During the reign of Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century, one of the greatest empires in the world was formed. From that spawned the Khalka Mongols, the direct decedents of Genghis Khan and the largest group of Mongols in Mongolia. Todays Mongolian government is also lead by Khalkans. The Khalkans are the preservers of the Mongol culture. During modern times, most Khalkans live in cities but a large population still live as nomads. They live as shepherds and migrate seasonally with their livestock. The animals they raise are horses, sheep, and cattle and usually move five times a year to find proper grazing areas. Most of the city-living Khalkans live in soviet built housing and many have industry type occupations.
The language spoken by Khalkans is called Halh; they consider it to be the true language of Mongolia. Though other dialects are spoken throughout Mongolia most of them are variations of Halh.
Mongolia lies in a very extreme and callous region of Asia where agriculture is tough and the climate is even tougher. Most of the foods eaten by the Khalkans and other Mongolians are from one of the most utilized animals, cattle. The milk produced by cattle and other milk producing livestock is used to make yogurts, cheeses, and other dairy products. Mutton, an extremely fatty meat, is eaten in large amounts during the winters and lighter dairy products are eaten during the summers.
Khalkans used to marry in their early teens but today their marital preferences have changed. They marry in their twenties and have children. Families with more than six children are given financial help from the government.
The Khalkan Mongols were traditionally shamanistic and would pray to and depend on spirits for healing and spiritual guidance. During the 1500’s, the Tibetans introduced Buddhism which became very popular with the Mongols. By the twentieth century, over half the population was serving as priests or members of Buddhist monasteries. When the Marxist government enacted an anti-religious movement, three quarters of the Khalkans became atheists and non-religious. At present, some have returned to their ancient religion relying on shamans to help with the needs of spiritual problems, Buddhism is intertwined along with the shamanistic beliefs.
The Khalkan Mongols enjoy many recreational activities such as wrestling, dancing, and racing. During July they hold a festival where competitors engage in tough strenuous games of stamina and skill. They must not only be strong in arm but strong in strategic thinking also.
Resources
“UPPP,” The Khalkan Mongol of Mongolia, http://www.bethany.com/internet/profiles/2/313.html
Pal, Torbyorne. The Mongol Empire and How It Was Lost. Moscow: Lonverg Publication, 1986.
Written by: Matthew Berglund