Showing posts with label Contributions from Mongolia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contributions from Mongolia. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
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.
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.
Extracts from "That's Ulaanbaatar"
Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Events
Sandbaggers Gobi challenge
10-18 July 2008
Umnu gobi aimag, Khongoriin am
Since the inaugural Gobi challenge in August 2003 the event has grown steadily, gaining a truly international feel, and in 2007 will feature participants and teams from as far away as Australia, Wales, Mongolia, England, Ireland and Scotland. Participants will cross mountains, gorges, desert plains and massive sand dunes, sleeping each night under the starts and becoming totally absorbed into the true wilderness of the Gobi. It’s a tough race but a truly spectacular one which can easily claim to be among the most adventurous on earth.
www.gobitours.com
Mongolian Horses
15 August 2008
Tuv province, 114km from Ulaanbaatar
This event will introduce you to a typical day in the life of a herder, show you the methods and technology of preparing “airag”/fermented mare’s milk/, a traditional dairy product, demonstrate the pride, power and strength of a horseman in breaking a wild horse for riding. You will also be taught how
-to catch a lasso-pole on foot in order to catch a horse;
-to catch one horse using another, trained for that purpose;
-to catch a horse by thrusting out a lasso-pole;
-to snatch a lasso-pole paying on the ground;
-to saddle and bridle an unbroken horse;
-to shoot with a bow and arrow
www.mongoliansecrethistory.mn
Events
Sandbaggers Gobi challenge
10-18 July 2008
Umnu gobi aimag, Khongoriin am
Since the inaugural Gobi challenge in August 2003 the event has grown steadily, gaining a truly international feel, and in 2007 will feature participants and teams from as far away as Australia, Wales, Mongolia, England, Ireland and Scotland. Participants will cross mountains, gorges, desert plains and massive sand dunes, sleeping each night under the starts and becoming totally absorbed into the true wilderness of the Gobi. It’s a tough race but a truly spectacular one which can easily claim to be among the most adventurous on earth.
www.gobitours.com
Mongolian Horses
15 August 2008
Tuv province, 114km from Ulaanbaatar
This event will introduce you to a typical day in the life of a herder, show you the methods and technology of preparing “airag”/fermented mare’s milk/, a traditional dairy product, demonstrate the pride, power and strength of a horseman in breaking a wild horse for riding. You will also be taught how
-to catch a lasso-pole on foot in order to catch a horse;
-to catch one horse using another, trained for that purpose;
-to catch a horse by thrusting out a lasso-pole;
-to snatch a lasso-pole paying on the ground;
-to saddle and bridle an unbroken horse;
-to shoot with a bow and arrow
www.mongoliansecrethistory.mn
Exracts from e-news from Montsame (Government Agency)
about the current social and political events in Mongolia.
20 May 2009
included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ On Tuesday, DP’s candidate for presidential election Ts. Elbegdorj left Omnogobi aimga for Bulgan province’s Khishig-Ond or soum. Having barnstormed there, he went to Orkhon soum.
Tuesday afternoon, Ts. Elbegdorj arrived in a centre of Bulgan aimga. There he nmet with the youths, visited a trade centre to receive opinions of ordinary people and businessmen. At a meeting with locals he told about his electoral program. The voters were interested in rumours about Ts. Elbegdorj and possibility of solving a problem facing the aimag’s farming sector.
The same day, Ts. Elbegdorj continued the campaign in Erdenet city, Orkhon aimag.
B. Khuder
17.30
CITY’S ELECTION COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ According to the city’s election committee, over 2,500 people are working in 162 polling districts in Ulaanbaatar city. Preparatory works for presidential election to be held May 24t have been provided in principle. As of May 18, ballot papers distribution was fulfilled at 70 percent.
Since May 16, migratory movement in any direction have been banned until May25.
Moreover, it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages on the voting day. This ordinance applies to all bars and other places catering alcoholic beverages as well. Public and art activities are banned too.
Ya Indra
15.52
STATE FLAG DAY ESTABLISHMENT DISCUSSED
Ulaanbaatar, MONTSAME/. The parliamentary Standing Committee on State Structure has approved the discussion of draft amendments to the law on holidays and remarkable days.
The draft proposes to mark the day of state flag on July1o every year. It means that all organizations and citizens would pay respect to the State Flag of Mongolia.
Ya Indra
14.48
NINE-METER HEIGHT BOOT CREATED
Ulaanbaatar, MONTSAME/ At the initiative of Jenco company, a nine-meter in height traditional Mongolian boot has been created. Sole of this boot is six meters long.
It has bot been decided yet where to locate the boot. The company authorities want it to be recorded in the Guiness book.
S Batayar
17.19
IT MIGHT BE INTERESTING
Ulaanbaatar,/MONTSAME/ From foreign press.
6. In Asia, the digit 4 never appears in any Nokia hand set model number, because 4 is considered unlucky in many parts of Southeast.East Asia.
10. the name of the town of Nokia originated from the river which flowed through the town. The river itself, Nokianvirta, was named after the old Finnish word originally meaning sable, later pine marten. A species of this small, black-furred predatory animal was once found in the region, but it is now extinct.
20 May 2009
included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ On Tuesday, DP’s candidate for presidential election Ts. Elbegdorj left Omnogobi aimga for Bulgan province’s Khishig-Ond or soum. Having barnstormed there, he went to Orkhon soum.
Tuesday afternoon, Ts. Elbegdorj arrived in a centre of Bulgan aimga. There he nmet with the youths, visited a trade centre to receive opinions of ordinary people and businessmen. At a meeting with locals he told about his electoral program. The voters were interested in rumours about Ts. Elbegdorj and possibility of solving a problem facing the aimag’s farming sector.
The same day, Ts. Elbegdorj continued the campaign in Erdenet city, Orkhon aimag.
B. Khuder
17.30
CITY’S ELECTION COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ According to the city’s election committee, over 2,500 people are working in 162 polling districts in Ulaanbaatar city. Preparatory works for presidential election to be held May 24t have been provided in principle. As of May 18, ballot papers distribution was fulfilled at 70 percent.
Since May 16, migratory movement in any direction have been banned until May25.
Moreover, it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages on the voting day. This ordinance applies to all bars and other places catering alcoholic beverages as well. Public and art activities are banned too.
Ya Indra
15.52
STATE FLAG DAY ESTABLISHMENT DISCUSSED
Ulaanbaatar, MONTSAME/. The parliamentary Standing Committee on State Structure has approved the discussion of draft amendments to the law on holidays and remarkable days.
The draft proposes to mark the day of state flag on July1o every year. It means that all organizations and citizens would pay respect to the State Flag of Mongolia.
Ya Indra
14.48
NINE-METER HEIGHT BOOT CREATED
Ulaanbaatar, MONTSAME/ At the initiative of Jenco company, a nine-meter in height traditional Mongolian boot has been created. Sole of this boot is six meters long.
It has bot been decided yet where to locate the boot. The company authorities want it to be recorded in the Guiness book.
S Batayar
17.19
IT MIGHT BE INTERESTING
Ulaanbaatar,/MONTSAME/ From foreign press.
6. In Asia, the digit 4 never appears in any Nokia hand set model number, because 4 is considered unlucky in many parts of Southeast.East Asia.
10. the name of the town of Nokia originated from the river which flowed through the town. The river itself, Nokianvirta, was named after the old Finnish word originally meaning sable, later pine marten. A species of this small, black-furred predatory animal was once found in the region, but it is now extinct.
An article from The UB Post
Mongolia’s independent English News
19.05.09
Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj
Mongolian Camel Milk- Rich in Vitamins
By B. Narandelger
Mongolian camels are more special than other animals. The mare’s milk of Mongolian camels is deferent because of its natural environment.
In other words, the camel is ill less often because it has become accustomed to living in harsh conditions. So, its mares pass on the energy and vitamins to their young through their milk. For example: People living in the mountainous area take their vitamins from many kinds of plants but people living in the desert area take their vitamins from just camels. It shows the camel’s importance because people can take all their vitamins from one source.
Mongolian’s have been using mare’s milk for many things from ancient times until now.
However, they usually use it for medicinal treatments. Mare’s milk is almost the same as mother’s milk regarding cholesterol for protein. So it is really convenient in the production of milk fodder for women and babies and it prevents heart disease.
It can diminish edema because mare’s milk is rich in Calcium and Sodium.
According to the advice of scholars, people should use Khoomog (think sour mils of camel) instead of other sources of vitamin C because Khoomog has such an abundance of the vitamin. Some victims exposed to the radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster in the 1980’s were able to effectively treat radiation sickness with mare’s milk because of its high concentration of vitamins as well.
It is also believed to be an effective moisturizer when applied to human skin and is in fact used as key ingredient in many inexpensive commercial skin moisturizers produced in Mongolia. Professor of Mongolian University of Science and Technology Ts. Batsukh has been researching camels and mare’s milk for as many as 20 years.
According to her, it is possible that mare’s milk alone also can provide us with enough Calcium for our diet.
Humans require 80mg of calcium a day. Over a hundred years ago, Russian scholar I.I Mechnikov determined that mare’s milk could even fight against the process of aging. In addition, mare’s milk is rich in vitamins A, D, K ands E.
19.05.09
Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj
Mongolian Camel Milk- Rich in Vitamins
By B. Narandelger
Mongolian camels are more special than other animals. The mare’s milk of Mongolian camels is deferent because of its natural environment.
In other words, the camel is ill less often because it has become accustomed to living in harsh conditions. So, its mares pass on the energy and vitamins to their young through their milk. For example: People living in the mountainous area take their vitamins from many kinds of plants but people living in the desert area take their vitamins from just camels. It shows the camel’s importance because people can take all their vitamins from one source.
Mongolian’s have been using mare’s milk for many things from ancient times until now.
However, they usually use it for medicinal treatments. Mare’s milk is almost the same as mother’s milk regarding cholesterol for protein. So it is really convenient in the production of milk fodder for women and babies and it prevents heart disease.
It can diminish edema because mare’s milk is rich in Calcium and Sodium.
According to the advice of scholars, people should use Khoomog (think sour mils of camel) instead of other sources of vitamin C because Khoomog has such an abundance of the vitamin. Some victims exposed to the radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster in the 1980’s were able to effectively treat radiation sickness with mare’s milk because of its high concentration of vitamins as well.
It is also believed to be an effective moisturizer when applied to human skin and is in fact used as key ingredient in many inexpensive commercial skin moisturizers produced in Mongolia. Professor of Mongolian University of Science and Technology Ts. Batsukh has been researching camels and mare’s milk for as many as 20 years.
According to her, it is possible that mare’s milk alone also can provide us with enough Calcium for our diet.
Humans require 80mg of calcium a day. Over a hundred years ago, Russian scholar I.I Mechnikov determined that mare’s milk could even fight against the process of aging. In addition, mare’s milk is rich in vitamins A, D, K ands E.
An extract of an article from the UB POST
Mongolia’s independent English News
19.05.09
Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj
Following the Great Silk Road
The Great Silk Road expedition led by Russian traveller Fyodor Konyukhov, that will travel more than 7,000 kilometres from Mongolia to Elista, Kalmykia, started last week in Ulaanbaatar. Russia Today (RT) caught up with Fyodor Konyukhov ahead of the seven-month journey
Could you tell us a couple of words about the upcoming expdition? What are your tasks and goals for the Great Silk Road?
The Silk Road expedition will take place along its most northern route for the first time in 300 years. It will traditionally start in Mongolia, in Harim, the ancient place found by Genghis Khan where the trade routes between the West and East used to run. We will travel on animals only. We have 12 Mongol, tw0-humped camels and 15 Mongol horses. We have nine Mongol participants and six Russian participants from Kalmykia mostly.
We will be travelling for seven months and we’ll cover 6,500 or even 7,000 kilometres. Camels and horses used to cover 25 kilometres per day along the Silk Road in the ancient times. They used to make the caravansary as well. But we will be covering 35 or 40 kilometres per day, as they will not carry heavy cargos. Our participants will ride horses; and camels will carry out cargos up to 70 or 100 kilograms, which is not heavy for them, and if we ride camels we’ll put cargos on horses. Each participant will use two animals
I really enjoy travelling to Mongolia. They have a tradition of serving Kumis to their guests, just like tea in Russia. This is a very welcoming and civilized country. I’ve visited more than 120 countries and I’ve lived in many countries. Civilization doesn’t mean living in luxurious house or wearing nice clothes or driving a large car. Civilization is in the people’s mentality. In this sense the Mongols are even more advanced than us, the Europeans. Perhaps their houses and roads are not so good but their mentality is civilized. Today when I travel to Mongolia I can stay in a yurt or on the steppe. We don’t have security guards and we are not afraid of anyone; we don’t have weapons and we welcome visitors. When I travelled for hundreds of kilometres, I felt safe, and people were friendly and smiling everywhere. This is what I call civilization and this is what I like about Mongolia.
19.05.09
Included in the parcel by Urgaa Dagvadorj
Following the Great Silk Road
The Great Silk Road expedition led by Russian traveller Fyodor Konyukhov, that will travel more than 7,000 kilometres from Mongolia to Elista, Kalmykia, started last week in Ulaanbaatar. Russia Today (RT) caught up with Fyodor Konyukhov ahead of the seven-month journey
Could you tell us a couple of words about the upcoming expdition? What are your tasks and goals for the Great Silk Road?
The Silk Road expedition will take place along its most northern route for the first time in 300 years. It will traditionally start in Mongolia, in Harim, the ancient place found by Genghis Khan where the trade routes between the West and East used to run. We will travel on animals only. We have 12 Mongol, tw0-humped camels and 15 Mongol horses. We have nine Mongol participants and six Russian participants from Kalmykia mostly.
We will be travelling for seven months and we’ll cover 6,500 or even 7,000 kilometres. Camels and horses used to cover 25 kilometres per day along the Silk Road in the ancient times. They used to make the caravansary as well. But we will be covering 35 or 40 kilometres per day, as they will not carry heavy cargos. Our participants will ride horses; and camels will carry out cargos up to 70 or 100 kilograms, which is not heavy for them, and if we ride camels we’ll put cargos on horses. Each participant will use two animals
I really enjoy travelling to Mongolia. They have a tradition of serving Kumis to their guests, just like tea in Russia. This is a very welcoming and civilized country. I’ve visited more than 120 countries and I’ve lived in many countries. Civilization doesn’t mean living in luxurious house or wearing nice clothes or driving a large car. Civilization is in the people’s mentality. In this sense the Mongols are even more advanced than us, the Europeans. Perhaps their houses and roads are not so good but their mentality is civilized. Today when I travel to Mongolia I can stay in a yurt or on the steppe. We don’t have security guards and we are not afraid of anyone; we don’t have weapons and we welcome visitors. When I travelled for hundreds of kilometres, I felt safe, and people were friendly and smiling everywhere. This is what I call civilization and this is what I like about Mongolia.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
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