Rabban Bar Sauma

Rabban Bar Ṣawma, born around the year 1220, was a remarkable Uyghur monk who transitioned into a prominent diplomat for the Nestorian Church of the East in China. His life was marked by a significant pilgrimage from Yuan China to Jerusalem alongside his student, Markos, who would later become Patriarch Yahballaha III. Although their journey was thwarted by military unrest, leading them to spend many years in Baghdad under Ilkhanate control, their aspirations remained high.

During his time in Baghdad, Bar Ṣawma's influence grew, particularly after Markos was elected as Patriarch. The younger Markos proposed that Bar Ṣawma undertake a diplomatic mission as a Mongol ambassador to Europe. This endeavor saw the elderly monk engaging with various European monarchs and even the Pope, all in an effort to forge a Franco-Mongol alliance. Despite the lack of tangible results from this mission, Bar Ṣawma's efforts were notable for their ambition and scope.

In his later years, Rabban Bar Ṣawma dedicated himself to documenting his extensive travels. His writings provide a unique perspective on medieval Europe at the close of the Crusades, offering insights from an astute and broadminded observer. His accounts are particularly valuable to modern historians, as they present a reverse viewpoint of the East looking towards the West, predating the famous travels of Marco Polo.