UNESCO declares Xiongnu funerary complexes in Mongolia World Heritage site

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized the Xiongnu noble funerary complexes in Mongolia as a World Heritage site. This designation celebrates the invaluable information these sites provide about the funerary practices of Central Asia's earliest nomadic empire.

Mongolian Minister of Culture, Aldarjavjlal Jukov, present at the UNESCO assembly in Busan, South Korea, emphasized the site's significance. He stated it stands as exceptional testimony to the history, culture, and legacy of the Xiongnu empire. Jukov noted that the empire established a powerful nomadic state that profoundly shaped the development of nomadic civilizations across the Eurasian steppe.

The complexes feature main burials of considerable size and depth, alongside satellite tombs marked by small mounds and stone alignments. Artifacts unearthed, including weapons, tools, and food, offer a comprehensive view of Xiongnu life, social structure, and engineering prowess. The Mongolian government acknowledges the responsibility that comes with this inscription, attributing the achievement to the dedicated cooperation of Mongolian and international archaeologists, historians, and heritage professionals.