The Melding of Modern and Traditional Mongolia

“Chinggis Khaan” in bright red neon affixed to the airport terminal is the first thing we see when landing

• Togluulagch 11 player

in the capital of Ulaanbaatar – an apropos introduction to a nation that under Chinggis (1162-1227) and his descendants became one of the largest kingdoms ever recorded. Reaching its zenith in the 13th century Chinggis Khaan (who we in the west know as Genghis Khan) collected the tribes of the steppes, named them Mongols, and with an army of 100,000 skilled horsemen conquered the most powerful civilizations of the time (extending into today’s Russia, China, and Europe). His fierceness as a warrior was tempered by good – he introduced written script in the Mongolian language, religious freedom, and great wealth for the country, and sought to incorporate universal political and economic systems. Today he is a symbol of united strength, law and order to Mongolians.
Rick’s Mongolia Photo Gallery

After stashing our bags at the Kharaa Hotel we walk down Peace Avenue, the main street of Ulaanbaatar (shortened to UB by locals). This crowded main thoroughfare is lined with shops, as well as vendors selling everything from apples to brown cedar nuts called “Samar” from sacks on the sidewalk, or even from the trunks of their vehicles. Everywhere I look locals are cracking these small nuts with their teeth like sunflower seeds, so I purchase a cup full, and although tasty the knack to readily get the nutmeats out of the shells escapes me.