Kharkorum: Chengis Kahn's capital

Today, we are in Kharakorum. This was the capital of the Mongol empire. Chengis Kahn chose the location, but it's not clear if he was ever here after construction. He was almost constantly on the move "pacifying" new countries. It ceased to be the capital after only 150 years, when the Ming dynasty conquered Mongolia, and the Mongol empire collapsed.

Then, as now the city had about 20,000 inhabitants, but the old city was very different. Inside a city wall, there were separate areas for Budists, Muslims, and Christians . Each with its own distinct architecture and places of worship. Many of the inhabitants were skilled prisoners of war. Blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. who were needed to build the town and to make weapons.

I know all this thanks to a fantastic museum built with Japanese help. What's really fantastic in Mongolia is that for parks and museums, there is either no entrance fee, or at most, it costs $2.50 for adults, and children are free. In this particular case, the modest entrance fee comes with a private English speaking guide.

The only part of the old city that remains is the budist part. Indeed, there are still monks and a working temple. We were all fascinated by visiting the temple where a group of monks endlessly chant prayers. No photos were allowed, but I captured the sound (videos).Read more