Discover the Rich and Unique Culture of Mongolia
Take a journey through the culture of Mongolia — a land of wide-open steppes, deep traditions, and ancient wisdom. Here, nomads still roam the land, music flows from the heart, and spirituality runs deep.
Let’s explore the language, beliefs, and lifestyle that make Mongolia truly special.
Nomadic Lifestyle: The Heart of the Culture of Mongolia
The culture of Mongolia begins with the nomads. In the countryside, many people still live the way their ancestors did. They move from place to place with the seasons.
Nomads raise five types of animals: goats, sheep, cattle (including yaks), camels, and horses. They follow the land, always looking for the best grass and water.
This way of life has shaped Mongolian culture for thousands of years.
Over time, Mongolia has also been influenced by other cultures. Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese customs, and Russian-European ideas have all played a part in shaping the modern culture of Mongolia.
Mongolian Language and Script: A Key Part of Cultural Identity
The Mongolian language is central to the culture of Mongolia. It is the country’s official language. Most people speak the Khalkha dialect, written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
Mongolian belongs to a larger language family that includes Turkish, Kazakh, and Korean. Today, over 10 million people speak Mongolian, not only in Mongolia but also in parts of China and Russia.
Mongolia also has its own traditional script, called Uyghurjin. This older writing system was used for many centuries before Cyrillic was introduced in 1946. Now, many people are working to bring it back, as it is a proud symbol of national heritage.
Religion and Spiritual Life in the Culture of Mongolia
Shamanism: Mongolia’s Ancient Belief System
Shamanism is one of the oldest parts of the culture of Mongolia. It goes back to long before Chinggis Khan’s time.
Mongolians believed the sky (called “Hoh Tenger”) was their father, and the earth was their mother. They prayed to the sky and the spirits of their ancestors for good weather, health, and success.
Even during the communist era, the government restricted religion. Still, people quietly preserved their beliefs. Today, many visit shamans to ask for blessings, healing, and guidance.
Tibetan Buddhism: A Major Spiritual Tradition
Since the 1500s, Tibetan Buddhism has been a key part of the culture of Mongolia. It was brought by a Mongolian king named Altan Khan.
Many Mongolians follow Buddhist teachings. Monasteries have been rebuilt, and Buddhist ceremonies are common again.
The Dalai Lama is very respected in Mongolia. Many people combine Buddhist beliefs with old Shamanic traditions.
Other Faiths in Mongolian Society
The culture of Mongolia is mostly Buddhist, but it also includes other religions. Around 6% of people in Mongolia are Muslim.
Most of them are ethnic Kazakhs who live in the western part of the country. They practice their faith peacefully and add to Mongolia’s cultural diversity.
Arts and Music: The Sound of the Culture of Mongolia
Khoomii: Mongolia’s Famous Throat Singing
Music is a big part of the culture of Mongolia. One of the most unique styles is Khoomii, or throat singing.
In this style, one singer makes two sounds at the same time — a deep hum and a high, whistle-like tone. It takes a lot of practice and skill. This music comes from a deep connection with nature and the vast landscape.
Urtiin Duu: The Long Songs of Mongolia
Urtiin Duu, or Long Songs, are another traditional form of music. These songs are slow, emotional, and poetic.
They talk about nature, love, and life on the steppe. The singer stretches out the notes in a beautiful, flowing way. Long songs are one of the oldest parts of Mongolian musical culture.
Morin Khuur: The Horsehead Fiddle
The Morin Khuur, or Horsehead Fiddle, is Mongolia’s most famous instrument. It has two strings and a carved horse head at the top.
It’s more than just an instrument — it’s a national symbol. People play it at festivals, ceremonies, and even at home.
The Morin Khuur is closely tied to both Khoomii singing and Mongolian storytelling. It truly brings the culture of Mongolia to life.
Thank you for joining this journey through the culture of Mongolia. From the deep-rooted nomadic lifestyle to its powerful music and spiritual traditions, Mongolia is a place where the past and present live together in harmony.
