Buddhist monuments in the Orkhon-Tuul region

The study deals with the historical and cultural development of the Orkhon-Tuul region, covering the period from the VIII to the XVII centuries, when three nationalities (Uyghurs, Khidans and Mongols) existed and interacted successively on the territory of modern Mongolia. Much attention is given to the archaeological monuments - the ruins of Ordubalyk (Khar Balgas) - the capital city of the Uyghur Kaganate, the Kidan settlements of Khar Bukhyn Balgas and Chin Tolgoi, as well as the XVII century Buddhist monastery built on the site of Khar Bukhyn Balgas. The study considers fortification elements, administrative and cult complexes of these structures, demonstrating the influence of different ethnic groups and religious traditions on the cultural landscape of the Orkhon Valley. It is specially noted about the role of Buddhism, which gradually strengthened its position from the Uighur period onwards, and finally established itself in Mongolia in the XVII century. Archaeological evidence and written legal sources confirm that the Orkhon-Tuul region was an important centre of cultural and economic exchange, where religion, urbanization and legal systems strongly influenced the development of the Uyghurs, Kidans and Mongols. The results of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the processes of ethno-confessional interaction in central Mongolia and their influence on the formation of the cultural and historical image of the region.