Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East Asia, bordered by Russia and China. It has a population of approximately 3.3 million people and is known for its vast, rugged landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history. The country has a long and complex history that dates back thousands of years, with influences from various civilizations, including the Mongol Empire, Chinese dynasties, and Soviet Union. Mongolia gained independence from China in 1911 and has since undergone significant political and economic changes. Mongolia is home to many different ethnic groups, including the Khalkha Mongols, Kazakhs, and other minority groups. The culture is characterized by traditional practices, such as nomadic herding, horseback riding, and throat singing (khoomei).

The country’s cuisine features meat dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies), as well as dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) and aaruul (dried curd). Mongolia is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Gobi Desert, the Altai Mountains, and vast grasslands. The country is home to many famous landmarks and attractions, such as the ancient city of Karakorum and the Erdene Zuu Monastery.

Books

51TTQFMK4PL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_

1

4.1/5

Genghis Khan
and the Making of
the Modern World

by Jack Weatherford

51H1PsSkF8L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_

2

4.4/5

The Secret History
of the Mongol Queens

by Jack Weatherford

312qN5yM9DL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_

3

3.9/5

Hearing Birds
Fly

by Louisa Waugh

915aptMBPML._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_

4

4.2/5

The Tiger Queens


by Stephanie Thornton

71+PeeYMfiL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_

5

4.1/5

Book of a
Thousand Days

by Shannon Hale

“Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World” is a non-fiction book by Jack Weatherford that explores the life and legacy of the famous Mongol conqueror, Genghis Khan. The book examines how Genghis Khan’s leadership and military strategies shaped the modern world, from his unification of the Mongol tribes to his creation of the largest contiguous empire in history. It also explores his impact on culture, religion, and government, as well as his influence on individuals and leaders throughout history. Overall, the book presents a nuanced and insightful portrayal of Genghis Khan and his impact on world history.

“The Secret History of the Mongol Queens” by Jack Weatherford is a non-fiction book that focuses on the history of the Mongol Empire and the significant role played by women in the empire’s success. The book explores the lives and accomplishments of several Mongol queens, including Genghis Khan’s daughters and granddaughters, who held positions of power and influence in the empire. Through detailed research and analysis, the book reveals the little-known but remarkable contributions of these women to the Mongol Empire’s military, cultural, and political achievements. It is a fascinating and illuminating account of an often-overlooked aspect of Mongol history.

Hearing Birds Fly” is a non-fiction book by Louisa Waugh, which chronicles her experiences living in a remote village in the mountains of northeastern Afghanistan. Through her vivid descriptions, Waugh provides insight into the traditional way of life of the Kyrgyz people, as well as the challenges they face in a region that is often subject to political instability and violence. The book is a fascinating and immersive glimpse into a culture and way of life that is very different from that of the Western world.

“The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan” is a historical fiction book by author Stephanie Thornton that explores the lives of four women who were wives and daughters of the famous Mongol leader Genghis Khan. The book portrays the women as strong and capable, with their own ambitions and desires, and highlights their influence on the politics and power struggles of the Mongol Empire. It is a fascinating portrayal of women’s roles and experiences in a male-dominated society, and a tribute to their resilience and tenacity.

“Book of a Thousand Days” is a young adult fantasy novel written by Shannon Hale. The story follows a maid named Dashti who is locked in a tower with her lady, Lady Saren, for seven years as punishment for rejecting a forced marriage proposal. As they struggle to survive in their isolated tower, Dashti records their experiences in a journal, and the two women must confront their fears, desires, and a mysterious, malevolent force that threatens their lives. The book explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the power of storytelling.

Movies

91x-IzXSkhS._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

1

3.7/5

The Legend of
Gobi

MV5BMTYyNzMzNzAwM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODM1NjY0NzE@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_
Play Video

2

3.9/5

Genghis: The Legend of the Ten

51Qg4rT8TIL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

3

3.7/5

The Mongolian
Connection

71w9E1Ah61L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_
Play Video

4

3.6/5

The Cave of
the Yellow Dog

91tBw3AqjTL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

5

3.7/5

By the Will of
Genghis Khan

The Legend of Gobi is a 2019 Mongolian adventure film based on a true story about a dog named Gobi and her friendship with a marathon runner, Dion Leonard. The film follows Dion as he competes in a 155-mile race across the Gobi Desert and meets Gobi, who joins him on his journey. The film showcases the bond between humans and animals and the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

“Genghis: The Legend of the Ten” is a 2012 historical action movie from Mongolia that tells the story of the legendary Genghis Khan and his ten loyal warriors who fought against invading forces. The movie follows the journey of these brave warriors as they defend their homeland and ultimately rise to power under the leadership of Genghis Khan.

“The Mongolian Connection” is a 2019 action-thriller film directed by Drew Thomas. The movie follows a former MMA fighter who travels to Mongolia to help his late brother’s business partner, only to get caught up in a dangerous world of underground fighting, human trafficking, and organized crime. The film stars Amarsaikhan Baljinnyam, Kaiwi Lyman-Mersereau, and Sanjar Madi.

“The Cave of the Yellow Dog” is a 2005 Mongolian drama film directed by Byambasuren Davaa. The story revolves around a nomadic family living in the vast grasslands of Mongolia. The film follows the young girl Nansal as she discovers a stray dog and tries to convince her father to let her keep it as a pet. However, her father is hesitant as their family’s traditional beliefs consider dogs to be dangerous and unclean. The movie explores themes of family, tradition, and the relationship between humans and animals, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mongolian countryside.

“By the Will of Genghis Khan” is a 2009 Mongolian-Russian historical action film. The movie portrays the early life of Genghis Khan, who unites the Mongol tribes and leads them in battle against the Jin dynasty. The film depicts the struggle of the Mongols for survival and the rise of Genghis Khan to power.

Music

Mongolian music has a unique and rich tradition that reflects its nomadic heritage and diverse cultural influences. Traditional Mongolian music includes a variety of genres, such as throat singing (khoomei), long song (urtyn duu), and epic poetry (tuuli).

Throat singing is a unique vocal technique in which the singer produces two or more distinct pitches simultaneously. Long song is a slow, melodic style of singing that is often accompanied by the morin khuur, a traditional two-stringed instrument. Epic poetry is a form of storytelling that is accompanied by traditional instruments like the tovshuur (lute) and the igil (horsehead fiddle).

 

Articles

Cultural Reads

Would you like to receive a bi-weekly movie, music & book recommendation from all around the world?