Orkhon inscriptions, Ancient stone inscriptions in Orkhon Valley, Mongolia.
The Orkhon inscriptions consist of two memorial stone tablets carved with Old Turkic script and Chinese characters in a remote valley setting.
During the 8th century, the Göktürks erected these stone monuments to commemorate the deeds of princes Kul Tigin and Bilge Khagan.
The inscriptions reflect early Turkic administrative systems, military campaigns, and diplomatic relations between the Göktürk Khaganate and Tang Dynasty China.
Visitors can reach the inscriptions by traveling fifty miles north of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, with guided tours available from Ulaanbaatar.
Danish philologist Vilhelm Thomsen deciphered these inscriptions in 1893, revealing the first known examples of written Turkic language.
Inception: 8 century
Part of: Orkhon Valley
GPS coordinates: 47.56056,102.84111
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:05
The national parks, deserts, lakes, and natural sites in Mongolia form a diverse natural heritage. The Gobi Desert features sand dunes and rock formations. National parks like Gurvan Saikhan and Gorkhi-Terelj offer mountain and canyon landscapes. Lake Khövsgöl and the Orkhon Valley are major natural sites. Buddhist monasteries, including Amarbayasgalant and Erdene Zuu, reflect the country's religious history. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, combines historical monuments and modern architecture.
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