Jul 9, 2015

Mongolia (Part 3): Chinggis Khaan Square

Chinggis Khaan Square (formally Sukhbaatar Square)
Chinggis Khaan Square (formally Sukhbaatar Square) - in the morning

Status of Sukhbaatar at Chinggis Khaan Square
Status of Sukhbaatar at Chinggis Khaan Square
Chinggis Khaan Square (formally known as Sükhbaatar Square) is the main square of Ulaanbaatar. During my time in Ulaanbaatar I was staying at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, I walked across the square each time to visit locations towards the west and south of the city.

At the center of the square stands the statue of the hero of the Mongolian People's Revolution, Damdin Sükhbaatar.
Damdinii Sükhbaatar (Mongolian: Дамдины Сүхбаатар; February 2, 1893 – February 20, 1923) was a founding member of the Mongolian People's Party and leader of the Mongolian partisan army that liberated Khüree during the Outer Mongolian Revolution of 1921. Enshrined as the "Father of Mongolia's Revolution", he is remembered as one of the most important figures in Mongolia's struggle for independence. (Source: Wikipedia)

Click on the photographs to enlarge the image.
Status of Sukhbaatar at Chinggis Khaan Square - diagonal viewStatus of Sukhbaatar at Chinggis Khaan Square - side view

On the West side of the square are the UB City Government building and the Confederation of Mongolia Trade Union building.

On the East side of the square is the State Opera and Ballet Academic Theater.

On the North side is the Government Palace.

On the South side is Chinggis Khaan garden. The tall skyscraper is the The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower.

View of the West side Chinggis Khaan Square
View towards the West side of Chinggis Khaan Square
View of the East side Chinggis Khaan Square
View towards the East side of Chinggis Khaan Square
View towards the North side of Chinggis Khaan Square
View towards the North side of Chinggis Khaan Square
View of the South side Chinggis Khaan Square
View towards the South side of Chinggis Khaan Square


The Government Palace
North side of the square is the Government Palace is a status of a seated Chinggis Khaan protected by two statues of Mongolian warriors mounted on horses. The ancient Mongolian warriors on horse back was a force not to be reckoned with, they were able to cross harsh terrains at great speeds and distance. They were also deadly with bows and arrows.


The Government Palace at Chinggis Khaan Square
The Government Palace

Statue of Chinggis Khaan at the Government Palace
Statue of Chinggis Khaan
Mongolia Warrior Statue - Left Side.
Mongolia Warrior status on the left side.
Mongolia Warrior Statue - Right Side.
Mongolia Warrior statue on the right side.

Activities
In the afternoon of 17 June when I was at the square, a noticed a large group of ladies beautifully dressed and made up a the square and the government palace. It appeared to be some kind of graduation ceremony as they can be seen carrying some kind of folder which I assume held their certificates and some held bouquet of flowers. Smaller groups were posing to take photographs individually and in groups by the government palace and the Chinggis Khaan statue.

Chinggis Khaan Square - group of graduates
Chinggis Khaan Square - beautiful ladies 1
Chinggis Khaan Square - beautiful ladies 2
Chinggis Khaan Square - beautiful ladies 3

In the evening of 19 June, we can find people skating on roller blades and skateboards, and cycling about. The bicycles can be rented by vendors which set up their stalls in the evening time. Parents can also rent remote control toy vehicles for their young children to play with.

There were also street stalls selling food and drinks at a side of the square.

Chinggis Khaan Square in the evening.
Chinggis Khaan Square in the evening.
Chinggis Khaan Square in the evening. Toys for rent.
Remote control toy vehicles for rent.

During the International Yoga Day on 21 June 2015, a large stage was set up on within the square for yoga instructors and yoga practitioners were performing yoga activity and exercises there. You can read more about it from this article from UB Post.


Just A Thought Ah
This place reminded me of Tugu Negara (Malaysia's National Monument) and Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur) - both rolled into one.

At first glance, it looked like a simple tourist attraction where you will just spend about 10 - 15 minutes to take photographs of statues of previous leaders that made an impact to Mongolia's history.

However, if one was to take the time to observe the activities and events that take place during the morning, afternoon and evening, and the weekends - you'll notice that this place still serves as an active communal point for both locals and visitors. So if you have the opportunity to visit this place; find a shaded spot, chill and take in the scene of life that is unfolding at the Chinggis Khaan Square.

No comments:

Post a Comment