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The history of the Mongolian capital is related to Kharakhorum,
which is located in the Orkhon river valley. Kharakhorum, the historical
capital of Mongolia, is thought to be have been built in 1220, but
historians agree that it had been there long before. Kharakhorum
lasted for 140 years, 32 years of which it was the capital city
of the Mongolian Empire. Many travelers, including Wilhelm Rubruck
in 1254 and Marco Polo in 1274, visited the city.
According to some records, the history of the present capital city
started in 1639 when the foundation for the residence of the son
of Gombodorj, Zanabazar, proclaimed the Undor Gegeen (the Head Saint),
was laid in a place called the Burd (presently Arkhangai aimag).
The settlement was called Khutagtyn Urge.
The city was moved from one place to another along the Tuul and
Orkhon river valleys more than 20 limes. Only in 1778 a new city
was built in the present capital city location. The name of the
city was also changed many times. It was Urgoo, Nomin Huree, Ikh
Huree, Da Hurec, Niislel Huree, and in 1924 after the People's Revolution
it became Ulaanbaatar.
Ulaanbaatar is
located in the valley of the Tuul river, between the beautiful mountains
of Bogd, Bayanzurkh, Songino and Chingeltei at the height of 1351
meters.
Ulaanbaatar occupies 135,800 hectares has 633.9 thousand habitants,
and 8 districts in Ulaanbaatar: Bayanzurkh, Bayangol, Songino-khaikhan,
Chingeltei, Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul, Nalaikh and Baganuur. The capital
city is the country's scientific, education, cultural, political
and economic centre. Ulaanbaatar can be called a students' city.
More than 100 state and private institutes and universities including
the National University, State Pedagogic, Technical, Medical, Agricultural,
Cultural Universities, the School of Liberal Arts, are located in
the city. There are more than 90 secondary schools and 100 kindergartens.
The State Circus, Drama theatre, Opera and Ballet Theatre, Folk
Song and Dance Ensemble, Muppet Theatre and other cultural centers
are also in Ulaanbaatar.
Ulaanbaatar has nice museums with rich and interesting collections.
The interesting places to visit will be the National history museum,
Bogd Khaan Museum, Museum of fine Arts, Gandan monastery and Choijin
Lama Museum-temple.
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