H.E.Mr.Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, issued a decree on 9 June 2012 to annually celebrate the Day of National Pride, based on the results of scholars’ researches and suggestion of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. The decree pointed out that the date of birth of the Great Chingis Khaan – Temuujin was to be determined as the first day of the first month of winter of 1162 or, according to the lunar calendar, the year of the Water Horse of the Third 60 years. The decree also pointed out that the birthday of the Great Khaan to be named as “The Day of Mongolian Pride” and shall be celebrated publicly.
The Day of Mongolian Pride will be celebrated for the fifth time this year. The first day of the first month of winter by the traditional lunar calendar ties with different days of the Gregorian calendar each year, thereby, the Day of Mongolian Pride is celebrated on different days of Gregorian calendar each year. This year it falls on 31 October.
In the 13th century, Chingis Khaan founded the Great Mongol Empire by unifying the Mongols divided in many local groups. The main significances of the foundation of the Great Mongol Empire were the unification of all Mongols under the rule of one state, consolidation of their internal unity, expanding prestige of the Mongol Empire internationally and an emergence of the independent state of the Mongol people in the world history.
Chingis Khaan not only founded his own state, but also conquered the countries of the Eurasian steppes and united the Great Mongol Empire. The Mongol Empire has existed for more than 200 years and contributed to the historical development of the world. Thus, two centuries out of the 21 the Mongols contributed to the historical development of humanity.
It is undeniable that many people suffered and much cultural valuables were destroyed during the invasion. However, the Mongol Empire continually organized the works to restore and develop the conquered countries.
Chingis Khaan’s recovery of the Silk Road, connecting the East and the West, and safeguarding of its security, as well as establishment of post-road stations, has greatly contributed in promoting mutual understanding between different nationals, learning from each other’s cultures, and developing economic and cultural ties.
“Washington Post” acclaimed Chingis Khaan as “Man of the Millennium” in 1996, and the UN General Assembly adopted a special resolution in November 2005 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the Great Mongol State worldwide. The resolution noted that the nomadic civilization has played a significant role to develop a wider trade network and to establish major administrative, cultural and religious centers. Following this decision, the “Genghis Khan and his heritages” international exhibition and various conferences were held in Germany, Austria, Hungary and many other countries.
Chingis Khaan’s historical role has been highly praised internationally and it is inevitable for his descendants to remember him and to be proud on his endeavors. The annual celebration of the Great Khaan’s birthday in Mongolia is an important way to introduce history and culture of not only Chingis Khaan but also the Mongolians to many countries and peoples around the world.