Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia marked its 373th anniversary on October 29.

373 years ago, namely in 1639, the foundation of Ulaanbaatar was laid upon declaring High Saint Zanabazar, a son of Tusheet Khan Gombodorj as the religious leader of Mongolia and establishing the capital.

In its 373-year history, the capital of Mongolia had moved from place to place 28 times and changed its name for several times. The valley where the present city is located is named Altan Tevsh or Gold Trough valley in between four mountains. The capital city moved to the valley in 1778.
In the 1910s, the capital city had a population of over 40 thousand residents. That time the city was divided into nine parts such as Zuun Khuree, Gandan, west and southeast khoroos, Maimaa town and Consul hillock. Today, Ulaanbaatar’s population exceeds one million 200 thousand people. It has been developed into a large metropolitan combining the modern settlement civilization with nomadic one.

By a decree of the President of Mongolia, morin khuur-horse headed fiddle /national musical instrument/ and the Secret History of Mongols have become one of attributes in every family and organization. In this regard, authorities of the city paid a respect to the city’s khuur and the Secret History of Mongols.

On the occasion of the anniversary, a ceremony was held to wave the state and city’s flags on the central square named after D.Sukhbaatar for the first time. The official flag of the Mongolia’s capital has an image of Garuda /mythical bird/ - symbol of Ulaanbatar which is drawn with white color on the blue background. Garuda is deity of Bogdkhan Mountain located in the south of the city and has been worshipped as the King of birds since Huns period. In legends, Garuda symbolizes courage and justice.