Alexander Zanzer – Representing the Historical Legacy of Barons
By Space Coast Daily // November 23, 2022
Alexander Zanzer, a Belgian diplomat, journalist, and social entrepreneur, was born in Chisinau, Moldova, on February 11, 1965. He is widely known for his historical connection to Mongolia and the Baron title granted to his grandfather by Bogd Khan. In addition, he has served as the Honorary Consul General of Mongolia in Flanders, Belgium.
Alexander Zanzer I, Zanzer’s grandfather, had links to Mongolia going all the way back to 1920 when he was given the title of Ashan-ihafan (男爵; the equivalent of a baron) by the last Bogd Khan, the emperor of an independent Mongolia.
From his coronation in 1921 until his death in 1924, Bogd Khanruled Mongolia with all the authority of a monarch. The new Chinese administration denied Mongolian independence, but the country’s internal strife prevented a quick resolution to the dispute.
Foreign investors in gold mining, engineers, and specialists added to the country’s already diversified ethnic composition. There was also a small Jewish community living there by 1920, consisting of merchants and their families, political prisoners, engineers, and Jews escaping persecution and civil war in Russia.
By 1921, when Russian anti-Bolshevik forces fled into Mongolia after being defeated in Central Asia, the entire population had been wiped off.
Bogd Khan appreciated western innovation but was respectful of Mongolian customs. Foreign advisors and individuals who were not of Mongolian descent were given titles with foreign denominations, most commonly Baron, while Mongolian aristocrats wore Mongolian titles.
This hereditary title, which can be passed down from either a man or a woman, ensured continued access to vital resources and protection from any imperial designs from nearby neighbors.
A golden “passport” engraved with the name “Baron Alexander Zanzer” was also given to his grandfather in 1921.
A document printed regarding that was presented in Belgium by the Plantin Moretus Museum for the 800th anniversary. Zanzer is still enjoying the legacy of Barons by acknowledging the historical links of his grandfather with the last Bogd Khan.
Zanzer is a renowned personality not only because of his historical links but also due to his professional career. In 1999, Zanzer succeeded Nico Gunzburg, an emigrant Jew, an economist, and a diplomat, as the Royal Society of Jewish Welfare’s general director.
Later, when he was with the European Council of Jewish Communities, he served as the Central Welfare Organization of Antwerp’s Secretary and on the board of Directors. He also became the magazine editor for Centrale in 1999. From 2001 until 2011, he represented Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belgium as Honorary Consul General.
In 2005, Zanzer was honored as a Knight by King Albert II of Belgium for his service to the country. Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar also honored him with the Honored Medal in 2006.
In the same year, King Philip of Belgium presented him with the honor of Officer of the Order of Leopold II. Zanzer has also authored several books, including Honorary Consular Diplomacy, Insignia, Sobor: Seal the future, and The Thunder Stone: The Curse of the Empire Builders. He is truly the living embodiment of his grandfather’s legacy.
