Architecture of Mongolia

The architecture of Mongolia is based on traditional dwellings such as the yurt (Mongolian: гэр, ger) and tent. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Lamaseries were built throughout the country as structures used for temples. These temples were later enlarged to accommodate the growing number of worshipers. Mongolian architects designed their temples with 6 and 12 angles, also sporting pyramidal roofs to approximate the round shape of the traditional yurt. Further expansion led to a quadratic shape in the design of the temples. Thus roofs were made in the shape of marquees.

The trellis walls, roof poles and layers of felt were eventually permanently replaced by stone, brick beams and planks.

Chultem distinguished three styles in traditional Mongolian architecture: Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese, as well as combinations thereof. Batu-Tsagaan (1654), designed by Zanabazar, was one of the first quadratic temples. The Dashchoilin khiid monastery in Ulaanbaatar is an example of yurt-style architecture. The 18th century Lavrin temple in the Erdene Zuu lamasery was built in the Tibetan tradition. The Choijin Lama Süm temple (1904), now a museum, is an example of a temple built in the Chinese tradition. The quadratic Tsogchin temple, in Gandan monastery located in Ulaanbaatar, is a combination of the Mongolian and Chinese traditions. The Maitreya temple (disassembled in 1938) was an example of the Tibeto-Mongolian architecture. Dashchoilin khiid has commenced a project to restore this temple and the 80-feet sculpture of Maitreya. Indian influences can also be seen in Mongolian architecture, especially in the designs of Buddhist stupas.

Socialist-era Mongolian architects occasionally incorporated traditional elements, such as round shapes. Such examples can be seen in restaurants Tuyaa (nowadays "Seoul") and Khorshoolol (nowadays "KhanBräu") or in the meandering ornaments on many of the residential tower blocks.

The Xiongnu culture ruled the area that is now Mongolia from the 3rd century BCE through the 1st century CE. Their dwellings consisted of portable, round tents on carts and round yurts. The Xiongnu aristocracy lived in small palaces, and their villages were protected by huge walls. S. I. Rudenko also mentions capital construction built of logs. Archaeological excavations have indicated that the Xiongnu had towns. Their main city was called Luut Hot (City of Dragon).

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