Khovd history

One of the oldest cities in the country, Khovd boasts a rich history rooting back to the 17th century. Unlike many other settlements in the region that emerged around monasteries, this city was originally established as an agricultural and military centre, playing a key role in the development of the western territory that is now occupied by Mongolia.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in 1685 by Galdan Boshugtu Khan, the ruler of the Dzungar Khanate. Initially, the settlement was located in the Khovd tract and was conceived as a base for developing agriculture and strengthening the Oirat positions in the region. Later, following the fall of the Dzungar Khanate and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty's rule, the city was relocated to the banks of the Buyant River, where it stands to this day.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Khovd was determined by a combination of unique geographical and geopolitical conditions:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the foot of the Mongol Altai Mountains, the city served as a natural outpost for controlling western territories and acted as a vital hub on trade routes.
• Administrative Status: In 1762, the Manchu fortress of Sangiin Kherem was built here. The city became the administrative centre of the Khovd district, hosting the Amban (Chinese governor) who managed these vast lands.
• Trade: Proximity to the borders with Russia and China transformed Khovd into a bustling trading post, through which caravans carrying tea, furs, and livestock passed.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to its status and location, Khovd was distinguished by a multicultural environment from its early years. It was inhabited not only by Mongol peoples (Oirats, Khalkha Mongols) but also by Chinese merchants, Manchu officials, and later, Kazakh settlers. The city's economy was unique for a nomadic civilization: thanks to the waters of the Buyant River, irrigated agriculture developed successfully here, and locals grew grains and vegetables, including the famous Khovd watermelons.

Chronology of City Development

• 1685: Galdan Boshugtu Khan founds a fortified settlement in the Khovd tract to support agriculture and the military needs of the Dzungar Khanate.
• 1762: Manchu authorities build the Sangiin Kherem fortress on the banks of the Buyant River, moving the city to its current location.
• Late 19th Century: The city transforms into a major trade hub, where trading posts of Russian and Chinese merchants are opened.
• 1911: Against the backdrop of the declaration of independence of Mongolia, an active struggle begins for the liberation of western territories from Qing influence.
• 1912: Troops under the command of Ja Lama storm the fortress, finally liberating Khovd from the Manchu garrison.
• 1921: During the People's Revolution, partisan detachments enter the city, establishing new people's power.
• 1931: An administrative reform is carried out, resulting in the city officially becoming the centre of the Khovd Aimag (province).
• 1950s: A period of active urbanization begins; the first stone public buildings, schools, and hospitals appear.
• 1979: The Pedagogical Institute opens, becoming the first higher education institution in the western region of the country.
• 1992: With the adoption of the new constitution, the city enters an era of democratic transformation and a market economy.
• 2012: The 250th anniversary of the founding of the Sangiin Kherem fortress is celebrated with large-scale cultural events and infrastructure upgrades.
• Present Day: The city continues to develop as a key educational, cultural, and economic centre of Western Mongolia.

Key Development Milestones

The history of the city is a journey from a military fortress to an educational and economic centre of the western region. Each era has left its mark on the architecture, way of life, and status of the city.

• Construction of Sangiin Kherem Fortress (1762): The erection of the Manchu citadel defined the modern location of the city on the banks of the Buyant River. This event secured the settlement's status as the administrative and military centre of Western Mongolia, turning it into the region's main outpost.
• Trade Flourishing (19th Century): Thanks to its advantageous position on caravan routes, Khovd became an international trade hub. Trading posts of Chinese and Russian merchants opened here, contributing to the influx of capital and the formation of the city's unique multi-ethnic character.
• End of Manchu Dominance (1912): The capture of the fortress and the expulsion of the Qing garrison became a turning point, returning the city to the administration of Mongolian authorities. This event marked the beginning of a new political era and a reorientation towards national development.
• Urban Planning Era (1950–1980s): The transition to planned development radically changed the city's appearance. The emergence of brick residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial enterprises (food processing plant, motor depot) turned the former trading post into a modern urban centre.
• Status of Educational Capital (1979): The opening of the Pedagogical Institute (now Khovd State University) had colossal cultural significance. The city became a forge of talent for the entire western part of the country, attracting youth and intellectuals.
• Integration into Transport Corridors (21st Century): Connection to the unified energy system and the construction of a paved road linking the city with Ulaanbaatar and the borders (Russia and China) gave a powerful impulse to the economy. Today, it is a key logistics node on the western vertical axis connecting Mongolia with neighbouring countries.

The architectural appearance of the city of Khovd is a unique mosaic where ancient ruins coexist with mid-century modernism and traditional nomadic dwellings. Unlike many cities that grew around monasteries, the urban structure here was initially dictated by military and administrative functions, which left an imprint on the street layout and the character of the buildings.

Heritage of the Manchu Era

The most ancient and iconic architectural monument of the city is the ruins of the Sangiin Kherem fortress. Built in the 18th century, it represents an example of fortification architecture from the Qing Dynasty era. Although time has not spared the earthen walls, their scale and layout are still discernible in the landscape.

• Style: Chinese fortification architecture.
• Features: Square layout, high walls made of rammed earth, gates oriented to the cardinal points. In the past, temples and administrative buildings with curved pagoda roofs were located inside the fortress, creating a contrast with the surrounding steppe.

Socialist Classicism and Modernism

Active construction in the 20th century, when Mongolia was under strong influence from the Soviet architectural school, formed the modern city centre. During this period, chaotic development was replaced by regular blocks with wide streets and public spaces.

Key dominants of this era:

• Music and Drama Theatre: A striking example of blending neoclassicism with national motifs. The building stands out with a monumental façade featuring columns and decorative elements characteristic of cultural centres from the middle of the last century.
• Administrative Buildings: Strict geometric forms, functionalism, and façade conciseness typical of late modernism of the 1970s–80s.

Modernity and Traditional Way of Life

Today's city continues to develop, combining modern trends with centuries-old traditions. Vast yurt districts (Ger districts) have spread around the stone centre. This is a unique urban planning phenomenon where each family lives on a fenced plot (hashaa) in a traditional felt yurt or a small private house. This type of development creates an organic, "living" pattern of streets encircling the urban core.

The rich history of Khovd is inextricably linked with the names of great rulers, national heroes, and commanders. These personalities not only influenced the fate of the region but also left a noticeable mark in the chronicles of the entire country that we know today as Mongolia.

Historical Figures and Heroes

• Galdan Boshugtu Khan (1644–1697)
  Role: Ruler of the Dzungar Khanate, founder of the city.
  It is to this outstanding Oirat leader that the city owes its birth. In 1685, Galdan Boshugtu founded the settlement as a stronghold for agricultural development and strengthening the military power of the Khanate. His figure symbolizes the era of the flourishing of the Oirat state in the region.
• Amursana (1723–1757)
  Role: Oirat Prince (Noyon), military commander.
  A legendary leader of the anti-Manchu liberation movement. Although his uprising was unsuccessful, in Western Mongolia, Amursana is revered as a national hero who fought for Oirat independence. His memory lives on in local legends and folklore.
• Ard Ayush (Aldaryn Ayush) (1859–1939)
  Role: Leader of the people's movement, public figure.
  A native of the Khovd district who became a symbol of the common people's struggle for their rights. He organized the famous "Tsetseg-nuur" circle (duguilan), speaking out against exorbitant taxes and the arbitrariness of Qing officials. His activities paved the way for the liberation of the city in 1912. A majestic monument is erected to him in the centre of Khovd.
• Ja Lama (Dambijantsan) (1862–1922)
  Role: Military commander, Buddhist monk, political figure.
  One of the most mysterious and controversial figures in Mongolian history. Ja Lama played a decisive role in the storming of the Sangiin Kherem fortress in 1912. His military cunning and toughness allowed for the expulsion of the Manchu garrison, which became a key moment in the region gaining freedom.
• Khatanbaatar Magsarjav (1877–1927)
  Role: Outstanding commander, Minister of War.
  He took direct part in the battles for the liberation of Khovd. His talent as a commander and his coordination of the Mongolian militia made an invaluable contribution to the victory over the Qing troops, securing the state's western borders.