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Chingis Khan is everywhere these days; looking out the window of my apartment I can him on a billboard for a local store, with the sacred Mountain of Burkhan Khaldun in the background. |
Sign on Sukhe Baatar Square in downtown Ulaan Baatar announcing the 840th Birthday of Chingis Khan |
American action-movie star Steven Seagal arrived in town for ten days to celebrate Chingis's birthday and drum up interest in his proposed movie about the life of Chingis Khan, with himself of course of Chingis. No word yet on who will play Borte . . . or Jamukha. |
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On the way to Khodoo Aral - the place known as Bayan Ulaan Uul, in the Kherlen River Valley |
At the south end of of Bayan Ulaan Uul begins the immense steppe where Khodoo Aral is located. This is where the huge khural, or assembly, to choice Chingis Khan's successor was held and where the Secret History of the Mongols was written. |
Before arriving at the monument to the Secret History of the Mongols, where the birthday celebration was being held, we stopped at nearby Ogodei's spring for some naturally carbonated mineral water; better, in my opinion, than Perriers. |
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The entrance to the compound where the celebration was held was guarded by Mongolian warriors. |
Memorial to Chingis Khan |
Another view of the Memorial to Chingis Khan |
 One of Chingis Khan's camps, known as Aurag, was near here, and commemorated by this sign. |
Arrival at the celebration by Mongolian President Bagabandi (right) and Prime Minister Enkhbayar (left). |
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