When Did Temujin Assumed the Title of Chinggis Khagan/Khan?

Abstract

Although there are many research works on Temujin's birth date, not much work has been done on the year he assumed the title of Chinggis Khagan/Khan. Researchers prefer to use information that has not been examined in detail on this subject, and they refer to various dates regarding this phenomenon in their studies. In this study, which we have conducted to clarify the subject, the question of when Temujin assumed the title of Chinggis Khagan is discussed in light of the information we have obtained from various historical chronicles, and an answer is sought to this question. As a result of the investigations, it is understood that Temujin was elected khan three times. It is known that in one of these elections, he was given the title of Chinggis Khagan. The first of these elections took place after Jamukha and Temujin’s ways had parted. However, it is not clear exactly when this election was made. Some researchers believe that this election was held in 1189, as stated in a rather late source. The second was the khan election held in 1203 after Temujin defeated the Kereyid ruler Ong Khan. The third is the assembly held in 1206 when he came to declare that all the peoples of Mongolia were under the rule of Chinggis Khagan after defeating the Naimans. As a result of detailed research on the main sources we have discussed, it has been concluded that Temujin assumed the title of Chinggis Khagan at the second congress held in 1203.