Final answer:
The local populations under Mongol control experienced a mix of assimilation and devastation, with the Mongols creating the world's largest empire and facilitating unprecedented trade and cultural exchanges. In the Ilkhanate, Mongol leaders adopted Islam and integrated with Persian culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the Mongols conquered various regions, the fate of the local populations varied. Some people were assimilated into the Mongol Empire, while others faced destruction and displacement. The Mongol conquests led to the creation of the world's largest contiguous empire under the leadership of Genghis Khan. This empire was known for its military prowess and the unification of large territories, which facilitated trade and communication during the Pax Mongolica.
The conquests brought about drastic cultural, political, and social changes to the regions and led to the diffusion of ideas and technology.
In particular, the leaders of the Ilkhanate, a division of the Mongol Empire in Persia, embraced the local culture. They adopted Islam, the dominant religion of their subjects, and settled in cities, engaging heavily with the Persian culture around them. This assimilation marked a significant departure from their nomadic heritage and contributed to the emergence of a distinctive Mongol-Muslim identity in the region.