By the decree of the Government of Mongolia, the 390th anniversary of the birth of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar- a prominent figure in Mongolia’s political, religious, and cultural history- will be commemorated in December 2024. As part of this work, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum is organizing the “Undur Gegeen Zanabazar: History and Cultural Heritage – 390” international academic conference from July 1 to 4, 2025. 

The conference is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and youth of Mongolia, National Committee for the Anniversary and Office of the Governor of Uvurkhangai Province. The conference was officially opened with a speech by the Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and youth of Mongolia Ch. Undram.

With the support of scholars, Mongolia is working to gain international recognition for Zanabazar’s legacy and register his works with UNESCO. Under the leadership of S. Chuluun, Director of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and in collaboration with Russian scholar Syrtypova, Surun-Khanda Dashinimaevna, a catalog of Zanabazar’s finest artworks is being prepared. It will be unveiled during the anniversary events in both English and Mongolian.

The general organizer of the conference, Academician and Honored Scientist of Mongolia, S. Chuluun stated “this international academic conference is being held to commemorate the 390th anniversary of Zanabazar, the First Bogd Gegeen of Mongolia, who left an enduring mark on world history. This conference marks the peak of Zanabazar studies over the past decade. In his lifetime, Zanabazar emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with the Russian Empire on an equal, both in religious and political terms. He was seen by the Russian side as a spiritual leader from a distant border region.

Almost 200 scholars and researchers from over 10 countries- including Russia, the USA, Poland, the UK, China, Hungary, and Germany- are participating in the conference both in person and virtually. Esteemed foreign academics, such as Dr. S.D. Syrtypova of the Russian Institute of Oriental Studies, Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw, and researchers from the State Hermitage Museum and the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts in Hungary, presented on Zanabazar’s art held in their respective institutions.

Participants proposed several significant ideas for the upcoming 400th anniversary of Zanabazar: establishing a dedicated museum, registering his legacy with UNESCO, and encouraging all Mongolians to learn and recite his well-known blessing poem, Janlavtsogzol, which symbolizes unity and well-being.

Former Member of Parliament and professor Dr. D. Lundeejantsan recalled the traditional Danshig Naadam festival held in Zanabazar’s honor in 1995, 2005, and 2015 at the sacred Nine Hollow Sites. Historian Dr. Ya. Sodbaatar noted that this year’s celebration of Zanabazar’s 390th anniversary will take place from July 24 to 27 in Uvurkhangai Province, Yoson Zuil soum, Arvaikheer, and Kharkhorin. He also mentioned that the diverse range of experts attending the conference demonstrates that Zanabazar studies have truly reached an international level.

Famous Mongolian writer Byambyn Rinchen once described Undur Gegeen Zanabazar as “the Michelangelo of Asia.” Art schools and museums around the world recognize his work as a major contribution from Asia. 

In celebration of the 390th anniversary, and under the patronage of the President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, a special exhibition titled “Mongolian Craftsmanship: Creating Heritage” will be held from July 4 to 20, 2025, at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum. The exhibition is co-organized by the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, the “Tumen Erdenes” Association, the National Museum of Mongolia, the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, and the Union of Mongolian Artists.