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Home , Architecture of Mongolia, Biyelgee, Demographics of Mongolia, Long song, Prehistoric Mongolia, Tsagaan Sar

Journalist’s guide to

Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 1 WELCOME NOTE

WELCOME TO MONGOLIA!

We are glad that you are here with us in Mongolia, the country of eternal blue sky and democracy. We believe democracy cannot exist without an in- formed citizenry. We also believe that better media is the key to advancing any important cause that could improve people’s lives in this nation and around the world. And we are thankful for your con- tribution to share quality news and in- formation about Mongolia to the world. This guidebook is to help you to quickly learn about Mongolia and pos- sibly write an article from a new and interesting angle during your visit. HAVE A PLEASANT ACCREDITATION STAY IN MONGOLIA, LIST OF DOCUMENTS FOR PRESS ACCREDITATION MANDAKHTSETSEG KHATANBAATAR 1. Official letter from the media on the assignment of reporters ad- Director,The Department of Public dressed to Ms. Mandakhtsetseg.Kh, Director of the Department of Public Diplomacy and Cultural Cooperation Diplomacy 2. CV-s of reporters 3. Official note from the Embassy /applies to permanent reporters/ 4. Introduction of the media 5. Photocopies of passport records of the reporters 6. 2 copies of reporters’ photo 7. Application form filled out P.S: Foreign journalists to work in Mongolia permanently, temporally or under other conditions are required the ATA Carnet, an international customs document that allows the holder to temporarily (up to one year) import technical devices without payment of normally applicable duties and taxes, including value-added taxes.

Accreditation contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: 976-51-261963

2 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 3 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MONGOLIA

LOCATION Mongolia is a land-locked country in the North- bordering with 4.673 km in the south and with 3485 km in the north. It is located on IMPORTANT CONTACTS average altitude is 1580 meters above the sea level. Capital city is , located in north central MINISTRIES 7.MINISTRY OF ROAD AND TRANSPORT Mongolia, the city lies at an elevation of about 1,310 1. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM Ulaanbaatar City, Chingis Avenue 11, metres (4,300 ft) in a valley on the . 3.2 MILLION Ulaanbaatar 15160, Chingeltei district, United Government building 13 nations street 5/2, 2nd building of government (976-11) 62263170 CLIMATE (976-51) 261966 [email protected] Mongolia is located in the Northern Hemisphere (976-51) 266171 www.mrt.gov.mn temperate zone. Situated at an average altitude AREA [email protected] of 1500 m above the sea level separated from the www.mne.mn 8. MINISTRY OF MINING AND oceans, surrounded by high mountain chains that 2 HEAVY INDUSTRY are blocking the wet winds, Mongolia has an ex- 1.565.000 KM 2. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Ulaanbaatar, Street 5/2, treme continental climate. The winter continues long Ulaanbaatar15160, S.Danzangiin Street 5/1, Government building 2 with cold temperature but summer is hot and not 2nd building of government (976-51) 263506 so long. Winter lasts from November to late April, (976-51)267246 [email protected] Spring May through June. In May, the average tem- LIVESTOCK 61.5 million [email protected] www.mmhi.gov.mn www.mof.gov.mn perature is 0 +6°C, +43F, often whit clear cloudless 9. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, skies but windy and dry. 3. MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND SCIENCE AND SPORT MILLION INTERNAL AFFAIRS Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar District, TIME 3.6 Ulaanbaatar City, Chingeltei District, Baga Toiruu-44, Government building 3 Time Zone: GMT +7 to +8 hours. Trade Street 6/1, 5th building of government (976-51) 262227 (976-51) 267533 http://www.mecss.gov.mn/ POPULATION [email protected] Population: 3 million (Source: Population Register) 25.6 MILLION www.mjia.gov.mn 10. MINISTRY OF POPULATION : 1.92 inhabitants per square km DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL PROTECTION 4. MINISTRY OF FOOD, Ulaanbaatar 15160, Chingeltei District, LANGUAGE AGRICULTURE AND LIGHT INDUSRTY United Nations Street 5 The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, and MILLION Ulaanbaatar 13381, Bayanzurkh District, (976-51) 264791 is spoken by 95% of the population. In the west of 4.1 Peace Avenue 16a, 11a building of Government [email protected] the country, Kazakh is also spoken (976-51) 262271 www.mpdsp.gov.mn [email protected], RELIGION http://www.mofa.gov.mn 11. MINISTRY OF ENERGY According to the 2010 National Census, among 0.4 MILLION Ulaanbaatar 17060, Khan-Uul District, Mongolians aged 15 and above, 53% were Bud- 5. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE Chingis Avenue, Government Building 14 dhists, while 39% were non-religious. Mongolian (976-51) 261636 (976) 70043479 http://www.mod.gov.mn [email protected] has been widely practiced throughout 27.9 MILLION www.energy.gov.mn the history of what is now Mongolia, with similar 6. MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION AND beliefs being common among the nomads of central URBAN DEVELOPMENT 12. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Asia. They gradually gave way to Tibetan , Ulaanbaatar 15170, Government building 12 Ulaanbaatar 14210, Sukhbaatar District, but shamanism has left a mark on Mongolian reli- (976-11)327716 Olympic Street 2, Government building 8 gious culture, and it continues to be practiced. The [email protected] (976-51) 263613 residing in western Mongolia, some Mon- www.mcud.gov.mn [email protected] gols and other in the country tradi- www.mohs.mn tionally adhere to .

4 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 5 ABOUT MONGOLIA

NOMADIC CIVILIZATION AND ancient times, had laid the foundation for current WAY OF LIFE IN MONGOLIA bank note (currency) and coins, the nomads had improved the weapon technology and war meth- Mongolians are the people who retain its no- ods in order to protect themselves from the settled madic culture in its original form and tradition. A people. nomad is a creator of a unique lifestyle and civili- Every time some groups of nomads move from zation that harmonize with the laws of nature. The one place to another, new civilization and new lan- main factor of nomadic civilization is the nomadic guage are created. Due to their ability to meet the ETHNIC GROUPS way of life that harmonizes with the nature or pas- needs of accommodation to stay, food to eat and tureland. All the food and clothes are animal origin clothes to wear thanks to their non-disposable There are over 20 ethnic groups in our coun- products which are absorbed by the land, leaving technology, the Mongolian nomads are considered try. Majority of the population is the Khalkha no rubbish and waste. The probability of suffering to be the classic and unique nomads that can never . Some of the ethnic groups retained their loss during the war is relatively less to compare be unforgettable. national origin and traditional cultures. Some of with the people having sedentary lifestyle. Since the pastoral cattle breeding require much them were assimilated by scientific terms. labor and time, the nomads use strict timetable The ethnic groups have certain places and The nomads live in steppe, and labor organization. Everyone has his/her own locations inherited from the ancient time. The Oi- semi-desert and mountainous job duties. Besides performing the job duties, they rats or western Mongolians mainly live in western zones which are suitable always teach the younger generation how to per- provinces. Especially, province is called as places for animal husbandry. form the relevant tasks and duties. ancestral home of various ethnic groups. Khovd The needs of nomadic way of life are always is distinguished by its multi-cultural population. The Euro-Asian nomads lived in a steppe and limited.On thecontrary, such limited needsand It is home to many nationalities and ethnicities gobi deserts, creating new life in the areas where consumption force them to instinctively protect the such as Oold, , Torguud and Zahchin. agricultural farming is not maintained, domesticat- nature and ensure the parity, maintaining the aspi- The ethnicities like Urianhai, Bayaad, Dorvod ing animals and training horses, and camels for ration to have most common lifestyle. According to and Hotons are located in Uvs and Bayan-Ulgii transportation. In addition, besides creating vari- the conclusion of the researchers and scientists, provinces. ous cart saddlers, outfits carriages, pedals and foot the Mongolians didn’t choose cattle breeding since The Khalka Mongols that occupy over 70 levers, these Euro-Asian nomads brought some they were vulgar and lazy. Instead, it is emphasized percent of total population live in almost every goods such as the silk, paper, cloth and fan from that the environmental and geographical features, province of the country. The ethnicities such as the East in exchange for their works. While the dry climate and dried earth have forced them to Dariganga, Barga, Uzemchin, Hamnigan and goods, which had been used in trades and com- choose cattle breeding instead of agriculturalfarm- Buriad live in Easterm provinces. merce between the nomads and settled people in ing

6 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 7 National and International Festivals & Events of Mongolia

Traditional songs, music and arts

The national art is the expression of unique cal instruments such as Yatug-a zithers, way of life, tradition, customs and development of headed fiddle, khuuchir, Limbe (flute), harmonica, a nation, having certain impact on national securi- tsuur, Buree, Tsagaan buree, Yamaan buree, Ya- ty of the country in a broad way. Accordingly every maan buree, Ikhburee, Ever buree, Dokhiurt hen- country considerably focuses on supporting and gereg, tsan, bumbur, khonkh and damar. inheriting the traditional national arts and culture. In addition, UNESCO and affiliated institutions CONTORTION have developed appeal, guidance, recommenda- -There is a historical document stating that tion and declaration, focusing on the important the contortion was staged first time at “Saran of protecting, conserving, preserving, inheriting, huhuu” theater in 17th century. It is the art of advertising and disseminating the national tradi- stretching and bending the body into unusual and tional arts and folklore, tradition-based creations. various shapes, lines and positions. At first Mon- Especially, the national art creations such as golian contortionists used to dance and do contor- the legends, stories, , throat singing, tion at the festivals or in the king’s palace, bending In the first morning of Tsagaan Sar young and Hadag should be given to elder with the open horse-headed fiddle and traditional fine arts in- the body into various shapes such as God’s image, old alike get up early, take some food, tea, table or end of a fold directly to hands of other person and herited from the ancient Mongolians are popularly animal’s movement, patterns and folk dance ele- mat etc and go to “ovoo”, cairn erected as a shrine should be received with both hands and respectful- advertised and have already become recognized ments. Finally, the contortion performances have or to an eminence, and have ceremony such as ly folded and put away. When greeting an elder or by the humankind. become professional performances that combine praying to the heavens and making a ritual start respected guest with hadag special greeting words sport motions and circus performances. in a prescribed direction at . From there, that ask if the greeted person is in good health and LONG DRAWN SONG they go to give New Year greetings to their parents, if the New Year is being good. -The long drawn song or Urtiin duu is one of brothers, sisters, relatives and neighbors in order But the hadag greeting also differs by how the the traditional arts of Mongolia and is the combi- -Biyelgee is a unique form of dance, origi- of age. People greet each other in a unique way. greeting person holds the hadag. If the person has nation of music and song texts. The genre called nated from the nomadic way of life. Dorvod biyel- The younger people vow to the elderly and cross wrapped ring finger twice with hadag, it means he “Long song” because each syllable of text is ex- gee dances are performed in a small space while their hands under the hands of the older people shows respect and greets everyone with hadag and tended for a long duration. A four-minute song half sitting or cross-legged. The nomadic people supporting their elbow, with an offer of “Hadag”, a this hadag stays with the person. Usually elders do may only consist of ten words. The long drawn dance biyelgee together in the spring, summer blue scarf as token of respect. so. song is the unique art of Mongolians which dis- and autumns when the herders gather together. If the person is holding hadag without wrap- tinguish the nation from other nomads. GREETING WITH HADAG ping finger it means he intends to gift the hadag THROAT SINGING Hadag differs by its length and symbols on and one must receive it respectfully.If person you FOLK MUSIC -Throat singing is popular among the peo- it. If it has image of a human it is mostly given to are to greet starts wrapping the ring finger with ha- -Music is the art that outlines and depicts ple residing in western Mongolia and Khuvsgul parents, elders and honored guests. If the hadag dag it also should be understood as great respect human way of life, environmentand creatures regions. The art of throat singing, one form of an- has sun, moon and words, it is mostly used during towards you. viatune. Traditional musical instruments of an- cient traditional Mongolian arts, is inherited from funerals. cient and current Mongolia includes the musi- the ancient Mongolians.

8 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 9 GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL

The Eagle festival, or Golden Eagle festival, is an annual FESTIVAL traditional festival held in Bayan-Olgii aimag,Mongolia. In the eagle festival, Kazakh eagle hunters celebrate their heritage and compete to catch small animals such as foxes and hares with specially trained goldeneagles, showing off the skills both of the birds and their trainers. Prizes are awarded for speed, agility and accuracy, as well as for the best traditional Kazakh dress, and more. The Eagle Festival is held during the first weekend in Oc- tober, run by the Mongolian Eagle Hunter’s Association. Dark, rocky mountainous terrain forms the backdrop to the festivities ing Its Owner from a Distance. Other sporting activities which incorporate an opening ceremony, parade, cultural ex- include horse racing, archery and the highly entertaining hibitions, demonstrations and handcrafts in the centre of town Bushkashi - goatskin tug of war on horseback. of Bayan Olgii followed by sporting activities and competitions A smaller festival, the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival, is 4 km out towards the mountains. Dressed in full eagle hunting also held each year in the nearby village of Sagsai in the regalia and mounted on groomed decorated horses, the en- last week of September. It follows much the same pattern trants compete for the awards of Best Turned Out Eagle and as the larger Golden Eagle Festival, with about 40 eagle aadam Festival is Mongolian major hol- basic rule of the wrestling is the number of wrestlers must Owner; Best Eagle at Hunting Prey and Best Eagle at Locat- hunters participating. iday and a wonderful time to experience be equal: 512 or as many as 1024 during special anniver- the culture and people of this amazing saries. The higher-ranking wrestlers choose from lower land. This is a national festival cele- ranking wrestlers as their competitors. The winners remain brated every year from 11 to 13 July for the next round whilst the loser leaves the competition. acrossN Mongolia that focuses on three traditional games: The competition will continue inthis manner until the very YAK FESTIVAL horseracing wrestling and archery. Mongolian Naadam is last round. Depending on which round the wrestlers win inseparably connected to the nomadic civilization of the and also depending on their previoustitle,they receive a The Yak Festival is one of the most important festivals in Mongols, who have long practiced pastoralism on Central new title. The competition becomes more andmoreinterest- Mongolia. It’s held each year on the July-Autumn. Asia’s vast steppe. Oral traditions, performing arts, nation- ing roundbyround as the winner wrestlers receive titles after In Mongolia, the yak has a great value for nomadic breed- al cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long the fifth round and further. The wrestlers’ titles named after ers. It has many uses and is necessary for the good develop- song, Khoomei , Bie biyelgee dance and prey of birds and strong animals; falcon, elephant, hawk, ment of a farm. The yak can carry equipment on its back or tract fiddle also feature prominently during Naad- garuda, lion and champion. The wrestlers’ imitations of the a cart. Its wood is used for doing clothes, and, as any animal, am. Mongolians follow special rituals and practices during animals’ gesture are of an interest as well. Over theyears, its meat and milk are eaten. Yaks Festival highlights this do- the festival, such as wearing unique costumes and using there are some changes for the Naadam festival rule. Now- mesticated wild animal. distinctive tools and sporting items. adays, women can attend most competitions and games The horse races held outside Ulaanbaatar in the open except for wrestling. This competition is open to women, The program of the entire day focuses on fields. The two-year old horses race a distance of 15 km who draw 20 arrows at a 60 meters target, while men shoot the animal: rodeos, milking trials, beauty whereas the fully-grown horses race 30 km. The races are 40 arrows at a 75 meters target. Annually, thousands of contest, polo on yak back, and races! This performed by small (child) jockeys. They prefer to race tourists head to Mongolia to attend this breathtaking event local celebration attracts a lot of people be- without saddles to be as light and therefore as fast as pos- except for hundreds of journalists broadcasting the cele- cause it’s entertaining and full of surprises! sible. There are a lot to attract your attention at the horse bration worldwide. This is not only festival and holiday for On the occasion, Mongolian people wear racing field such as folk and horse shows, holiday meals Mongolians, this is a day proud of their tradition and unique their nicest traditional clothes to attend or etc except for the horse race Зураг- Wrestling: Wrestlers way of nomadic culture. take part in the different games and trials. wear special clothes to show the beauty and strength of their This is the best time to see the Mongolian people and bodies. There is no categorization according to weight. The soak up the party atmosphere!

10 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 11 WINTER HORSE FESTIVAL TSAATAN FESTIVAL

Winter Horse Festival is organize Hentii province with the Tsaatans, who are the smallest indigenous of aim to attract both domestic and foreign tourist, promote the Mongolia with shamanic beliefs, are desperately trying to pre- integral correlation between horse and human as well as to serve their 3,000-year-old culture, traditions and ancient be- spread the culture of horse. liefs. Tsaatan people have their own language known as Tuvan. Adminstration of Batnorov soum in cooperation with “Eternal Relations” Mongolian-Chinese Counsil and Tusgal Tsaatan people live amidst remote stretches photography group to organize the festival at Batnorov soum of and inhabit some 100, 000 sq kilometers of Hentii province on annually February.Many interesting events mountain taigas on the plateau west and competitions expected at the festival including profession- of Hovsgol Lake. Tsaatan people follow an al photographers will take photos of 1000 horses and horse extremely nomadic lifestyle where they care for herders will compete showing their skills. herds of reindeer upon which they rely for their daily staples. To feed their animals, the Tsaatan lian games are played (archery, wrestling, and horse rid- people move camp every so many weeks. ing), but the festival also featured reindeer polo, reindeer rides, Shaman fire ceremony, and boat rides around the The festival program consisted of roughly the same events lake. DANSHIG NAADAM AND you might expect from any typical Naadam. The three Mongo- TSAM DANCE FESTIVAL MONGOLIAN NATIONAL (deva) and elements of this dance show as if protectors and deities have physically descended on the Jambud- tiva. In Mongolia, the tsam was introduced at the begin- COSTUME FESTIVAL ning of the 18 th century and the first tsam performance in The traditional dress of the Mongols with the Mongolian Mongolia was in Erdenezuu Monastery in 1786. way of life, has a rich history spanning many the climate After the people’s revolution in 1921, the Mongols and the country. The centuries. It is closely connected Mon- stopped celebrating Danshig Naadam but renamed it golian isa robe-like garment that has no pockets. The deel Danshig Naadam originates from the 16th simply “Naadam Festival” and have been holding the is worn with a thin silk sash several yards long tightly wound century, when Mongolia was divided into 7 event annually on 11-12 July to commemorate the vic- around the waist. Mongolian National Costume is a bright ex- khoshuus (region) after Gersenz Jalair Khaan’s tory of the people’s revolution. We can assume that to- ample of culture that introduces foreign guests and tourists to (the 16th generation after ) wid- day’s Naadam Festival is a Danshig, which just lost its’ the marvels of national costumes and folk performances in the ow divided Khalkha Mongol to her 7 princes. religious characteristics. This Danshig Naadam and country. The festival will take place at Chinggis Square, Ulaan- The 7 khoshuus of Khalkha gathered annually Khuree Tsam event is being organised in the framework baatar city. at Danshig Naadam and competed with Three of “Hospitable Ulaanbaatar” project implemented by the Manly Games of the Mongols - namely, ar- Administration of Ulaanbaatar city, Ulaanbaatar Tourism and sheep skins that are decorated with embellishments. During the festival you will chery, wrestling and horse racing. Danshig Department, and co¬organised by the Gandantegchinlen There are 29 ethnic groups currently living in Mongolia experience customs of various was an important event, which unified the rup- Monastery of Mongolia. and each has its own style of deel, distinguishable by cut, Mongolian minorities as well as view turing Khalkha princes under one roof at least There will be public transport available for the color and decoration. The different tribal costumes may be dances including Tsam and hear once a year. It was also a religious and political Danshig goers between Ulaanbaatar and Khui Doloon obvious to Mongolian nationals but tend to go unnoticed national music plus huumii, the event for the . Khudag from several spots (we will post an update once by western visitors. Deels are tailored to be comfortable throat singing. Deel’s are the Tsam dance is an ancient ritual of the info is available), and the Danshig Naadam is free of and practical, taking into account occupation, gender, lo- National dress costume of Mongolia. Buddhism, recorded evidences show that charge for everyone. And of course, there will be “khu- cation and of course the time of year. You may also notice Tsam was first performed in 775-881 in Tibet. ushuur” (Mongolia fried meat pie) and drinks sold at Khui that the deels of married women are far more extravagantly They are traditionally made from a mixture of silks, textiles The word ‘Tsam’ means a dance of the Buddha Doloon Khudag. decorated than those of their single counterparts.

12 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 13 MORIN KHUUR FOLK LONG SONG (HORSE HEAD FIDDLE) PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUE OF Morin khuur is a two-stringed musical instrument of Mongols. As a rule, Morin khuur is played by a male musician for both solo performance and LIMBE PERFORMANCES - accompaniment. Of a particular importance is accompaniment of long song singing and epic telling. CIRCULAR BREATHING Morin khuur represents tradition, lifestyle and culture of the Mongolian people and is a big attribute of various fests, wedding and other different cer- emonies and rituals of nomads. Long ago, a family which has a morin khuur The Limbe is a side-blown flute of hardwood or bam- is considered as a complete and viceversa. Morin khuur was placed in the boo, traditionally used to perform Mongolian folk long songs. UNESCO List of Cultural Heritage in 2003. Through the use of circul ar breathing, Limbeperformers are able to produce the continuous, wide-ranging melodies char- acteristic of the long song. Players breathe in through the nose while simultaneously blowing out through the mouth, using MONGOLIAN VERSION air stored in their cheeks to play the flute without interruption. extinguishing it and blowing through a straw into a Single stanzas of folk long song last approximately four to five glass of water. OF GANJUUR minutes. Limbe playing is characterized by euphonious mel- amount of works with different contents in prose and verses A single song consists of three to five or more stanzas, odies, melisma, hidden tunes and skilful and delicate such as conversation of Gautama Buddha or Shakyamuni with which requires performance of the flute to continue movements of the fingers and tongue. his students about moral and philosophy and parables. The uninterrupted for twelve to twenty-five minutes. Tradi- The technique of limbe performance was inscribed on Ganjuur was translated from Tibetan int o Mongolian during the tional training methods used to acquire this technique the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent period of L igden Khaan ruling or between 160 4 and 1634. The include continuously blowing at a candle flame without Safeguarding in 2011. folio was created in Mongolia in 1819 with use of traditional nine jewels of Mongolians which are gold, silver, copper, pearl, The Mongolian version of the Ganjuur (trans- lapis, turquoise, coral, mother of pearl and steel. lation of the Ganjuur into Mongol ian language) It was in 2013 when the Mongolian version of the Ganjuur is a canonical c ollection of Buddhist works. With created with use of nine jewels was officially listed as a World LONG SONG - PEAK OF THE 110 volumes the unique creation consists of a huge Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. MONGOLIAN VOCAL ART

The urtiin duu or folk long song is a miraculous unmatched phenomenon in the world folklore. Its performance is as com- MONGOLIAN VERSION plicate as it is magnificent. It requires from a singer perfect vo- cal technique, powerful voice and improvised talent. Urtiin duu OF DANJUUR is a lyrical chant made of 32 verses with a highly ornamented melody praising the beauty of the steppe, mountains and riv- which are translated from Sanskrit. There are 254 volumes ers, the love for parents or close friends, expressing reflections available in full versions with roughly 3.5 thousand texts. on human destiny. It is characterized by an abundance of or- Widely spread in Mongolia is a version consisting of 225 vol- namentation, falsetto, a long and continuously flowing melody umes. with rich rhythmical variation, an extremely wide vocal range The Danjuur had influenced much on the Mongolian lit- and a free compositional form. The rising melody is slow and erature and a range of sciences progress. Created by ancient steady while the falling melody is often intercepted with a lively In 2005, the Urtiin duu was proclaimed as a mas- Indian and Tibetan scholars, the Danjuur represents a collec- triplecontinuant, imitating the pace of life in the grasslands. terpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Danjuur consists of comments to the Gan- tion of 3427 works on ten subjects and is a good guidebook juur, teachings and compositions on philosophy, for translators. linguistics, versification, medicine and architecture It was acknowledged as a World Cultural Heritage in 2011.

14 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 15 TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP OF MONGOLGER AND ITS MONGOLIAN TUULI – EPIC ASSOCIATED CUSTOMS Traditional dwelling of nomads - ger undoubtedly is comfort- of Mongolian oral traditions and immortalize the heroic his- able and practical. Made of exclusively of natural materials, the ger tory of the Mongolian people. Epic singers are distinguished is designed for lifestyle of nomads who move from one place to by their prodigious memory and performance skills, combining another all year round. Every part of the ger requires good crafts- singing, vocal improvisation and musical composition coupled manship and has close bond with the culture of the Mongolian peo- with the atrical elements. Epic lyrics are performed to musi- ple. There are many customs related to the construction of the ger, cal accompaniment on instruments such as the morin khuur how to come in and out of the ger, and every furniture has its own (horse head fiddle) and tovshuur (lute). Epics are performed position in ger. Traditional craftsmanship of ger and its associated during many social and public events, including state affairs, customs are placed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of weddings, a child’s first haircut, the Naadam and the worship UNESCO. The Mongolian Tuuli is an oral tradition com- of sacred sites. Epics evolved over many centuries, and reflect prising heroic epics that run from hundreds to thou- nomadic lifestyles, social behaviors, religion, mentalities and sands of lines and combinebenedictions,eulogies, imagination. COAXING RITUAL spells,idiomatic phrases, fairy tales, myths and folk The Mongolian epic was inscribed on the List of Intangible songs. They are regarded as a living encyclopedia Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009. FOR CAMELS Camel has always played its own role in the lives of nomads. The coaxing ritual for female camel is performed to encourage it to accept a new-born calf or to adopt an orphan. The mother is tied close to the calf and a singer begins a monotone song accompanied by gestures and chanting. The coaxer changes the melody depend- ing on the mother’s behavior, which may be initially aggressive, and slowly coaxes her into accepting the calf. The performance of the TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF TSUUR ritual requires great skill in handling camels, as well as talent for ever, have negatively affected its viability. The number of singing and musical skill on morin khuur or the horse head fid- cultural bearers is decreasing rapidly as new generations of worshipping nature an d its guardian spirits by emulating dle or flute. The ritual acts as a symbolic medium for creating and lose touch with their traditional ties to pastoral husbandry. natural sounds. The Tsuur is a vert ical pipe-shaped wood- maintaining social ties among individual nomadic families and their The ritual was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cul- en wind instrument with three finger holes. Simultaneously community. Changes in the social and cultural environment, how- tural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2015. touching the mouth piece of the pipe with one’s front teeth and applying one’s throat produces a unique timbre comprising a clear and gentle. FOLK DANCE BIYELGEE The Tsuur is traditionally played to Regarded as the original forebear of Mongolian national danc- ensure success for hunts, for benign weather, es, Biyelgee dances embody and or iginate from the nomadic way of as a benediction for safe journeys or for l ife. Biyelgee dances are typically confined to the small space in- Tsuur music is based on a combination of in- weddings and other festivities. The music side the ger (nomadic dwelling) and are pe formed while half sitting strumental and vocal performance - a blending of reflects one’s inner feelings when or cros s-legged. Hand, shoulder and leg mov ements express as- sounds cr eated simultaneously by both the musical travelling alone, connects a human to nature, pects of M ongol lifestyle including household labour, customs and instrument and the human throat. Tsuur music has and serves as a performing art. traditions, as w ell as spiritual characteristics tied to different ethnic an inseparable connection to the Uriankhai Mongo- groups. Biyel gee dancers wear clothing and ac cessories featuring lians of the Altai Region, and remains an integral part The music of tsuur was placed on the Li st of Intangible colour com binations, artistic patterns, e mbroidery, knitting, quilt- of their daily life. Its origins lie in an ancien t practice Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009. ing a nd leather techniques, and gold and silver jewellery specific to their ethnic group and community. The dances play a significant role in family and community events such as feasts, celebrations, derstanding among different Mongolian ethnic groups. weddings and labour- related practices, simultaneously expressing The Biyelgee dance was acknowledged by UNES- distinct ethnic identities and promoting family unity and mutual un- CO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2009.

16 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 17 SUTRA GREAT DEITY TARA EAGLE HUNTING

used by Mongolians for prayers. It was created by the Buddhist Eagle hunting is the traditional activity of keeping and Shagj Sangajav in 1914, measuring just 4.9 cm by 5.4 training eagles to take quarry in its natural state. Originally a cm, the sutra of the Green and White Tara is considered as one way of obtaining food, eagle hunting is today identified with of the smallest manuscripts in Mongolian history, and show- camaraderie and sharing rather than subsistence. Eagle hunt- cases the country’s socio-cultural changes over the years. ing is found in Bayan-Ulgii aimag and is practiced by Kazakh people of all ages and mainly men. Eagle hunters develop a The unique work consists of 62 strophe strong relationship and spiritual bond with their birds, and poems, 250 lines, 5718 alpha characters, 2510 commitment is required to breed, train, handle and fly the ea- lines in a verse, and a total of 8228 characters gles. Eagle hunting forms the basis of a wider cultural heritage, The Sutra Great Deity Tara from Mongolia has in Tibetan language. In the Sutra, the including traditional dress, food, songs, music, poetry and been inscribed in the Asia-Pacific Register of the dance, sustained by the communities and clubs that practice it. Memory of the World in 2014. White and Green Tara was written each in red and black in Eagle hunting or falconry was placed on the List of Intan- The Sutra Great Deity Tara is a miniature book with its different abstraction. gible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. contains 79 handwritten lines of religious text often

ART OF SINGING - KHOOMEI

multitud e of Khoomei techniques in Mongolia are grouped within two main styles: the “kharkhiraa” (deep Khoomei) and “isgeree” Khoomei (whistled Khoomei). In “kharkhiraa” the singer sings a drone in a normal voice, w hile emphasizing the underton e or subharmonic one octave below. In “isgeree” Khoomei, it is th e overtones above the fundamental note of the drone that are emph asized, creating a higher- pitched whistle. REMINDER In both cases, the drone is produced with very taut vocal co rds, and the melody is created by modulating the size and shape 1. Please always take your passport, badge and Press card with you. Khoomei is a form of singing originat ing in of the mouth cavity, opening and closing the lips and moving 2. Please pay close attention to your personal belongings. western Mongolia, in the A ltai mountains. The per- the tongue. Khoomei is performed by Mongolia n nomads in a 3. Please call to 62262222 to contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs in emergency issues. forme r imitates sounds of nature, simultaneously variety of social o ccasions, from grand state ceremoni es to 4. During the tourist season “Tourist guide-Police” will be working to show necessary assistance. emitting two dist inct vocal sounds: along with a c festive household events. Khoomei is also sung during herd- 5. Necessary contacts: ontinuous drone, the singer produces a melody of ing, and inside the yurt to lull babies to sleep. - 102 for police assistance harmonics. Khoomei literally means pharynx, and The khoomei art of singing has been on the L ist of Intan- - 103 for health assistance it i s believed to have been learned from birds, gible Cultural Heritage since 2010. - 101for fire emergency whose spirits are central to shamanic practices. The - 1900-1991 for taxi

18 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA 19 20 Journalist’s guide to MONGOLIA