The D.C. area Mongolian community is trying to errect a statue of Genghis Khan on city land near the Mongolian Embassy, according to The Associated Press (via washtimes.com). The country is celebrating 800th anniversary this year. Greater Washington rivals Denver for the greatest concentration of Mongolians in the U.S. with 2,000 to 3,000 residents.

Supporters hope a statue of Genghis would teach people learn that in addition to being a merciless barbaian, he was also quite progressive:

Genghis Khan established an empire based on religious tolerance in an age where the Crusades and religious wars were commonplace, his advocates say. He was an ardent free trader and established principles of diplomatic immunity.

Khan supporters could run into problems since The District prefers local figures rather than international ones. A spokesman for the Office of Planning said he did not want to “saying he didn’t want to prejudge an issue before a formal application is made.”