states: [mongolia]
category: cultural
year: 2004
location: Orkhon-Kharkorin Region
region: Asia and the Pacific
latitude/longitude: 47.5566666700, 102.8313889000
The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mongolia, is a historically and culturally significant region showcasing the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions over more than two millennia. It features ancient archaeological remains, including the 6th-century Turkic memorials, the 8th-century Orkhon inscriptions—the oldest known Turkic writings—and the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. The landscape, encompassing grasslands, rivers, and mountains, reflects the enduring relationship between humans and nature, with sites like the Erdene Zuu Monastery highlighting its spiritual importance. This valley stands as a testament to Mongolia’s pivotal role in shaping Eurasian history and culture.
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