Buddhist monuments in the Orkhon-Tuul region

Archaeological and historical evidence reveals the Orkhon-Tuul region as a pivotal center of cultural, economic, and religious exchange from the 8th to 17th centuries, where successive ethnic groups—Uyghurs, Khidans, and Mongols—interacted, shaping Mongolia's cultural landscape. The study highlights the evolution of Buddhism in the region, transitioning from a minor influence during the Uyghur Kaganate to dominance by the 17th century, alongside the development of urbanization and legal systems. Fortification structures, administrative complexes, and religious sites—such as Ordubalyk (Khar Balgas), Khar Bukhyn Balgas, and Chin Tolgoi—demonstrate the layered impact of these groups on the landscape. By integrating written sources with archaeological findings, the research deepens understanding of ethno-confessional dynamics in central Mongolia.

Ignatova, M. M., & Kitinov, B. U. (2025). Buddhist monuments in the Orkhon-Tuul region. RUDN Journal of World History, 17(4), 551–565. https://doi.org/10.22363/2312-8127-2025-17-4-551-565