Introduction

Methodological aspectsfor the study of nomadic civilizations

New challenges for nomadic civilizations in the regions of Central Asia

Issues on pastoral nomadism

Concluding remarks

Reference

Round Table: Central Asia-crossroad of Cultures and Civilizations

By Academician B.Enkhtuvshin (Vice-President of MAS, Director of the IISNC)

Phone: 00976-11-267827, Mobile: 00976-99119024, Fax:00976-11-329624 E-Mail: nomciv@magicnet.mn

Some Results of the Studies on Development Aspects of the Nomadic Civilizations in the regions of Central Asia

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCALIZATION OF NOMADS IN THE WORLD

Regional areasNumber of countries

with nomadic cultures and societies

Percentage of nomadic population in total amount of

population

Number of countries having nomadic

population presenting more than 10% of its

total population

Asia and sea

20 11 5

Africa 25 5,9 13America 5 0,3 -Euro Asia 5 0,2 -Europe 5 0,15 -

Total 63 1,3 18

This table indicates their specific gravity of the nomads to the total world population. About 40% of these states are located in Eurasia and Asian continent.

The first part of the presentation is to introduce the summarized results of studies and researches conducted by the scholars and experts of IISNC last 5 years.

IISNC aims to: - Increase further knowledge on nomadic cultures and their contribution to the world civilization, through an interdisciplinary approach promote the understanding and appreciation of links between the past, present and future, and contribute towards the renewal of intercultural dialogue in the regions concerned.- Provide a framework for a multidisciplinary study of nomadic civilizations, in which scholars will be able to further their researches in relevant disciplines.

Dialogue among civilizations

Globalization of civilizations

Globalization of civilizations

Localization of civilizations

Localization of civilizations

Development of civilizations in the XXI century tends to go in two lines, which is an acceptance of the common tendency of the globalizing world and regional civilization in their own specific.

The main characteristics of the XXI century include the shift from international relations based on primacy of capital accumulation and weapon races to a system, which is based on information network, and inter civilizations consensus. In this new reality the development of civilizations will be the combination so the global civilization and local civilizations.

The overall view of the discussions reveals of the three lines transformation of civilizations, in the globalized world.

- Criticism of western Hegemony- Reflections on the paradigm or tradition and renovation- A search for new directions

Threefold comparative Study of Civilizations

From the national viewpoint this study will present, in the context of the whole world, a proper interpretation and appraisal of each country’s cultural heritage basing on its own identity and its full implications in the modern political, economic, scientific and social life of the country.

From the international viewpoint this study will review the different civilizations of the world and their interrelations, revealing each country’s contribution to other cultures and to the overall thought of humanity.

From the world viewpoint this study will present the integrated history of mankind’s cultural and scientific development from the universal standpoint, viewing the civilization as different facets of world culture and civilization. Thisintegrated study will show that the cultures of the world are interrelated and interdependent and none is independent of the others.

The national

The international

The world

Activity framework of IISNC includes the study of nomadic society at international level. We have completed scientific analyses in this field and published a book“Nomadism–International Study”.

Now I will introduce the Threefold methodology for the comparative study of civilizations.

We consider that the future for any civilization depends not only on its population number and density but on its contribution to the development of human kind. Our goals will be to determine mechanisms for defining the contribution of civilizations based on these criteria. Of course these mechanisms will differ from each other according to main civilization components.

IISNC has following goals:

- Contribute, on the basis of fundamental and applied researches, to advance the nomadic peoples’ life assisting the nomads to better meet the needs and requirements of today’s world, and preserving their cultural identity, values and ways of life.

- Advise policy-makers and planners by providing research-based recommendations for development planning in the nomadic living space.

The followings are the international scientific expeditions organized by IISNC from 2000-2004.

- Transformation of the Central Asian nomads

- Cultural Anthropological and Ecological comparative study of Nomadic Life

- Cultural Heritage of the Central Asian Nomads

The route of the first international expedition is seen in the map.

Mongolia

1. Selenge 2.Tuv 3.Khentii 4.Sukhbaatar 5.Dornogovi

Russia

1.Khiagt 2.Selenge 3.Ivolgin

China

1.Ordos 2.Ikh zuu 3.Bayannuur 4.Shiliin gol

1

23

4

5

1

2

3

4

2

3

1

Joint expedition on “Cultural Anthropological and Ecological

comparative study of the nomadic life”

Cultural Heritage of the Central Asian Nomads

Eight scholars from Mongolia, RF and PRC participated in the international expedition “Cultural Heritage of the Central Asian Nomads” which started on July 15.2002 for 20 days by the rout from Ulaan-Ude-Abakan-Kyzyl-Ulaangom-Khar Khorin. It covered around 5000 kms. The second phase of the expedition hosted by XingJiang University started on July 15-25. 2004 in the territory of PRC by the route Urumchi-Cyili-Kuche-Turpan-Urumchi.

The international expedition “Cultural Anthropological, Ecological Comparative Study of the Nomadic life”, which was jointly organized during the period of June 10 to July 13, 2002 by the IISNC and the Institute of Nationality Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the PRC. The expedition covered more then 3000 kms through the territories of four soums of PRC and four soums of Mongolia.

Basic purposes in this field were:- To look through and register all archaeological data and sources along the route of the expedition;

- To situate along the route the geographical names of mountains and river and issues on preservation and restoration of the historical places;

- To make recording on ethnography data, information on the historical items, archaeological findings, stone and cave inscriptions and others,

-From the archeological research, it is shown that Mongols had paper-making technology in the 13th century and also interesting dresses and utensil found from Noyon mountain graves and Ivolig in findings.

Now I will briefly introduce the 3 main research fields of the expeditions.

The research expeditions worked to cover all the aspects of nomad’s mentality culture.

Depending on professional specifics of researchers, more attention was paid on folklore, folk music and religious ritual issues.

The nomadic folk culture as an evidence of people’s talent is reserved in the deep heart of people, expressing their views and executing an inspiring, educating and teaching role.

It is concluded that nomad’s traditional way of life and their skills to know and adapt the nature law had a cause of formation, variation and evaluation of folk culture connected with pastoral nomads’ rituals. Moreover, the nomadic way of life has an advantage to preserve it’s own tradition and culture.

In spite of influences of modern globalization, science and technology progress and agrarian culture, the Mongols could preserve their own original culture, tradition and folklore.

Specially, these are reflected in national celebrations and sports: “Three manly sports”, wedding celebration, “White month” or first days of new year, celebration of a new house-”ger”, by telling poems, expressing their feelings and wishes in poetic ways and singing national long songs.

Language is one of the most original elements of culture and civilization. Mongolian language is a mother language in the territory of Buriatiya, Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. In Buriatiya population that is under 40 years of age does not speak or write in Mongolian. Officially recognized and used language is Russian. Thus, the usage of its Mother language has become highly restricted.

In terms of China, the situation is quite different. However, the predominance of Chinese language is the main obstacle for the usage of Mongolian in all levels of the society. Since Chinese is the official language, higher education and government affairs have been dominated by the official language.

Another important issue is the Mongolian script its knowledge, usage is also insufficient and it poses another important issue in the study of traditional culture and civilization. For example, the Buriyat vertical script, that is based on Mongolian script is only known to scholars. Since the 1990s Mongolia implemented the study of traditional Mongolian Script in our elementary and high school programs. However, the state official scripts is in Cyrillic. The usage and study of traditional Mongolian script among population of ages 25-60 is very low. On the other hand, in Inner Mongolia population that uses Mongolian language are indeed widely using its traditional Mongolian script.

Furthermore, in areas where we have done research the issue of religion is also Furthermore, in areas where we have done research the issue of religion is also very important to the question of the culture and civilization. Spread of Atheism very important to the question of the culture and civilization. Spread of Atheism in this region had a negative influence on development of religion. Atheist in this region had a negative influence on development of religion. Atheist ideology had spread widely in Buriatiya since 20ideology had spread widely in Buriatiya since 20 thth century, in Mongolia since century, in Mongolia since the 30’s of 20the 30’s of 20thth century and in Inner Mongolia since 50’s of 20 century and in Inner Mongolia since 50’s of 20thth century. century. Traditionally Mongolian religion was “Shamanism”, later on buddism and Traditionally Mongolian religion was “Shamanism”, later on buddism and Christianity have become widely spread. Since the 1990’s the freedom of Christianity have become widely spread. Since the 1990’s the freedom of religion in those regions have become possible. In Mongolia buddism, religion in those regions have become possible. In Mongolia buddism, shamanism and islam are widely spread among the population. According to shamanism and islam are widely spread among the population. According to research data more than 50 per cent of respondents are religious, indeed 50,4 research data more than 50 per cent of respondents are religious, indeed 50,4 percent are Buddhist; 2, 2 percent Christian; 6,5 percent - Muslim and 2,4 percent are Buddhist; 2, 2 percent Christian; 6,5 percent - Muslim and 2,4 percent - other religions. In Buriatiya buddism, shamanism and Christianity are percent - other religions. In Buriatiya buddism, shamanism and Christianity are widely spread among the population. However, in Inner Mongolia the major widely spread among the population. However, in Inner Mongolia the major religion is buddism.religion is buddism.

Basic changes occurred in nomad’s mentality. They could feel more religious Basic changes occurred in nomad’s mentality. They could feel more religious freedom and freethinking thanks to the democratic reforms. According to the freedom and freethinking thanks to the democratic reforms. According to the research data more than 50.4 percent of nomads are Buddhists, 2.2 percent - research data more than 50.4 percent of nomads are Buddhists, 2.2 percent - Christians, 6.5 percent - Muslims and 2.4 percent – Jewish and the remaining Christians, 6.5 percent - Muslims and 2.4 percent – Jewish and the remaining percent - other religions.percent - other religions.

On the basis of the preliminary results of our researches, the changes of socio-economy and civilization of the Inner Asian nomads can be demonstrated in the following topics.

Changes of nomad’s life mode

Changes in nomad’s social structure

Way of spending free time

Nomad’s social service

Issues on land, pasture and animal

husbandry

The most important part of the international expeditions was to determine the present state and perspective of nomadism in Inner Asian region. And, now I am introducing the conclusion on this field of research.

The outcome of our international expeditions clearly demonstrates the followings.

Firstly, as a result of globalization, it is required to conduct extensive studies on the independent development of regions and nations. The ecology of Africa, Inner Asia and Middle East never allows to prosper all the advantages of farms as a type of animal husbandry management, while in most of the Asian and European countries the nature, ecology and management are ideal for the development of this type of animal husbandry. On the other hand, for some nations, their traditions, culture and customs are genuinely rooted in the nomadic society, therefore, social, cultural and psychological factors to make reforms in the society can not be formed. It could cause a negative effect of globalization, if so examined intensely.

Secondly, a new tendency of the global development – “complex of human development-life quality-comfortable living condition”, which was understood and accepted by the humans by the end of 20th century, requires us to do not loose human morality and kindness to each other, to save our home – the Earth, and to provide the people with drinking water and cotton clothes. The comparative researches conducted in Mongolia, RF and PRC proved that this requirement could be met only through pastoral nomadism.

Thirdly, any economy develops depending on human resources and management skills, though some economies entirely rely on the weather condition, natural resource and geographical location. One of such economies is the pastoral nomadism that developed for thousands years as a result of the Neolithic revolution in the Inner Asian mountainous area.

Keeping in our mind the abovementioned three main factors, we have to consider the following policy or principles to develop animal husbandry in its transition period.

1. To develop pastoral nomadism in the area with appropriate ecological conditions

2. To develop farms in the harmonies with the regional development tendency.

There are, of course, some common and specific issues related to the development of pastoral nomadism and farms. It is understandable that the common issues are rooted in the modern Mongolian society, which is a combination of nomadic and sedentary civilizations. First of all, in order to enhance the proper structure of management, it is important to prepare and train the educated specialists. Second common issue for the both pastoral nomadism and farm development is to apply science knowledge and advances. Herders and farms are required to be well educated in the 21st century. And, the demand to improve economic knowledge of family members and prepare managers for farms is increasing.

We consider that pluralism of civilizations should be ensured through preventing from downfalls, loses or dominations of any civilizations and harmonize the tradition and the reformation in a globalizing world. Also we think that each country should include the issues of protecting and preserving of nomadic civilizations, respecting for national culture in their own policy on culture.

I would like to notice that the policy on providing the dialogue among civilizations, the registering and protecting of cultural heritage of other nations with the world tangible and intangible cultural heritage being implemented by UNOs and its institute UNESCO, is given a great support from public and scholars in the resent years. We are glad that Orhon Valley has been registered with the world cultural heritage site, and mongolian famous musical instrument “Morin huur” is registered with an intangible cultural heritage.

The future destiny of nomadic civilization The future destiny of nomadic civilization is directly caused by its carriers: pastural is directly caused by its carriers: pastural livestock and changes of nomadism. In the livestock and changes of nomadism. In the region of our research, it is shown that region of our research, it is shown that traditional technology of nomads, the traditional technology of nomads, the knowledge of steppe nomads, traditional knowledge of steppe nomads, traditional customs of pasturalism are still being customs of pasturalism are still being preserved, even though there is a lot of preserved, even though there is a lot of imperative issues of usage of pasture, imperative issues of usage of pasture, pastural livestock and its management. pastural livestock and its management.

I would like to mark that cultural heritage I would like to mark that cultural heritage derived from nomadism is being derived from nomadism is being remained. /folklore song, epic, shaman, remained. /folklore song, epic, shaman, ecological education, ceremony of offering ecological education, ceremony of offering to sacred mountains/. There is no doubt to sacred mountains/. There is no doubt that nomadic civilizations will be that nomadic civilizations will be interacted and developed and transformed interacted and developed and transformed in the 21st century, which is shown from in the 21st century, which is shown from our research.our research.

At the end of my presentation, I would like to suggest to all of you to pay an attention to the following issues: 2006 is going to be noteworthy year for Mongolians. This is 800th anniversary of the establishment of Mongol State. The forthcoming anniversary is to be concerned as a golden page of not only Mongols history but the history of world civilization development.

The Mongol Empire conducted conquests, but it contributed more than any other empires to the development of world civilizations.

It was a historic demand to establish Mongolia as a nation state bringing a big change in the development of the Mongolian nomadic society. Chinggis khan understood this earlier than others and initiated profound social, political, military, economic and intellectual changes. At the same time the great Chinggis khan managed to apply the treasure of old customs and traditions to the development challenges.

Hunnu State

Moreover, we will celebrate 2200th anniversary of the establishment of Hunnu State in 2009. The Hunnu State created the first challenge of Mongolian nomadic society some 2000 years ago making an important contribution to the history of world civilization. The period of Hunnu State gave birth to the Mongolian statehood traditions, nomadic cultural development, trade exchanges, writings and customs.

These traditions based on the culture originated from nomadic husbandry and customs derived from particular geographic and natural conditions.

Within the framework of above-mentioned events, 9th and 10th international congress of

Mongolists and an international congress of Young mongolists is going to be organized by IISNC

in 2006. Also, we have sent our proposal to UNESCO to organize an international expedition on

Crossroads of Silk and Nomads in 2008.

Thank youThank you