On November 24, National Pride Day was celebrated, marking the 860th anniversary of the birth of Chinggis Khaan, which customarily falls on the first day of winter on the traditional Mongolian calendar.
On this occasion, a traditional ceremony of exalting the Nine White Banners took place at Sukhbaatar Square. The Nine White Banners, which are kept at the State Palace, were brought to the square by a cavalcade of nine honorary guards.
By the presidential decree, the Supreme Decoration of the Mongolian State, the Order of Chinggis Khaan, was awarded to American scientist, professor of anthropology and emeritus at Macalester College Jack Weatherford in recognition of his valuable contribution to the development of Chinggis Khaan Studies and to academician of the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences Ph.D. D.Dorjgotov for his significant contribution to the environmental (soil and land) and climate studies.
During the award ceremony, President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh remarked, “Chinggis Khaan is the guarantee of Mongolia’s existence, the symbol of national unity and the golden chain of the Mongolian people’s past, present and future. The history of Chinggis Khaan is not only the history of Mongolians but also the history of the world. It is a great tradition for the president to award the state supreme decoration to citizens, artists, legal entities, foreign citizens, public servants and social workers, whose extraordinary deeds have made a huge contribution in fulfilling this legacy.”
Weatherford is the author of the “Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World” book, which is internationally known and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA, he graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in sociology and anthropology.
He expressed, “The great heroes of world history are lawmakers. Chinggis Khaan did not invent a new religion but he granted freedom to all religions. I pray that the light of the eternal blue sky of Mongolia will shine forever on the nation and the descendants of Children Khaan. Mongolia is the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan.”
D.Dorjgotov graduated from the Moscow State University with a degree in agro-chemistry and soil science in 1962. He has been working continuously for more than 60 years at the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences as a researcher, senior worker, head of the Soil-Geochemistry Department, director and senior researcher. He led more than 30 research projects in the field of soil, geography, environment and ecology of Mongolia and organized more than 40 international field expeditions. D.Dorjgotov also published more than 300 books, monographs, scientific journals and other works. Of these, more than 110 were published in Russian, English, German and Chinese.
D.Dorjgotov commented, “I am happy to receive the Order of Chinggis Khaan as a representative of the hundreds of people working in the field of science. I consider it a great appreciation and trust in science. In cooperation with great Mongolian and foreign scientists, we went to almost all regions of Mongolia and conducted research. I went to about 250 out of the 330 soums in Mongolia. Without soil, there is no terrestrial life. Therefore, it is necessary to study, love and talk about it. We live in a microcosm. So there is a lot to explore.”
The Order of Chinggis Khaan comes with an ornament with 36 grams of gold, the president’s gifts, a right to attend all state ceremonial events such as the opening and closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival, Lunar New Year and other historical anniversaries, and a special right to accompany the president on some foreign visits.
SPEAKER URGES TO REFLECT CHINGGIS KHAAN’S IDEALS IN STATE POLICIES
Commemorating the birth anniversary of Chinggis Khaan, the parliamentary honorary session took place on November 24 at the State Palace.
At the session, Speaker of Parliament G.Zandanshatar highlighted, “The president issued a decree ordering every office and household to pay respect to Chinggis Khaan in order to study and spread his great deeds and valuable heritage. Last month, the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which meets international standards, was built and put into operation. Two days ago, Dr. B.Sumiyabaatar presented his 2,262-page book, ‘The Secret History of the Mongols: The Study’, based on his 60-year research.”
He pointed out that Chinggis Khaan founded the Mongol Empire by uniting the Mongols and establishing the methods of governance and law enforcement, making a valuable contribution to the development of state.
“In the future, while studying the great king’s deeds, teachings, state values and heritage, it is very important to reflect and implement his ideals in the current state policy formulation and legislative activities,” the speaker said.
ACADEMIC CONFERENCE HELD
The “Mongol Empire and the Legacy of Chinggis Khaan” Academic Conference was held on November 23 at the State Palace.
During the academic session, the “Four Patents of Mongolia in Studies of the Secret History of the Mongols” by Doctor of Linguistics, Professor B.Sumiyabaatar and translator G.Akim was unveiled to the public.
Head of the Office of the President Ya.Sodbaatar gave an opening speech. He emphasized, “The history and culture of the Mongol Empire, which was ruled by the Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan and his successors, were chronicled by scribes.”
He thanked all scientists who are striving to research, preserve and disseminate the history and culture of Mongolia through their works.
Ya.Sodbaatar also noted that President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh is paying special attention to glorifying the deeds of Chinggis Khaan and reinforcing its value.
By the decree of the president of Mongolia issued on January 9, 2012, it was decided to officially declare Chinggis Khaan’s birthday as National Pride Day based on the conclusion of a corresponding working group as well as a suggestion received from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. The day is being marked for the 10th year this year.
The main purpose of the celebration is to strengthen national independence, sovereignty and national unity and remind Mongolia of its glorious history, unique culture and traditions, as well as promote them to tourists from all over the world.
