1962 Genghis Khan controversy

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A controversy surrounding the 800th anniversary of the birth of Genghis Khan arose in 1962 in the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR). In the early 20th century, Genghis had become closely associated with the nascent movement of Mongolian nationalism, but he was vilified under the MPR because of the regime's communist ideology. During a less oppressive period in the early 1960s, Mongolian academics obtained permission to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Genghis's birth in 1162. After large preparations, the events started with a small academic conference where leading historians including Shagdarjavyn Natsagdorj and Tsendiin Damdinsüren gave rather favourable assessments of Genghis Khan and the Mongols. This was sharply criticised by Soviet historians and newspapers, and the event's proponent Daramyn Tömör-Ochir was purged from the Mongolian government in retribution.

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