Genghis Khan statue in London sparked criticism

London was hit with the row over the equestrian statue of Genghis Khan installed next to the Marble Arch in Hyde Park, RBK writes. Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour Group, tagged the decision of municipal authorities “a bizarre decision”. “ What on earth were Westminster’s Conservative Councillors thinking when they agreed to a statue of Genghis Khan at Marble Arch? Who’s next – Stalin, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein?” he said. According to him, there are many other sights in London to show to tourists and sportsmen prior to the Olympics. The conservatives have already commented Dimoldenberg’s criticism. Deputy leader Robert Davis said that “City of Sculpture festival seeks to inspire, challenge and educate”. The 5-meter work of Russian sculptor Dashi Namdakov was erected in Hyde Park for celebration of the 850th anniversary of Genghis Khan. The statue is expected to remain at the Marble Arch until September. Genghis Khan was the founder and Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. He came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of northeast Asia. After founding the Mongol Empire and being proclaimed "Genghis Khan", he started the Mongol invasions that resulted in the conquest of most of Eurasia. By the end of his life, the Mongol Empire occupied a substantial portion of Central Asia and China.