MONGOLIAN INFORMATION - Index
• Message from the Indo-Mongolian Society
• History
• Ger-Home
• Gobi Desert, Taiga, Steppe and Mountains
• How Mongolia is Perceived by Others
Ambassador's Message
Welcome to the Mongolia Festival in New York City. As one of the organizers of this event and on behalf of my countrymen and women, I would like to extend to all Festival participants our heartfelt greetings. Our aim in organizing the Mongolia Festival is to bring Mongolia, its people, history and nomadic culture, its spirit and its character, to our friends in America.
The idea for a Festival featuring our country was conceived a few years ago when the United Nations General Assembly designated 2001 as the United Nations "Year of Dialogue among Civilizations". We felt that the Mongolian people, one of the foremost representatives of an ancient nomadic tradition, might be able to offer our more industrialized neighbors something unique: a realistic guide for a sustainable lifestyle. Mongols have for centuries combined practical existence with respectful co-existence with Nature and it is no coincidence that one of the first laws concerning environmental protection was adopted in the Middle Ages in Mongolia and is still in force today.Mongols have played a major role in world history. Though known mainly by their conquests which embraced over two thirds of the then- known world, Mongols have made significant contributions to the development of relations between East and West. During the Mongol hegemony, states were carved out of the vast regions of the Eurasian continent, trade and cultural exchange flourished and all religions were respected.
It is the hope of the organizers of this Festival that the series of events planned in New York City over the next weeks will help our American friends better understand and appreciate Mongolia's rich nomadic culture and its values. Although the Mongolian society is currently undergoing changes due to the pressures of modernization and globalization, we trust that the proud spirit of the Mongol nomads, their self- sufficiency and their respect for Nature, will be an inspiration for others in this new century. The Festival of Mongolia is made possible through the initiatives and the active involvement of many dedicated individuals and organizations. I would like to personally thank them all for their tireless efforts and commitment to the success of the Festival. I would also like to add a very special thanks to our Mongolian and American sponsors. It is only because of their generous assistance that this wonderful event has been made possible.Jargalsaikhany ENKHSAIKHAN, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations
Introduction to Mongolia
Mongolia is a land-locked country in Central Asia, situated between Russia and China. It covers an area of about 605 thousand sq. miles. The land is mineral rich and in physical appearance resembles Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Only 2 percent of the territory is arable and 8 percent is covered with forests, while about 90 percent of the land consists of steppe, pasture land, semi desert and desert. The main economy has traditionally been and still is livestock raising.
Mongolia's population is estimated at 2.4 m1n. Mongolia is a mono-ethnic country. The Khalkha Mongolians make up about 85 percent of the population. 5 percent of the population are Kazakhs. The Mongolian language belongs to the so-called uralo-altaic group; it is different from the Russian and Chinese languages.For over a millennia the geopelitics around Mongolia have had a profound effect on Central Asian affairs and at times on world history, as evidenced by the conquests of the Huns and of the great Genghis Khan and his descendants that conquered most of Asia and Europe.
Since the ancient times Mongolians have been nomads, raising livestock. The nomadic lifestyle, based on livestock raising, has been deeply reflected in the culture, customs and traditions of the people. The unique feature of the Mongolian culture, customs and traditions is its strong bonds with Mother Nature. The uniqueness of the culture is reflected in the Mongolian philosophic outlook, traditions, customs, arts and folklore. The Mongolian traditional long song and melody, the enchanting broad and everlasting sounds of the flute and fascinating and delightful tones of hoomii (throat singing) are all derived from the vast steppes, the boundless Gobi and lofty mountain ranges. Mother Nature is also praised in epics, poems, blessings, well-wishes and proverbs.
Mogolian Facts:
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Area; 604,100 square Miles
(Slightly larger than Alaska)
Population: 2.400,00
Cities & Towns 51%: Rural 49%.
Message from MACA
The United States has many ethnic communities, some big, some small. The MongolAmerican community is perhaps one of the smallest ones, numbering a few thousand. So when the Mongol- American Cultural Association (MACA) was approached by the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations and the Indo-Mongolian Society to participate in the Festival of Mongolia in New York, we readily accepted it as a great opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of our nomadic culture to a broader audience. This is especially significant today in the spirit of the United Nation's General Assembly resolution declaring year 2001 the "Year of Dialogue among Civilizations". The Festival is a prelude to what will follow in 2001 and is very much in the spirit of United Nations mission to foster world peace through mutual understanding and respect for the cultural diversity of humankind.
The immediate beneficiaries of this program will be the American public, especially the youth of America, who will have a wonderful opportunity to learn about a culture and history of a people not generally accessible or comprehensible to many of them. But on a higher level, when diverse cultures meet and exchange ideas, the entire humankind benefits. MACA's mission will be well served by this extraordinary program, the first of its kind in which a series of events will illuminate the special qualities of Mongol culture, art, traditions and history.
Sanj Altan
President of The Mongol-American Cultural Association
Message from the Indo-Mongolian Society
The unique and independent spirit that embodies Mongolia and New York City are a natural fit. I am extremely grateful to the institutions of this great city for welcoming the Mongolian cultural delegation and for being gracious hosts to the Festival of Mongolia.
Aziz Rahman
President
Mongolian Culture
Mongolian culture has many distinctive features. They are closely connected with the lifestyle. From ancient times on, Mongolians have lived in the vast lands of Central Asia raising livestock. This nomadic lifestyle is reflected in the Mongolians' everyday thinking and culture.
One of the unique features of the nomadic culture is that people live in full harmony with Mother Nature. Compared to settled peoples, the nomadic herders face nature directly on a day in, day out basis. Through this, the herders are involved in a multifaceted relationship with nature. This is why Mother Nature is the theme of many epics, poems, songs and blessings. There are many traditions, customs and teachings regarding the protection and care of the nature. Tearing up flowers and grass, allowing filth into water systems, digging up land, killing animals and destruction of forests are considered sins and are thus strictly prohibited even today. Mongolians have a long history of raising and caring for the livestock. Horses, cattle, sheep, goats and camels are praised as the "five treasures". Horses are considered the "emeralds" and are highly prized among the people. Thousands of teachings, sayings, proverbs, tales, epics, songs and dances have been created in praise of the "five treasures'.Shamanism is closely related to Mongolian nomadic culture. The tribes in Mongolia followed shamanism from the times of the Great Huns until the formation of the Uighur Empire. According to the "Secret History of the Mongols" and other historic sources, shamanism was the state religion until the introduction of Buddhism. Shamanism reflects the Mongolian feeling towards Mother Nature. For this reason shamans performed rituals of worshipping the master of mountains, water, sky and land. Some of these traditions, mixed with the Mongolian lifestyle, oral literature, folklore and symbolism are important components of mongolian nomadic culture.
Buddhism, introduced in Mongolia in the XVI century, played an enormous role in the development of Mongolian culture. The Mongolians' perceptions, psychology, traditions, thinking and world outlook were enriched by the Buddhist philosophy and world view.
An outstanding historical and cultural relic is the "Secret History of the Mongols". This work by an anonymous author dates to about 1240. The Secret History is a fusion of historical narration, folklore and old poetry. It is a candid account depicting Genghis Khan and his times.
History
Genghis Khan and Modern day
Mongolia is well known as the land of the great Genghis Khan, who in the XIII century had set up a vast empire comprising of many states and kingdoms of Genghis Khan and his empire was published in the 1996 December and 1997 February editions of the National Geographic). However not many know that the Mongolian plateau and the surrounding areas were cradles of the Hungarians, the Turks, of some peoples of Siberia. Scientists believe that American Indians also came from this part of the world. If the Central and South Asians know more about Tamerlane, the Chinese about Kubilai Khan, the Russians about Batu Khan, the East and West Europeans surely know more about Attila the Hun, who conquered parts of Eastern Europe and almost conquered Rome.
The post-empire history of Mongolia is not well known. It is a history of a people struggling to preserve its identity, of struggle for survival when the two neighbors -Russia and China -were territorially expanding in the XVI-XI centuries. It is also a history of great power rivalries for spheres of influence and back door collusions. The XX century saw Mongolia free itself from two centuries of Manchu rule, unsuccessful struggle for total independence, brief chinese occupation followed by national revo-
lution that succeeded with the support of the Soviets. As a consequence, seven decades of Soviet domination ensued perceived to be the lesser of the two evils.
The XX century also saw Mongolia's revival as an independent state (at a great price), steady growth of its population (tripled in the last eight decades) and cultural renaissance coupled with attempts to Russify its form and content. As to the economy, the basis of modern economy was laid, though heavily dependent on the Soviet Union. It has also undergone social experimentation, including forced expropriation of private property, collectivization, political repressions, suppression of tho religion, physical elimination of the clergy.
1990 was the turning point in its modern history. With the Soviet Union engaged in its own problems, Mongolia was able to change its pro-soviet political orientation and opt for economic independence, political and econornic reform.,; and independent foreign policy. These moves are supported by the people. Political reforms started in 1990. Two years later Mongolia adopted its new, democratic Constitution that has guaranteed the basic rights and freedoms for its citizens. All forms of property have been declared equal; free enterprise has been embraced; the principle of equal justice for all is being pursued. Since the adoption of the Constitution two presidential and two parliamentary elections have been held, as a result of which the state power has gradually been transferred to a new generation of imaginative and energetic people' The party t h a t throughout the XX century was in power found itself in opposition, while the newly f o r in e d democratic parties came to power. The past four years have been instructive for both sides. The years have also demonstrated that democratic principles of government are taking root in the society. Practice has also shown that democracy is not only the rule of the majority, but that it also implies taking into account and respecting the views and interests of the minority~ The next parliamentary elections are to be held on July 2, 2000Central Park Naadam
Mongolian national wrestling and archery champions, singers, dancers and musicians will perform in Central Park and bring the living cultural traditions of Mongolia to New York. Mongolian Gers, (round moveable nomadic homes) will be placed in Central Park to help create the feeling of a Mongolian nomad camp. The American Museum of Natural History's Moveable Museum will also be on site with its display of cultures of three nomadic peoples , including exhibits on the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. For two full days the most famous park in the world will be host to Mongolia's cultural ensemble and introduce Mongolia's historic nomadic traditions to all.
Please call (212) 252-5083 for more information or visit our website at. www.festivalofmongoIia.com
Ger-Home
The Ger is the traditional transportable home of Mongolian nomads. The Ger has been perfectly adapted over centuries to help Mongolians survive comfortably in the frigid cold of up to 60F below zero. It is warm, windproof and can be set up or taken down in an hour.
The Ger can be made up of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, or 12 wood lattice walls. The walls called "hana" are lashed together, to which felt sections are then strapped on. The Ger is then covered with sheets of canvas. A stove in the center warms the Ger. Mongolian nomads can tell the precise time of day by observing the angle of the sunlight in the ger.Mongols and Mongolia Today
Mongols are one of the peoples with an ancient glorious history. They constitute one of the principal ethnic divisions of the Asian peoples In fact the race of the Asian people are known as "Mongoloid".
The statehood of the Mongols dates as far back as 2000 years. In the XIII century the great Genghis Khan united all the Mongol tribes and founded a united Mongol state, which would soon conquer the adjacent lands and later on set up a vast Empire that covered most of Asia and Europe. Historically the empire greatly contributed to developing trade and other contacts between East and West. By the end of the XIV century the Mongol empire gradually disintegrated and most of the Mongols returned to their native land, while some remained abroad and were gradually assimilated into the respective societies.
The Mongols have a unique national culture, a nomadic way of life, a universal Mongolian language The "Secret History of the originally composed in 1240, historical and literary monument of the Middle Ages that describes the life and history of the Mongols. The Mongol Empire not only strongly influenced the emergence of a united Russian state but it also contributed to reversing the disintegration processes in China and laying the foundations of a united China.The Mongolian language, a sub-family of the Uralo-Altaic,is composed of nine major dialects, one of which and script. Mongols", is a unique Khalkha, is the official language of today's Mongolia.In the early XIII century the Mongols adopted the Uighur script which is still used by many Mongolians even today. In 1941 the Government of Mongolia adopted a phonetic alphabet derived from a modified Cyrillic script. Today both scripts are used.
Since the XIV century Mongols practiced Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, though the Mongol Empire encouraged different religions. For centuries Buddhism was influential and widespread among the Mongols. During the communist period in Mongolia (1924-1990), as a result of a communist inspired anti-religious policies, most of the monasteries had been destroyed, while the monks had been either physically eliminated or forced to abandon practicing their religion. Today freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Mongolian Constitution. While Buddhism is reviving, Christianity, Islam and other religions are also taking root.Distinctive, unique culture and way of life as well as Buddhist religion were instrumental for Mongols in preserving their national identity despite the pressures of the population growth in Russia and China. The traditional economy of the Mongols over centuries has been nomadic livestock raising. Even today pastoral activities still dominate the economy of the Mongols, including those of Mongolia.
Mongolia-US Relations
The two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1987. Since 199U their bilateral relations have developed rapidly. These relations include political, economic, trade, as well as scientific and cultural spheres. US support has been important to Mongolia in pursuing its simultaneous political and economic reforms. A growing number of Mongolian students are studying in the United States. People to people relations and interaction between scholars and various NGOs are expanding. Both countries accord each other most favored nation status in trade. Mongolia's membership in the World Trade Organization is creating even more favorable trade conditions between the two countries. Though Mongolia has a small market, nevertheless its geo-economic location, Le between two large and expanding markets of China and Russia makes Mongolia an attractive trade and economic partner for others, including the US
US is the fifth largest trade partner of Mongolia. Still there are enormous possibilities to expand trade. Mongolian cashmere sweaters, leatherware, carpets and textile products are very popular. It is hoped that the trade exhibition to be held in New York on 12 - 16 June of this year will provide Americans an opportunity to see Mongolian products and meet Mongolian trade representatives.Mongolian Railways Tourist & Cooperation Center
http://www.mol.mmrtcc
mrtcc@magicnet.mn
Gobi Desert, Taiga, Steppe and Mountains
DESERT
TAIGA
STEPPE
MOUNTAINS
The Gobi is the second largest desert in the world, that covers the southern third of the country. The Gobi is home to many threatened species, including the Gobi Bear (barely 40 left), the wild camel and the wild ass. Mongolian nomads and their herds have survived in this seemingly inhospitable terrain for centuries.
The mountain forest areas of the Khentei, Khangai and Mongolian Altai mountains cover about 25% of the country's territory. The Altai Nuruu mountains in Mongolia's far west are permanently snowcapped. The highest mountain in Mongolia, Kuiten Peak reaches 4374 meters.The Steppe region of Mongolia covers about 20% of its territory. The rolling grasslands of the steppe zone are part of the Great Steppe that ranges from Eastern Europe to Manchuria.
The famed Taiga forest zone in northern Mongolia, bordering Siberia, is part of the world's largest continuous forest. Covering 8% of Mongolia's territory, the forests are in large part made up of Siberian larch trees that thrive in the Taiga's snowy winters and rainy summers.Mongolia's Protected Parks SystemThe Government of Mongolia has committed itself to placing 30%, or 200,000 sq. miles of its territory in a system of protected parks. This is probably the largest such program in all of Asia. Currently approximately 12% of Mongolia has been secured for this very important purpose, which will help protect many endangered animal species and will be a great heritage for the planet as a whole.
How Mongolia is Perceived by Others
President Bill Clinton: "The United States wholeheartedly supports Mongolia's transition to democracy and a free market economy" (February 1997)
United States Congress: "Mongolia has ... made remarkable progress in establishing a democratic political system and creating a free market economic system." (February 1999)World Bank: "The (Mongolian) Government is rapidly implementing the reforms of its November 1996 Action Plan. It has sharply increased energy prices, passed new banking laws and closed some insolvent banks; started a civil service reform; and has initiated a far-reaching privatization program. These and other actions contain the promise for a sustainable growth on an annual 5 to 6 percent over the medium term." (August 1997)International Monetary Fund: "Mongolia has made extensive progress towards economic reform since it began its transition to a market economy in the early 1990's. ... The Executive Directors (of IMF) welcomed the authorities' bold and ambitious approach to reforms, which they believed would contribute to the achievement of strong sustainable growth if the program were fully and consistently implemented. The authorities' willingness to take politically difficult steps at early stage, including the implementation of large energy price adjustments, the elimination of import duties and the closure of some insolvent banks, provided convincing evidence of their strong commitment to the reform process."Secretary of State: "The U.S. welcomes the success the Mongolian Government has achieved so far in its economic reform efforts and its progress towards sustainable economic growth. (May 1998)United Nations: Mongolia is party to the overwhelming majority of human rights treaties and regularly reports to the appropriate human rights bodies on their implementation.Freedom House: Of the three categories of States (free, partially free and not free), Mongolia is considered a free state. "(The) Judiciary is independent,... freedom of assembly is respected,... freedom of religion is respected in practice and ... trade unions are independent. According to Amnesty International, there are no political prisoners in Mongolia.Transparency International does not list Mongolia in the category of States with corrupt business practices.The Heritage Foundation, in its 1997 Index of Economic Freedom, has marked further progress in Mongolia's efforts for broadening its economic freedom. According to the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Report, Mongolia belongs to the States with medium Human Development Index.UNDP Resident Representative and the United Nations Resident Coordinator: Among the several dozen transition countries that have moved from a centrally planned system to a market economy in the 1990's, Mongolia stands out in many respects ... The market reforms have been boldly accelerated with liberalization of prices and privatization. High inflation ... has been reduced. Public sector reform and legal change are being vigorously pursued by the Government in order to give the private sector the best chance of success in a competitive environment. (Human Development Report, Mongolia 1997)Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan: Mongolia has ample reason to be proud of its achievements during the past decade of peaceful and democratic transition
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