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KARAKORUM

Also known as: Qaraqorum, Khara-Khorin, or Harhorin

Modern-day nation: Mongolia.

About Our City

Weary traveler, are you tired of the bleak deserts and the endless horizon of the open plains? Are you seeking a place where the scent of roasting mutton mingles with the fragrance of rare spices from the Orient? Look no further than the heart of the world—Karakorum. Founded by the Great Genghis Khan and elevated to glory by his successor Ögedei, Karakorum is more than a capital; it is the pulse of the Mongol Empire. Here, beneath the eternal blue sky, the Orkhon River breathes life into the emerald pastures, offering rest to man and beast alike. Within our mighty walls, you will discover a marvel of engineering and art: the Silver Tree fountain, where wine, mead, and airag flow freely for all who thirst at the Khan’s court. Wander through our diverse quarters, where the chants of monks from twelve different temples rise alongside the calls of the muezzin and the hymns of the Nestorian church. Whether you are a merchant seeking the finest silks of the East, a scholar hunting for ancient wisdom, or a craftsman looking to forge your destiny in the Khan’s service, our city welcomes you. We provide the security of the Pax Mongolica and the hospitality of the steppe. Experience the intersection of civilizations, the seat of the Khagans, and the jewel of the Silk Road. Journey to Karakorum—where the world comes to trade, rest, and marvel!

Silk Road Trade Routes with Karakorum Highlighted

Works Consulted

Weatherford, Jack. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Crown, 2004.

https://www.jackweatherford.com/books

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1081/

The Silk Road Foundation. Karakorum, the Mongol Capital.

http://www.silk-road.com/artl/karakorum.shtml

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