Ulaanbaatar commemorates its 385th anniversary
The 385th anniversary of the Capital City was celebrated on October 29, 2024. The Capital City was first established by the name "Urguu" in 1639. The city subsequently changed its name five times: "Nomiin Khuree" in 1651, "Ikh Khuree" in 1706, "Niislel Khuree" in 1912, and finally "Ulaanbaatar" in 1924, Montsame reports.
Since its establishment, the city changed its location 28 times. In 1778, the city settled at its current site south of the Bogd Khaan Mountain, along the banks of the sacred Tuul and Selbe Rivers, near Khun Chuluun Khonkhor. To commemorate this settlement, a “Khun Chuluun” monument was erected as a marker. In 1994, a memorial "Melkhiit Khushuu" (Turtle Monument) was added to the northern part of the area to immortalize this historic event and promote awareness for future generations. The City pays tribute to the Monument every year to commemorate the Anniversary.
It is recorded that the first foundation of the Capital City was laid with the establishment of the Shar Busiin Ordon (Yellow Palace), with the enthronement of the First Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutugt of Mongolia, exalting him to Undur Gegeen Zanabazar. A Gerelt Monument was erected in this location in 1999, which the city honors every year on the anniversary.
On October 29, 2024, the city authorities and members of the Citizens' Representative Khural paid their respects at the Melkhiit monument, accompanied by the melody of the Morin Khuur, a traditional Mongolian instrument Horse-Head Fiddle, and Traditional Tsam Dance.