23/08/2025
History of Karakorum
Foundation
• The city of Karakorum was founded in 1220 by order of Genghis Khan.
• Initially it was a camp and residence, but gradually turned into an important political and trade center.
Golden Age
• In 1235, it was expanded by Genghis Khan's son, Ogedei Khan, making it the capital of the Mongol Empire.
• There were palaces, temples, markets in Karakorum, ambassadors and merchants from China, Persia, and Europe came here.
• According to William of Rubruck (a French traveler of the 13th century), the city was very multinational: Chinese, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians lived there.
Decline
• In the 1260s, Genghis Khan's grandson Kublai moved the capital to Dadu (modern Beijing).
• After that, Karakorum began to lose its significance.
• In 1388, the Ming Dynasty troops of China destroyed the city.
Today
• The site of ancient Karakorum is now the city of Kharkhorin (in Mongolia, Ovorkhangai aimag).
• The most famous landmark here is the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in the 16th century from the stones of the ruins of Karakorum.
• Karakorum is now included in the list of historical monuments of Mongolia and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of the Orkhon Cultural Landscape).
