Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is located at the confluence of the Tuul and Selbe rivers and is surrounded by four sacred mountains. It lies at the foothills of Bogd Khaan Mountain, covering an area of 4,700 sq.km. As of 2020, Ulaanbaatar's population was over 1.5 million, making up nearly 50% of Mongolia's total population. The city is situated at an average altitude of 1,351 meters above sea level. The name "Ulaanbaatar" means "Red Hero," a title given after Mongolia declared independence from China. The city primarily stretches from east to west along the main road. Its sprawling suburbs are bordered by the four majestic mountains and rivers. Ulaanbaatar is divided into nine districts and 122 khoroos (subdistricts). In the last 20 years, a population boom has transformed it into a busy and rapidly developing city. While livestock that once roamed the city are no longer commonly seen downtown, Ulaanbaatar remains a place where modern life blends with traditional lifestyles.

-         History of Ulaanbataar: The foundation of Ulaanbaatar is closely tied to Mongolia's political history. The city was established in the 17th century, just before the Qing Dynasty's domination of Mongolia.

In 1639, Zanabazar, a direct descendant of Genghis Khan, was chosen as the spiritual leader of Khalkha and given the title of "Saint." The city was founded as a Buddhist center dedicated to Zanabazar's residence in Shireet Tsagaan Nuur (now part of Burd soum, Uvurkhangai province). The establishment of the capital was aimed at pursuing a centralized policy and unifying the noblemen and people against the rising Manchu (Qing Dynasty) state in Central Asia.

Over the years, the city changed its name five times and moved locations 28 times along the valleys of the Orkhon, Tamir, and Tuul rivers. It finally settled in its current location in 1778, when it was renamed Ikh Khuree. The city was previously known by various names, including Orgoo, Nomiin Khuree, Ikh Khuree, Da Khuree, and Niislel Khuree before being named Ulaanbaatar.

After the 1911 revolution, Bogd Khaan decreed that the city be named Niislel Khuree, meaning "Capital City." Finally, on October 29, 1924, Niislel Khuree was officially designated the capital of the Mongolian People's Republic and renamed Ulaanbaatar.

Between 1780 and 1870, more than 70 settlements and temples were built, including the present-day Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, established in 1809. In 1861, the Russian consulate was founded in the city. By 1910, the population of Khuree had grown to 50,000.

Once a religious and commercial center, Ulaanbaatar has served as the capital of Mongolia since 1911. According to the 1924 constitution, the city was officially renamed Ulaanbaatar.