.”

There are diverse accounts of his family, personal inclinations, and how he differed from his father. For instance, while Genghis Khan, to some extent, saw revenge as the purpose of life, Jochi was naturally more peaceful. He prioritized hunting, which he considered a more significant mission in life. Nearly all medieval chroniclers note that Jochi and Genghis Khan had starkly different personalities.

What scholarly works and research exist on Jochi?

In recent years, several notable books have been published. One of them is The Mausoleum of Jochi Khan: History of Research by Emma Usmanova, co-authored with Kozha, Panyushkina, and Uskenbay. Additionally, historian Artyom Porsin, PhD, wrote the book “Jochi”, which explores his life and political activities, covering his birth, relationship with his father, and his role in the Mongol campaign to the West.

Has Jochi’s image changed depending on political circumstances?

It is unlikely that his image was influenced by political circumstances. From the medieval period to the present day, Jochi has largely remained a mythological figure, closely associated with the Aksak Kulan kui. Even during the Soviet era, a cartoon titled Aksak Kulan was produced, based on the famous legend, depicting the death of the khan’s heir.

Are there any literary works about Jochi?

When it comes to literature, we must mention writer Ilyas Yesenberlin, who authored the novels Golden Horde and The Nomads. Today, new literary works related to Jochi’s name continue to be published, meaning there are now far more than before.

Earlier, PhD scholar Zhaksylyk Sabitov shared little-known details about the personal life of Genghis Khan’s eldest son.