Karakorum Ancient capital

car on a road

18

Jan
2017
Karakorum Ancient capital
Posted By : Admin/1157

Karakorum was the capital of Great Mongolia Empire in thirteenth century. It is located on the right bank of Orkhon river, 400 km south-west of Ulaanbaatar which is the current capital of Mongolia. All around this stronghold, craftsmen's and traders' quarters and other houses were gradually built, until, by about 1230, the area had taken on the appearance of a town.

On the ruin of the Karakorum, Mongolian first and largest Buddhist monastery was built in 1586. The most of the construction material ware taken from Karakorum ruin. Erdenezuu monastery is surrounded 400×400 meters of walls with 108 stupas. By the 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas. 1930’s is the darkest part of Erdenezuu like  other monastery in Mongolia when religion was forbidden. Fortunately, in 1960’s monastery was reopened as a museum and religious service has been reactivated since 1990.  By the time, main parts of the monastery works as a museum where exhibits Buddhist artworks and facilities, only a temple holds religious activity. Nearby, Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in 8-9th centuries in memory of outstanding fighters for independence. Located 360 km away from Ulaanbaatar. Elevation is 1600 meters above sea level. The world famous place for its wonderful relics of the past.