A scientific conference themed “The origin, development, and heritage of the Horsehead fiddle” was held, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Mongolia’s national musical instrument, the morin khuur.
In his opening speech, G.Zandanshatar, Chief of the Office of the President of Mongolia, emphasized that the Horsehead fiddle is a cherished cultural heritage of humanity and a symbol of Mongolian musical artistry. He noted that the instrument has played a central role in Mongolian folk traditions, from songs and dance festivals to oral storytelling, making it an inseparable part of the nation's identity.
Recognizing its importance, the Mongolian government has taken significant steps to preserve and promote the Horsehead fiddle. In 2002, it was officially declared the “National Musical Instrument” by the Presidential decree, and in 2008, UNESCO inscribed "Traditional Horsehead Fiddle Musical Art" on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
On February 1, 2024, President U.Khurelsukh issued a decree titled “On the Respect and Promotion of the Horsehead Fiddle” outlining key initiatives, including:
- Integrating Horsehead Fiddle training into general education schools and cultural centers both domestically and abroad.
- Expanding the Horsehead Fiddle ensemble into a full orchestra and supporting craftsmanship in instrument production.
- Encouraging every Mongolian household to play the Horsehead Fiddle and pass it down to future generations.
- Establishing the International Horsehead Fiddle Festival as a regular event.
Additionally, G.Zandanshatar announced that the “First Horsehead Fiddle Conference” will be held in May, 2025 under the auspices of the President of Mongolia. This event aims to address challenges in popularizing the instrument, foster collaboration between government and non-government organizations, and enhance research, education, and performance opportunities.
The conference featured discussions on 16 academic papers by leading scholars and cultural figures, including:
- "Meta-Mythology of Deception Behavior" by Dr. S.Dulam, People’s Honored Teacher and Consulting Professor at the University of Culture and Arts.
- "Origin and Development of the Horsehead Fiddle" by Chi Bulag, a master of the Horsehead Fiddle and cultural educator from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
- "The Memory of the Horsehead Fiddle and Mongolian Culture" by G.Mend-Ooyo, poet and recipient of the Order of Chinggis Khaan.
- "On the Past and Present of the Khyalgasan Khuur" by Khugjilt, Professor at the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Teachers’ University.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth, the Academy of Sciences, the National Center for Cultural Heritage, horsehead fiddle researchers, artists, educators, and members of both governmental and non-governmental organizations.
A scientific conference themed “The origin, development, and heritage of the Horsehead fiddle” was held, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Mongolia’s national musical instrument, the morin khuur.
In his opening speech, G.Zandanshatar, Chief of the Office of the President of Mongolia, emphasized that the Horsehead fiddle is a cherished cultural heritage of humanity and a symbol of Mongolian musical artistry. He noted that the instrument has played a central role in Mongolian folk traditions, from songs and dance festivals to oral storytelling, making it an inseparable part of the nation's identity.
Recognizing its importance, the Mongolian government has taken significant steps to preserve and promote the Horsehead fiddle. In 2002, it was officially declared the “National Musical Instrument” by the Presidential decree, and in 2008, UNESCO inscribed "Traditional Horsehead Fiddle Musical Art" on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
On February 1, 2024, President U.Khurelsukh issued a decree titled “On the Respect and Promotion of the Horsehead Fiddle” outlining key initiatives, including:
- Integrating Horsehead Fiddle training into general education schools and cultural centers both domestically and abroad.
- Expanding the Horsehead Fiddle ensemble into a full orchestra and supporting craftsmanship in instrument production.
- Encouraging every Mongolian household to play the Horsehead Fiddle and pass it down to future generations.
- Establishing the International Horsehead Fiddle Festival as a regular event.
Additionally, G.Zandanshatar announced that the “First Horsehead Fiddle Conference” will be held in May, 2025 under the auspices of the President of Mongolia. This event aims to address challenges in popularizing the instrument, foster collaboration between government and non-government organizations, and enhance research, education, and performance opportunities.
The conference featured discussions on 16 academic papers by leading scholars and cultural figures, including:
- "Meta-Mythology of Deception Behavior" by Dr. S.Dulam, People’s Honored Teacher and Consulting Professor at the University of Culture and Arts.
- "Origin and Development of the Horsehead Fiddle" by Chi Bulag, a master of the Horsehead Fiddle and cultural educator from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
- "The Memory of the Horsehead Fiddle and Mongolian Culture" by G.Mend-Ooyo, poet and recipient of the Order of Chinggis Khaan.
- "On the Past and Present of the Khyalgasan Khuur" by Khugjilt, Professor at the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Teachers’ University.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth, the Academy of Sciences, the National Center for Cultural Heritage, horsehead fiddle researchers, artists, educators, and members of both governmental and non-governmental organizations.