Dear Delegate,

My name is Jonathan Feng, and I am a senior at the School of Foreign Service here at Georgetown University. I am proud to welcome you to the joint committee simulation “Mongols VS Abbasids: The Rise and fall of Civilizations!” There is little doubt that this is one of the most anticipated simulations on the entire circuit this year.

Mongols vs Abbasids is set in one of the most exciting, dynamic and turbulent eras of world history; few committees on the MUN circuit will be able to match the scope of this simulation alone: for we are talking about a time when entire civilizations clashed with swords, when great empires rose and fell, and where the resources and manpower of entire city-states, regions and continents were mobilized for war. And of course, this was also the time of the Crusades! During the conference, while you will be mainly interacting with the Infidels from the province of Mongolia (uncivilized, uncouth upstarts), you will also have to deal with the other players of the world, including the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Papacy etc. How you choose to deal with them – whether they will be your friend or Infidels – will be up to you; but what is clear is that you will be able to partake in the flux of international diplomacy alongside so many different, competing actors. All together on an epic, global scale.

Plenty a challenge also awaits those with an eye for internal intrigue as well. For by 1228-1229 (the start of the simulation) the Caliphate has long been in decline. For all purposes, the “Abbasid Council” is a term applied loosely to describe the various kingdoms, sultanates and dynasties that pay titular homage to the Abbasid Caliph, but which each retain their own significant political and military autonomy. To reflect this allocation of power, delegates in committee do not take on the roles of simple ministers; but they are powerful Viziers, lords, commanders and evens sultans in their own right. Each will have his/her own city, resources and armies - and a whole string of pretentious titles to go along with it. This gives you great lee-way in your decision-making, and a very real ability to redefine the political landscape. In turn, your ability to manage your power and resources – and ultimately outmaneuver your rivals - will determine your place in the simulation: Will you choose to emulate your glorious ancestors and unify the Islamic World? Or is it war, adventure, or profit and titles that you seek?

The background guide will brief you on the game mechanics, the tone, themes, and more importantly the opening question(s) of the simulation. You will be expected to carry out your own research and come into committee with a firm grasp of the history and politics of the period – along with a suitably inflated ego and sense of self worth. If you have any questions concerning the background guide or the simulation, please do not hesitate to contact me at jonfeng(at)gmail.com. Our faithful Crisis staff will get back to you, O Master of the necks of people, as soon as they can.

In šaʾ Allāh, with our gleaming swords united by our indomitable faith we shall spread the brilliant light of civilization to the farthest steppes of this earth. And all in less time than it takes a Priest to chant matins!

God wills it!

Jonathan Feng

Chair, Abbasid War Council