Genghis Khan statue unveiled in London

London, April 15 (IANS) A bronze sculpture of Mongolian hero Genghis Khan has been unveiled in London in order for visitors to "understand Asian culture" better.

The statue, unveiled Saturday, rises to five meters from hoof to helmet, and will stand next to the iconic Marble Arch on the busy Oxford Street for six months. Against the backdrop of blue sky and green park, it featured the leader in medieval amour lost in contemplation on horseback, Xinhua reported.

The sculpture weighs 2,714 kg without the plinth, and took the Russian artist Dashi Namdakov two years to complete.

Originally named as Temujin, Genghis Khan was born some 850 years ago and founded the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) in China. The Mongol empire he founded became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death.

Asked why they chose to erect such a statue there, Paul Green, president of the Halcyon Gallery said: "London is an international city. This statue is imposing and will create dialogues from visitors, help them understand Asian culture."