Photo courtesy of Office of the President, Mongolia

The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) extends their greetings of peace and solidarity to the Mongolian People's Republic as they celebrate their 112th National Independence Day this December 29, 2023.

History

This day honors the autonomy of Mongolia after years of being under the Qing Dynasty. Like other nations, Mongolia wanted to have their own state as they fought for the retention of their culture since it was slowly being superseded by the Chinese culture and way of life.

Mongolia during Qing Dynasty
Photo courtesy of Language Conflict Encyclopedia

The Xinhai Revolution then overthrew the Qing Dynasty in May 1911 and Mongols were able to fight through the Mongolian Revolution as they freed themselves from Chinese rule. Mongolia became a Bogd Khaanate (Great Mongolian State) through the enthronement of 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu as the King of Mongolia and a theocratic ruler on December 29, 1911.

The 1911 Revolution and the liberation of Mongolia in 1911 gave way for the country to fully gain and restore national autonomy in 1921 through the 1921 People’s Revolution. From 1921 until 1924, Mongolia worked to institute a new government.

The Mongolia Independence Day was made into a public celebration on August 16, 2007, following the parliamentary resolutions. It was later on made into a public holiday on December 23, 2011, marking the 100th anniversary of the declaration of their independence.

Photo courtesy of Office of the President, Mongolia

Mongolia celebrates their Independence Day through a wreath-laying ceremony to the Chinggis Khaan Statue on the central square, which is being attended by state officials. This includes raising the national flag, dining out, viewing of fireworks and also wrestling tournaments.

Genghis Khan Statue Complex near Ulaanbaatar, Photo courtesy of Hubpages

References

  • Aminaa, K. (2017, December 29). Today is National Freedom and Independence Day.
    MONTSAME Mongolian News Agency. https://www.montsame.mn/en/read/132930
  • Kiani, T. (2021, December 12). MONGOLIA INDEPENDENCE DAY - December 29, 2023 -
    National Today. National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/mongolia-independence-day/