Australian completes journey in memory of Genghis Khan
Jeanne:
September 23rd, 2007
Following in the footsteps of one of history’s greatest warriors, an intrepid Australian has completed an exhausting three-year journey across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Tim Cope undertook much of the difficult journey with only a hunting dog named Tigon for company. He travelled largely on horseback, often relying on the hospitality of the region’s nomadic residents. The trek, which took Tim Cope from Mongolia to Hungary, was initially expected to last a mere 18 months. However, family emergencies and poor weather resulted in the journey taking roughly three years.
Tim Cope’s journey was anything but easy. Temperatures vary enormously across the region - from a freezing –52 degrees Celsius to a whopping 54 degrees. In a region known for its lawlessness, it was also not surprising that Mr. Cope was accosted by thieves on a number of occasions. However, it was the welfare of his four-legged companions that occupied Mr. Cope’s thoughts during his trek. In particular, the freezing temperatures of Ukraine took their toll on Tigon, who nearly froze to death on one occasion after being trapped in a frozen mine shaft. He was able to continue the journey only after being revived with copious quantities of vodka. Speaking to the Associated Press, Mr. Cope spoke of the strong connection he felt with his animals:
“I’m feeling a bit panicky about finishing because I can’t imagine saying goodbye to the (them).”
Mr. Cope’s destination was the town of Opusztaszer, which is located some 90 miles south of the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Cope emphasised the symbolic importance of this location. In a recent interview, he explained his choice, stating:
“Here at the Danube River is where the Eurasian steppe ends, with its beginning in Mongolia and Manchuria. So Opusztaszer is the perfect ending symbolically and geographically.”
Tim Cope hopes that his 10,000 km journey will generate further interest in the life of Genghis Khan. The exploits of the Mongol leader during the Middle Ages resulted in the creation of the Mongol empire which controlled much of Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as parts of North Africa and Southeast Asia during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Mongol Empire grew to become the second largest empire in human history.