Discover Karakorum: The Ancient Capital of the Mongol Empire
Karakorum sits in the center of Mongolia, in the beautiful Orkhon Valley. Long ago, it was the capital city of the Mongol Empire, from 1235 to 1263.
Even though the city became famous in the 1200s, its story began much earlier. People may have started living in the area around 750 AD. But in 1220, Genghis Khan chose it as his base. From there, he planned many of his major military campaigns, including his attack on China.
As time went on, Karakorum grew into a busy and important city. It became a center for government, culture, and skilled craftsmanship. The best builders and artists of the time helped design and build it. Because of this, the city became known for its beauty and advanced way of life.
Sadly, Karakorum’s golden age didn’t last. It was badly damaged during a time of civil war and fighting within the empire. In 1267, Kublai Khan moved the capital to Khanbaliq (now Beijing). Later, in 1388, Ming dynasty soldiers destroyed what was left of Karakorum. Today, only ruins remain of what was once a great city.
Erdene Zuu Monastery: Mongolia’s First Buddhist Monastery
A few hundred years later, something new was built on the old site of Karakorum. In 1586, a powerful prince named Avtai Khan founded Erdene Zuu Monastery. It became the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
Today, this monastery is one of the most special and spiritual places in the country. It’s surrounded by a stone wall decorated with 108 stupas, a holy number in Buddhism. The buildings inside show a deep connection between faith and Mongolian art.
At its height, Erdene Zuu was full of life. It had 60 to 100 temples, over 300 traditional Mongolian gers (felt tents), and was home to almost 1,000 monks.
Visitors can still see beautiful artwork from the 17th to 19th centuries. Inside the monastery, there are colorful paintings, carved wood, embroidery, and statues. Talented Mongolian artists and craftspeople made all of them.
The Stone Turtles of Kharkhorum
Just outside the monastery, you’ll see two ancient stone turtles. These were once part of the original city of Karakorum. In the past, there were four turtles, each placed at a corner of the city to protect it and mark its borders.
These stone turtles are more than just statues. In ancient times, each one held a stone slab (called a stele) on its back. These slabs had important writings carved into them.
Not far from the turtles, there’s a raised area behind a wire fence. Many believe this is where the palace of Ögedei Khan once stood. He was Genghis Khan’s third son and played a big role in the growth of the Mongol Empire.
