Ulaanbaatar, July 1, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The international academic conference titled “Undur Gegeen Zanabazar: History, Heritage, and Culture—390” is taking place on July 1-4, 2025, at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

The Government of Mongolia issued a resolution in December 2024, to celebrate the 390th anniversary of the birth of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, a prominent political, social, religious, and cultural figure of Mongolia this year.

Former Member of the State Great Khural, Doctor of Science, and Professor Lundeejantsan Danzan remarked, “Research on Zanabazar has relatively intensified since 1995. Foreign scholars are studying the cultural heritage and timeless creations of Undur Gegeen and introducing them to the world. It is vital, particularly for the younger generation, to erase the historical blank spots and promote the truth, to understand this individual’s role in history as the head of religion in Mongolia and a philosopher who emphasized unity and peace. One clear example is the Soyombo Script. On the auspicious 390th anniversary of the birth of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, Mongolians are encouraged to remain united, humane, ethical, and just.”

Director of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum Chuluun Sampildondov noted, “This international academic conference is organized within the framework of commemorating the 390th anniversary of  First Bogdo of the Mongols Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, who has immortalized his name in world history. This conference marks the culmination of research on Undur Gegeen over the past decade. Zanabazar strived to maintain equal relations with the Russian Empire in both religious and political affairs. The Russian side continually expressed its view of him as merely a local khutugtu. For seven years, excavations and archaeological research have been conducted on the remnants of the Saridag Monastery, regarded as a creative palace of Undur Gegeen. We are presenting the outcomes and findings of the research to international scholars. The findings include evidence that a seven-meter forty-centimeter clay Buddha statue was constructed at the Saridag Monastery. The research results will serve as a foundation for registering Undur Gegeen’s heritage with UNESCO.”

The Conference is attended by researchers from more than 10 countries, including the Russian Federation, the United States, the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the People’s Republic of China, Hungary, and the Federal Republic of Germany. Additionally, more than 200 scholars and leading researchers are participating virtually. 

On the occasion of the 390th anniversary of the birth of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, under the auspices of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, a special exhibition titled “Mongol Craftsmanship: Heritage-Creation” is prepared to be displayed at the “Chinggis Khaan” National Museum to promote the art of Mongol craftsmanship.  The exhibition is jointly organized by the Office of the President of Mongolia, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia, the “Tumen Erdenes” Association of Craftsmen, the National Museum of Mongolia, the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, and the Union of Mongolian Artists.