Indulge in a thrilling adventure to the ancient and magnificent city of Karakorum, a true testament to the power and prosperity of the Mongol Empire. Founded in 1220 by the legendary Genghis Khan, Karakorum initially served as a military and weapons depot. It was completed during the reign of Kublai Khan, who further elevated the city's grandeur and splendor.
One of the city's defining moments was in 1235 when the Tumen Amgalant Palace was constructed as an expression of the monarchy's power and prosperity. The palace featured impressive architectural designs that incorporated the expertise of the best architects from France, England, Russia, Hungary, Tibet, Nepal, Persia, China, and Korea, alongside Mongolians.
Karakorum boasted two districts - the Saracen (Islamic Quarter) Market and the Chinese Quarter - both of which were home to many streets and artisans. The city was also home to twelve churches of various ethnicities and religions, making it a melting pot of cultures and traditions.
Despite facing several fires and destruction, including by the Chinese in 1380 and 1466, Karakorum was repeatedly rebuilt, which speaks volumes about its resilience and significance. Of particular note was Ugudei Khan's Palace, also known as Tumen Amgalan, which was adorned with 64 pillars, a high terrace, and beautiful paintings. Its green tiled floors and red pottery roof were a sight to behold.
Apart from the palace, the city was home to several mansions built for the children of Ugudei Khan, relatives, and other royal families, further underscoring the city's grandeur and magnificence.
Recent discoveries suggest that the city was also a hub of industrial production of agricultural tools and weapons. These include 18 iron plow heads, 52 iron shafts with a diameter of 3-21 cm, 2 bronze bells with spear tips, and agricultural tools that were found near the southern gate of Karakorum city in 1950. The city's artisans, who put their unique handprints on their products, guaranteed their exceptional quality.
The fountain of Karakorum, which is featured on Mongolian currency and depicts a Christian angel, later has been suggested to be a mythical bird of Buddhist countries, which further adds to the city's rich cultural heritage.
As your travel agent, we invite you to embark on a journey to Karakorum and witness the legacy of the Mongol Empire firsthand. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don't want to miss.
