Extracts from "That's Ulaanbaatar"

Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

History of Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, the modern Mongolian capital, is a city with a history of over 250 years. Located in the central region on the banks of the River Tuul, Mongolia’s capital was not always in Ulaanbaatar; not until 1778 was it moved to its present site. However, long before becoming the capital, Ulaanbaatar was the centre of Buddhism in Mongolia- from 1639, in fact- and the present-day city reflects a mixture of ancient traditions, from Buddhist rituals to contemporary trade and commerce. Now it is the undisputed, economic and cultural centre of Mongolia. The first capital of the Mongolian Empire was called Urguu (Palace), and it was situated some 420km from Ulaanbaatar, in present-day Arkanhai Aimag at the Da Khuree Monastery, home to Zanabazar, who had been proclaimed the head of Buddhism in Mongolia. It was in 1778m that a settlement, named the City of Felt, was first built on the site which is now Ulaanbaatar Later it became known as the Great Camp and was ruled by the Bogd Khaan. When Mongolia gained independence from China in 1911, the city became the capital of outer Mongolia. It was invaded in 1918, again by China, and then three years later by the Russians. In 1924, the city was named Ulaanbaatar (Red Hero) and declared the official capital of Mongolia. 1933, Ulaanbaatar became an autonomous region, rather than being under the jurisdiction of Toc Aimag.
Ulaanbaatar formally identified its one-millionth citizen on 8 May 2007 at a welcoming ceremony at the city cultural centre. When Ulaanbaatar was called Orgoo it had a population of only 30,000 but now in terms of population, Ulaanbaatar is the 107th city in the world and the 17th in Asia. According to present estimates, Mongolia will have a population of three million by 2015.


The National Psyche

The freedom to move about with their herds, the timelessness of the land and the delicate relationship with the earth and its resource have all had effect on the Mongolian character. These persuasions have made Mongolians humble, adaptable, unfettered by straight protocol, good humoured and uncannily stoic, causing visitors to wonder if these are the same people that for centuries were vilified in the West as a “Scourge of God”
The Mongolian Ger plays a vital role in shaping both the Mongolian character and family life. Its small confines compels families to interact with one another, to share everything and to work together, tightening relationships between relatives it promotes patience. Makes inhibitions fade away and prevents privacy. It also hardens the sensibilities; Ger dwellers must fetch their own water and fuel, difficult tasks in dead winter.
The weather and the seasons also plays a significant role in shaping the Mongolian character. Spring in particular is a crucial time for Mongolians. Because the country’s rainy season comes towards the end of summer, spring is dry, dusty and unforgiving.Through countless centuries of change in Mongolia, one thing has remained relatively constant: the basic nomadic and pastoralist way of life. Over generations a civilisation developed with its own unique characteristics, many influenced by the extreme climate and the need for mobility to take advantage of fresh pastures through the year. Underlying all pastorlist groups is a string Mongolian culture, but within that frame people have developed different lifestyles reflecting the environment in which they live and work.