On the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, is the magnificent Genghis Khan Statue, made using 250 tons of stainless steel!
A majestic sight to behold, the famous statue of Genghis Khan sits proudly atop his noble steed. Covered in armor and wielding a golden whip believed to bring fortune, power, and success, the statue pays tribute to the most famous conqueror in Mongolian history and arguably the entire world.
Tsonjin Boldog
In the district known as Tsonjin Boldog, vast green landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. Traditional Mongolian homes, known as “yurts,” can be seen across the plains, a reflection of the country’s nomadic roots. Indeed, such a location is far more fitting than the modernized central city of Ulaanbaatar for the installation of the Genghis Khan Statue.
The Glorious Genghis Khan
Love or hate him, the Statue of Genghis Khan is a magnificent spectacle.
Standing in its lone glory at an elevated height of 40 meters, it’s easy to spot even from miles away!
Underneath the statue is a history museum featuring exhibits related to the life of Genghis Khan as well as Mongolia’s nomadic history and traditions.
Historical Museum
It’s worth visiting the museum to see some interesting historical artefacts. I was surprised to see old Mongol scripture and how it resembled Arab or Persian writing, a result of Uyghur influence during the early 13th Century. Other cool exhibits included nomadic dresses, weapons, and other war artefacts, and portraits of Genghis Khan. Since he never allowed his image to be taken, these portraits are not a true reflection of what the great ruler looked like, but rather a reflection of distinctive Mongol features that have become widely accepted as the representative portrait of Genghis Khan.
The Big Boot of Genghis Khan
While I’m sure there’s not much competition for it, it’s worth noting that this monument portraying the boot of Genghis Khan is indeed “the world’s largest boot.”
Truthfully, this design simply reflects the boots that the Mongol army wore during their world conquest, so there’s nothing specific to differentiate Genghis Khan’s boots from those of his comrades.
Similar to a cowboy’s boot, the toe area is curled up, a design choice that’s not just for aesthetics but practicality in avoiding the toes getting caught in bushes and rocks while on horseback.
Panoramic Views
The Genghis Khan Statue is not just for admiring at a distance, but you can actually stand on it too! Accessed via the museum, you can walk up a staircase that leads to the top of the horse’s head, which acts as a balcony, allowing you to touch the statue and get close-up views of its design details. What’s more is that you get amazing panoramic views of Tsonjin Boldog’s landscapes, making for a great photo opportunity alongside the statue!
Holding The “Saker Falcon”
In Mongolian culture, the saker falcon is a symbol of power and freedom, often associated with Genghis Khan, who admired their flying speed and hunting prowess.
The bird was officially named Mongolia’s national bird as of 2012, and the government has installed thousands of artificial nests to support the conservation of this endangered species.
At the Genghis Khan Statue complex, you can enjoy interacting with the saker falcon among other animals, such as horses and camels.