Chingiz Khan now in London

Chingiz Khan is a well-known figure in the country I am from. There is still a controversial debate around the actual nationality of Temujin (his second name). Some say he is not Mongolian, but Kazakh. He is known by his cruel methods, but personally, I believe he simply was a respectful person and consequently possessed a great power over other people.

A huge statue of Chingiz Khan has been introduced on 14^th of April in the heart of London next to Marble Arch station. For me, the sculpture itself look really strong and attractive.

Surprisingly, Labour group leader Paul Dimoldenberg expressed his view by claiming that this particular figure is known for being a killer and there’s no way this part of history should be presented in the center of London.  Here are some of his comments:

He said the warlord had no known connection to Westminster — and added that there are plenty of other more suitable historical figures to honor.

“To erect a statue of Genghis Khan at Marble Arch is a bizarre decision,” he said. “Especially when there are so many others who have a real connection to Westminster and the Olympics and who have improved the lives of their fellow citizens.

"What on earth were Westminster’s Conservative councilors thinking when they agreed to a statue of him at Marble Arch? Who’s next? Stalin? Pol Pot? Saddam Hussein?”

In fact, Westminster selected the statue as part of its ongoing City of Sculpture festival, which aims to install works of art across the borough in the run-up to the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The artist Namdakov, author of this peace of art said he wanted to honor the warlord on the 850th anniversary of his birth and added:

 “If I’d wanted to show him as a warrior I’d have done so but here he is a thinker. He is a divine figure in my country.”

Westminster’s deputy leader Robert Davis dismissed the criticism, saying: “Our City of Sculpture festival seeks to inspire, challenge and educate.

“Art is most successful when it provokes a reaction or begins a conversation. The Genghis Khan equestrian statue is a fine sculpture.”

So, despite variety of opinions, the statue will stay on its place for a planned time, so that British people and tourists will be able to become more familiar with this historical figure.

P/s my friends told me when they went to this sculpture, there was no name and explanation around it and people was wondering who is this person was. I hope it’s only temporary. If it’s not, then there’s no sense in the whole debate around it as people don’t even recognize who he is.