Final answer:
The Mongols originated from the steppes region of North Asia, developed a nomadic and raiding culture, and formed an empire that included parts of the Middle East, maintaining their traditional beliefs even as other parts of their empire adopted Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mongols were from the steppes region of North Asia, a vast area of grasslands and mountains northwest of the Gobi Desert. This nomadic and tribal group was economically dependent on herding and raiding, dealing with constant conflicts over resources. The Mongols eventually established a sizable empire after several military victories, becoming a significant power in the Middle East and beyond, notably without converting to Islam in the realm of the Khanate of the Great Khan.