We interviewed Dr. O.Angaragsuren, a conservator at the National Library of Mongolia, about the current state of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape and the challenges facing cultural heritage conservation. Dr. O.Angaragsuren is a professional painter who earned his doctorate in cultural heritage conservation from Kyoto University in Japan. From 2016 to 2021, he worked as an assistant researcher in the department in charge of conservation, preservation, and protection at the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

Could you provide information on how cultural heritage is restored?

Cultural heritage represents invaluable assets passed down through various periods, each with a distinct journey. Some heritage items are well-preserved in their original condition, while others have faded, worn out, or broken over time. Depending on the extent of the damage, the need for restoration arises. However, the most critical principle is to maintain the original appearance and integrity of the artifact. Restoration should focus on extending its lifespan based on how it originally looked. The preferences of the institution that owns the heritage item also play a significant role in determining the restoration approach. If the goal is full restoration, broken or damaged parts are reassembled. The first step is to study how the item was crafted and identify the traditional materials used. Subsequently, similar materials are employed to repair the damaged sections. Even when fully restored, it is crucial to ensure that future conservators can disassemble the new sections made with substitute materials. Therefore, meticulous documentation is required, including details on the adhesives and techniques used. Restoration should never cause damage to cultural heritage. Thorough research must be conducted before any intervention.

For example, the Shoroon Bumbagar Tomb in Bayannuur soum of Bulgan Province was discovered in 2011. This site is unique as an underground structure located five meters below the surface, with a corridor extending approximately 40 meters in length and walls covered with paintings. We cleaned the murals and reattached some detached paint layers. Additionally, there was a pressing need to preserve the site without causing further damage over time, prompting environmental research. The surrounding environment plays a vital role in long-term preservation. We also needed to determine whether the cracks were worsening. If they were expanding, we had to identify the cause. Depending on the nature of the damage, restoration approaches may vary, whether reducing, halting, or preserving the item in its current state for a long period.

There is a perception that Mongolia faces a shortage of professionals in cultural heritage research and conservation. Is there also a lack of equipment and laboratories?
 

Until recently, there was no formal education program in this field within Mongolia. In the 2000s, the School of Fine Arts at the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture graduated a single class of restoration specialists. Since then, no additional specialists have been trained domestically. As a result, the field relied on individuals who gained knowledge and skills through hands-on experience over many years. However, in recent years, more individuals trained abroad in this field have returned to work in Mongolia. Moreover, the School of Mechanical Engineering and Transportation at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology has started training restoration specialists.

The field’s reliance on professional laboratories is a distinctive feature. Therefore, the availability of such laboratories in Mongolia becomes a critical issue. Material analysis is the first step in cultural heritage restoration. Unfortunately, Mongolia does not have specialized laboratories for this type of analysis. Internationally, material analysis often involves the use of X-rays. While similar in function and purpose to those used in hospitals, these X-rays are designed for long-term exposure and energy measurements to extend lifespan. Various equipment, including X-ray machines, tomography scanners, and shortwave material analysis apparatus, is necessary to collect baseline data. However, such equipment is expensive. Laboratories are also essential for restoration work, requiring proper ventilation and chemical storage facilities. Recently, laboratories of this kind have been established at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Institute of Archaeology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences also has a laboratory for metal cultural heritage. The National Center for Cultural Heritage also conducts certain types of research. However, there is still no foundational research laboratory for comprehensive material analysis.

There have been numerous cases where cultural heritage has been altered and made to look new by mixing up colors, paints, and materials under the pretext of restoration. What is your stance on this?
 

Internationally, the principle is to preserve heritage exactly as it is. In other words, damaged artifacts are kept in their original state. The fundamental principle is to undertake restoration steps within the framework of preservation and protection. However, the restoration processes carried out in our country are quite concerning. In other words, restoration can be compared to surgical procedures in medical science. If the artifact being restored is seen as the patient, the surgery and treatment performed are not even able to diagnose the problem, let alone heal it. It’s like cutting off someone’s arm when they have a toothache, fitting a prosthetic arm, and claiming the restoration was successful—that’s a narrow-minded approach. Cultural heritage naturally suffers various damages over time, so identifying the root cause should always come first. In our country, the step of ensuring professionalism is clearly lacking. Furthermore, just as medical records are kept for patients, there should be a detailed restoration report. Everything, including the initial state, how it was restored, and what materials were used, must be documented meticulously. Restoration methods are constantly evolving, so professionals in this field must continuously develop themselves, update their knowledge, and keep pace with modern advancements. 

Cultural heritage is unique, just like humans. Therefore, people who handle such precious objects should adhere to the highest ethical standards. In some cases, if the method of restoration is unclear, one should have the ethical sense to stop and say, “This should not be touched at this time”. Additionally, in all countries worldwide, there is a system for classifying cultural heritage based on its value and significance. For example, heritage is categorized as unique, valuable, and so on. For artifacts and cultural heritage outside museum environments, protection levels are determined at the national, provincial, capital city, and district levels. In foreign countries, strict requirements are imposed on those restoring heritage classified as unique and invaluable. Criteria such as years of experience and academic qualifications are meticulously assessed. Only those who meet these requirements are allowed to handle such heritage. But in our country, there are no criteria at all. It raises concerns, such as whether anyone can freely handle the invaluable masterpieces of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar.
 

Our country registered the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. However, there are now discussions about establishing the New Kharkhorum City within this heritage site. Is this appropriate?
 

In 2004, Mongolia registered the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape as its first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It encompasses the territories of five soums in two provinces: Bat-Ulzii, Khujirt, and Kharkhorin soums in Uvurkhangai Province and Khashaat and Khotont in Arkhangai Province. This area is rich in history, housing thousands of cultural heritage artifacts. Among these, 29 were selected as representative examples and registered as part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. These include numerous invaluable cultural artifacts, such as sacred mountains and natural landmarks, as well as immovable monuments, tombs, burial mounds, stone statues, temples, and monasteries. The site was registered as a World Heritage Site based on three fundamental criteria. Therefore, Mongolia bears the responsibility before the global community to preserve, protect, research, promote, and pass down this heritage intact to future generations. Though it may seem like a site that exists only within Mongolian territory, it is actually a globally significant site that humanity must preserve and protect.

However, what is the current state of this heritage site? In the Umain Am area of Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai Province, it has been severely eroded by floodwaters and has been heavily affected by natural elements. Additionally, the ruins of the ancient Khar Balgas, the capital of Uyghur Khanate, are in a precarious condition. Only a few remnants of walls remain. The compacted stupa and other structural remains within the area are cracking, crumbling, and collapsing year by year. Furthermore, cultural heritage sites that are exposed to natural elements suffer significant damage due to extreme climate conditions such as wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations. The Erdene Zuu Monastery’s walls have cracked, and its stupas have collapsed. The glazed roof tiles have fallen and broken, and these deteriorations have been visible for many years.

Moreover, the infrastructure development planned around Shunkhlai Mountain has been handled carelessly. Electric poles have been installed amidst the heritage sites, and roads have been built almost right next to them. Illegal looting of cultural heritage artifacts within the Orkhon Valley is also rampant. The list of issues goes on endlessly. Cultural heritage near densely populated soums and settlements faces threats due to infrastructure planning, land management, and agricultural land use.

As a researcher, I sincerely hope that relevant authorities will pay close attention to safeguarding these World Heritage-listed artifacts and develop specific policies to ensure their preservation and protection for future generations. The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is quite extensive in terms of land area, and its cultural artifacts are spread across the site. Now the New Kharkhorum City is planned to be adjacent to this heritage site, with construction work set to begin soon. Therefore, an investigation should be conducted to assess the potential impact of the new city on the heritage site. It is essential to engage international experts with the support of UNESCO for this purpose.

The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape was registered as a World Heritage Site in part because of its emphasis on nomadic animal husbandry and the associated intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, the concept of the new city should incorporate ideas for preserving, developing, and ensuring the coexistence of nomadic animal husbandry and diverse cultural traditions. This planning should be guided by the core values inherent in the heritage site.

What international measures are taken to preserve UNESCO World Heritage sites?
 

Since these are inscribed as UNESCO cultural heritage sites, maintaining their original state and integrity is of utmost importance. Once a site is inscribed, the respective country assumes responsibility for it on behalf of humanity. Continuous and stable restoration activities must be prioritized for their preservation. The Orkhon Valley, with its numerous cultural and historical layers, including ancient cities, settlements, and architectural ruins, requires ongoing archaeological excavations, heritage research, preservation, restoration, and conservation. Activities also include the utilization and management of immovable cultural heritage and green space development, ensuring harmony with the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it is essential to align local infrastructure and urban planning with the unique characteristics of the heritage site, rebuild architectural remains, and develop comprehensive tourism products, museums, and cultural spaces.

Cities with similar historical and cultural heritage sites develop unique standards, values, and characteristics. There is a growing need for comprehensive measures to research, protect, and promote the Orkhon Valley’s cultural heritage to pass it on to future generations. Preservation efforts must be based on step-by-step research and scientific studies to determine long-term protection and restoration methods for both above-ground and underground cultural heritage.

What immediate steps should be taken to preserve the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape?
 

In Japan, two major national institutions are dedicated to cultural heritage research, one of which is the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties. Nara, the first ancient capital of Japan, holds immense cultural significance, and the preservation of its historical sites is prioritized. They have established educational and educational museums to protect, preserve, and display archaeological finds and educate the public on their value. They also create open-air museums for newly discovered underground structures and establish creative cultural industries.

Moreover, systematic efforts are made to protect and restore the ruins of long-destroyed buildings. Green spaces are developed alongside cultural heritage areas to create pleasant environments for visitors. Applying similar methods to the Orkhon Valley would involve researching, preserving, and restoring its ancient cities, settlements, architectural ruins, and immovable cultural heritage while conducting archaeological excavations and developing tourism products and cultural spaces.

A professional organization is required to manage these efforts and ensure the efficient implementation of research, excavation, restoration, and tourism planning. Establishing a National Research Institute for Kharkhorin’s Cultural Heritage would significantly improve preservation and restoration efforts for immovable cultural heritage and heritage sites. Repairing and preserving immovable heritage, especially temples, demands time, skilled professionals, material analysis, research laboratories, and equipment. Therefore, attracting international investment in this field is essential.

Nations worldwide strive to have their cultural heritage inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, undergoing numerous stages and steps. However, UNESCO also delists sites if they fail to meet criteria, lose their value, or face risks. For example, sites in Oman, Germany, and England have been delisted due to compromised authenticity and integrity. UNESCO’s specialized experts conduct risk assessments and evaluations before such decisions are made. Therefore, Mongolia must conduct thorough studies and predictions to anticipate potential risks, engage in detailed research, and hold multilateral discussions to determine the best course of action for the Orkhon Valley.

Mongolia has the potential to protect, preserve, and make its inscribed cultural heritage accessible while creating cultural spaces. An example is the four kilns from the Great Khaans’ era located behind Erdene Zuu Monastery, excavated by the Mongolia-German Joint Expedition but reburied due to a lack of display options. There are numerous similar buried artifacts in Mongolia. Proper construction around these artifacts would enable their public display.

It is crucial to use cultural heritage sites for tourism while implementing comprehensive utilization solutions. Decisions should carefully plan where to construct roads, pedestrian paths, parking areas, service zones, and tourist information centers. However, caution is required, as examples from other countries demonstrate how overdeveloping tourism can damage cultural heritage. Advanced countries have taken measures to reduce risks associated with high-tourism traffic.

By D.CHANTSALMAA