The national “Mongol Photography Week” began on April 21, 2025, bringing history to life through rare photos of Mongols. This year, the theme, Mongol History in Photography, marks the 90th anniversary of Mongolia’s Photography Department. Moreover, the Ministry of Culture supports this annual event.
To begin with, the exhibition features five unique sections. The first section presents early images of Mongolian ancestors. Notably, these rare photos of Mongols provide a deep look into their way of life and traditions. Each frame shows a piece of the past with remarkable clarity.
Meanwhile, the second section focuses on photography from the socialist period. These images helped raise literacy and documented major national achievements. Furthermore, photos show space exploration efforts and the daily lives of farmers working in collectives.
One highlight includes rare photos of Mongols taken more than a century ago. For instance, a standout image from 1845 was captured by Jean-Pierre Alibert, a French merchant and early photographer. Photographer Tsatsralt Sereeter discovered this photo while conducting research in the United States for the Art Journey project.
Alibert’s photo includes local Tunkhen Buryats, a Manchu nobleman, and European figures. He took the photograph near modern-day Khankh soum in Khuvsgul aimag. At just 25 years old, Alibert also discovered a graphite field in the same region.
In addition, he bought six daguerreotypes in cities like Irkutsk, Khyagt, and Ulan-Ude. His actions helped spread photography across Siberia and the Far East. Alibert’s photo remains one of the earliest surviving visual records of Mongolian culture.
Moreover, the exhibition also showcases 500–600 photographs by young artists. These feature landscapes, artistic expressions, and top works from 2023–2024.
Besides the exhibition, various talks and events will take place. Topics include the effects of artificial intelligence on photography and the growth of photojournalism in Mongolia.
In conclusion, this celebration of photography encourages viewers to explore their history. Through rare photos of Mongols, the exhibition offers a powerful window into a timeless past.
