The Magnificence of Kanbalu: Marco Polo’s Emphasis

  The Magnificence of Kanbalu: Marco Polo’s Emphasis In his travelogue, Marco Polo places great emphasis on the grandeur and splendor of Kanbalu (also known as Khan-balik), the capital city of the Mongol Empire during his time. Through vivid descriptions, Polo highlights various aspects of the city that captivated his attention and left a lasting impression on him. One of the key elements that Polo emphasizes is the sheer size and scale of Kanbalu. He marvels at its vastness, describing it as a city of immense proportions, with broad streets, impressive palaces, and magnificent public buildings. Polo is particularly awestruck by the grandeur of the Khan’s palace, which he describes as a stunning architectural masterpiece adorned with gold and precious stones. Another aspect that Polo highlights is the city’s thriving commercial activities. He portrays Kanbalu as a bustling hub of trade and commerce, with markets teeming with goods from various parts of the world. Polo specifically mentions the vibrant silk industry in the city, noting the abundance of silk production and trade. He also underscores the city’s role as a center for luxury goods, such as gemstones, spices, and precious metals. Furthermore, Polo emphasizes the cultural and religious diversity present in Kanbalu. He describes the city as hosting people from different ethnicities and backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and idolaters. Polo is particularly intrigued by the presence of Nestorian Christians in the city, highlighting their religious practices and places of worship. Additionally, Polo devotes attention to the advanced infrastructure and organized urban planning in Kanbalu. He details the sophisticated network of canals that crisscrosses the city, enabling efficient transportation of goods and people. Polo also mentions the well-maintained roads and bridges that contribute to the overall functionality and beauty of Kanbalu. Polo’s focus on these aspects of Kanbalu serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to portray the wealth and power of the Mongol Empire, particularly under Kublai Khan’s rule. By highlighting the opulence and prosperity of the capital city, Polo seeks to convey the empire’s strength and dominance. Secondly, Polo’s emphasis on Kanbalu’s commercial activities reflects his own background as a merchant and his keen interest in trade. By highlighting the city’s thriving markets and industries, he aims to showcase its economic vitality and potential for lucrative business opportunities. Lastly, Polo’s focus on diversity in Kanbalu highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the city. By emphasizing the presence of people from different religious and cultural backgrounds, he underscores the empire’s tolerance and openness towards various faiths and traditions. In conclusion, Marco Polo’s description of Kanbalu in his travelogue underscores its magnificence through its immense size, thriving commercial activities, cultural diversity, and advanced infrastructure. His focus on these aspects serves to highlight the power and wealth of the Mongol Empire, showcase economic opportunities, and celebrate the empire’s cosmopolitan nature.

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