Chinese Muslims as 'remnants of the Tartars'
Editorial contextTelling of a clash near Macao, the account notes that one of the Chinese magistrates was a 'Saracen' (Muslim) by origin and religion. Ricci explains that many remnants of the Tartars stayed on in China after the Mongols fell; after four generations they count as natives and may even sit the examinations and hold office. It shows Europeans linking China's Muslim communities with the Mongol period.
Among these magistrates was one who was a Saracen by origin and religion: for many of the remnants of the Tartars remained in that kingdom, who after the fourth generation are held to be natives and are not barred even from the literary degrees and public offices.
Working translation
Original wording
Ex iis Magistratibus erat unus origine ac professione Saracenus: nam ex Tartarorum reliquiis multi in eo regno remanserunt, qui post quartam generationem pro indigenis habiti, ne a litterariis quidem gradibus publicisque muneribus prohibentur.
About Chinese Muslims, described as descendants of the Tartars
Keep in mind
Ricci's own explanation; many Chinese Muslims descend from Central Asian and Persian Muslims settled under the Mongols rather than from Mongols themselves.
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