How do you imagine Mongolia? Do you think of its poverty or its hospitality? Of its extensive use of Pantene or of no baths for a year in some places? Of its +30C° summer or -50C° winter? Of its beloved Prime Minister or of Genghis Khan? You probably know Mongolia by the greatest (but not the cruelest) of its rulers, Genghis Khan.

Do you know how many FIRSTS are related to Mongolia?

٠ The use of dry milk by the Mongols in the 13th century has been noted in the travel diary of Marco Polo. Later in 1853 the American Borden initiated the modern way of making dry milk.

٠ Knowledge among the Mongols of wolfram (tin) in the 13th century has also been noted. Wolfram was officially discovered in Europe in 1781.

٠ There is evidence that the Mongols used duralumin extensively in their daily life in the 18th century but pure duralumin was used only in 1854 in Europe.

٠ The Bogd Khan Mountain of Mongolia was sanctified by the "heaven's decree of protection" in 1778.

٠ The First international paper money was published by the decree of Genghis Khan in 1227 and Ogedei Khan republished it in 1236. The "Penetrating treasure" paper money with an image of a golden spiral pattern was issued in 1260 in Mongolia. Later Persia used paper money in 1294, India in 1330, Japan in the thirteen century, France in 1716, England in the 1800s, Russia in the 18th century and America in 1620.

٠ Some scientists believe that the first ski was made by the Mongols with animal bones. It was noted by Rashid Ad Din and Gilliom de Rubric.

٠ The first gunpowder artillery was experimented with by the Khitan Khanate of Mongolia in 1076. It seems that Arabians took firearms from Khitan Mongols later in the 13th century.

٠ An 18 cm long, 7.5 cm diameter cartridge-case of an artillery shell that confirms firearm usage in the battles in the 13th century was found in the ancient capital of Mongolia- Khar Khorum.

People who live in places with severe weather and who live by hunting and livestock breeding are forced to make seasonal migrations constantly, seeking better pasture and adjusting to the climate. This life style created a nomadic culture that was unique in the world, and the world has wondered about nomadic culture for centuries.

As urbanization, civilization and globalization take root, the nomads are migrating in only one direction, and not back - to the centralized places to escape their primitive life style and nature-dependant life.

If you would like to see the most contrast-filled life of the Mongols in all its variations, you have to hurry; otherwise you will never know what the nomads were. They are changing or trying to change their lives into your life style.

The daughter of Sanjdorj Magsarjav Bicheech, a well-known historian of Mongolia, is waiting to welcome you!