Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The tribes of modern Mongolia lack the political, economic or social independence
that one might encounter in tribal areas of Pakistan, southern Africa, India or the Amer-
icas. However, many Mongols still associate closely with their tribal roots. The Buriats,
for example, sponsor the biannual Altargana Festival, which draws Buriats from all over
the country as well as Buriats from Russia and China.
While it can be difficult to differentiate between some of these tribes, a few are starkly
unique. The Tsaatan, who live in
orts
(tepees), speak a distinct Turkic language and herd
reindeer, are one of the most identifiable ethnic groups. The Khoton people in western
Mongolia are also easily distinguished as the only Mongols to practice Islam.
When meeting minority groups, ask about their traditional clothing, which can be quite
distinctive, as is the case with the Dariganga peoples of Sükhbaatar aimag. The Kazakhs,
who live primarily in Bayan-Ölgii aimag, are a Turkic tribe with cultural roots in Islamic
Central Asia.
In the 1990s, when the government of Mongolia asked its citizens to choose a clan
name, 20% of the population adopted the name 'Borjigan', the clan of Chinggis Khaan.
Tribes in Modern Mongolia
The following is a list of some of the main ethnic groups you may encounter:
Barga
Originally from the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, the Barga number about 2000
and live in remote border areas of Dornod aimag. Many Barga also live in Inner Mongolia
(China) around Dalai Nuur and Hailar. Barga consider themselves descended from Alan
Goa, a mythical figure described in
The Secret History of the Mongols
.
Bayad
Descendants of Oirat Mongols; about 50,000 live in the Malchin, Khyargas and
Züüngov
sums
of Uvs aimag. The most famous Bayad was the 13th-century princess
Kököchin (Blue Dame), whom Kublai Khaan betrothed to the Il-Khanate khan Argun. It
was Marco Polo who was selected to escort Kököchin on her journey to Persia.
Buriat
There are around a half million Buriats in North Asia (around 50,000 live in Mongo-
lia with others in Russia and China), making them the largest ethnic minority in Siberia.
Buriats are known for their strong associations with shamanism. Among Mongols, they
are also unique in their lifestyle; most live in log cabins instead of gers. You'll meet many
Buriats in northern Khentii and Dornod aimags.
Dariganga
During the Qing dynasty era, this ethnic group received special recognition
from the emperor. They were responsible for supplying horses to the emperor in Bĕijīng
and today they are still regarded as excellent horse breeders. During the Qing era, the
Dariganga also gained skills as blacksmiths and silversmiths. Their traditional headdress,
chock-full of silver, is considered the most elegant and valuable of its kind.
