Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Foreigner Arriving!


                        12/26/1271
                           Nelli Balian
                           China Today
                          
        
 
 
 
         KASHGAR-We have been visited by an unfamiliar face that really stands out of all of us.  His name is Marco Polo, a trader from Venice, Italy. He has traveled along the Silk Road to finally reach the birthplace of where silk is made, China.
         Since 1254, when he was born, his father and uncle have been traveling and trading too. “Nicolo and Maffeo have influenced me to take this to take this adventurous journey along the Silk Road.  I decided to take them with me for support.” Explained Marco Polo himself. 
         Our great emperor, Kublai Khan was already expecting a member of the Polo family to come to china again because he had already received a visit from Marco’s father and uncle.  He was very fond of Marco Polo. “I very much respect Marco Polo because of the knowledge he has brought to our society,” said Kublai Khan. 
         Although Kublai Khan may like Marco Polo, it doesn’t mean everyone else likes him. “He’s a foreigner, and we can’t always trust foreigners.  Who knows, maybe he could be a spy of some sort or an assassin!”  Exclaimed Shin-Li. 

Foreigner In China! (Editorial)

Marco Polo has just arrived in Kashgar, China and is staying for the better. Who knows what this explorer has to offer us with his knowledge.  It is definitely the best idea for him to stay in our country.

some people in China might think having a foreigner in their country might be a little scared or worried because you'll never know what kind of person they'll be.  Actually, Kublai Khan has already gotten a visit from the Polo family, Marco Polo's father and uncle.  He was very fond of the Polos and he already expected them to come back.  He appreciated Marco Polo so much, he has made him in charge of his court and many more promotions.

over all, it is the right thing to have Marco Polo stay.  He will be a roll model for all of us.

China Shrunk Since the Yuan Dynasty...

http://www.artsmia.org/art-of-asia/history/images/maps/china-yuan-large.gif
In the Yuan Dynasty, the borders were much larger compared to present day China.  The emperor of the Yuan Dynasty was Kublai Khan, a Mongolian.  He and his people were outnumbered one to ten, but still managed to take over.  Since China in the Yuan dynasty included Mongolians, most of Mongolia and China was one country.

Such a Variety of Religions


Religion/Belief Systems
 The Yuan Dynasty had a variety of different religions because of the mix of Chinese and Mongols.  The religions were Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Folk Religion, Shamanism/Tengriism, Christianity, and Islam. 
 China inherited Buddhism from India, which was first taught by Buddha.  Buddhism taught you to have positive thoughts of love and happiness, and to clear your mind of all the negative thoughts such as anger or stress. 
Christianity is when you belief in Christ, the holy spirit, angels, demons and the devil.  You have to have faith in God and perform good works.  Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity and it passed through many other countries including China.
Confucianism was created by Confucius.  He teaches ways of life the way he thinks is right.  Confucianism is believing that all humans are teachable.  

Kublai Khan Thinks...

Interview with Kublai Khan
What made you want to become emperor?
I knew I had to prove to my grandfather that I am capable of doing things so I did it in memory of him.
What were peoples first reactions you’ve noticed when they found out that you were their new emperor?
They did not seem very fond of me because I am a Mongolian and not Chinese. They also thought at first us Mongols could not take over because we were outnumbered, but little did they know that our love of warfare beat them so we could over power them.
What was the effect on Chinese and the Mongols after you became emperor?
Well obviously my people are on top and the Chinese have become the poorest. They were also treated unfairly by being given more harsh punishments.
What are your future goals as emperor?
I am just hoping to stay emperor as long as possible because the other Chinese dynasties have ended because of a Chinese ruler. Hopefully the gods will see a different perspective of me and keep me as emperor for a longer time.
Do you feel that the Chinese will ever accept you as their emperor?
Yes I do because I have been caring for the poor and I think my new rules will help our society grow stronger and win many battles. They will also accept me because of fond I am of Chinese traditions.

Citations

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