Photos of Mongols from over a century ago were unveiled

The “Mongol Photography Week” Exhibition opened nationwide under the theme “Mongol History in Photography” on April 21, 2025.

The “Mongol Photography Week” is organized annually with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Mongolia. This year, the Exhibition commemorates the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Mongolia’s Photography Department and showcases a rich collection of historical, cultural, and artistic imagery. Historic evidence is presented through a chronological timeline of photographs throughout the exhibition.

Secretary-General of the United Association of Mongolian Photographers, Ts. Batbaatar remarked, “The Exhibition is divided into five sections. The first section shows how our ancestors were captured on film. The second focuses on the evolution of photography during the socialist era when images were used to promote literacy among Mongolians, depict achievements such as space exploration, and showcase collective farming. The Exhibition also includes 500–600 photographs by young artists, covering art, nature, and the best works from 2023–2024.”

Among the highlights are rare photographs taken by foreign visitors to Mongolia over a century ago. Particularly noteworthy is a photo taken in 1845 by French merchant Jean-Pierre Alibert, believed to be one of the earliest images of Mongols ever captured.  Honorary Cultural Figure of Mongolia, photographer Tsatsralt Sereeter, discovered the photo while researching in the United States as part of the “Art Journey” Project.

Mr. Batbaatar continued, “Jean-Pierre Alibert discovered the Botogol graphite field, located 20 km north of present-day Khankh soum in Khuvsgul aimag, when he was only 25. His photograph features locals, including Tunkhen Buryats, a Manchu lord, and Europeans, making it not only a multicultural record but also one of the first photographs taken in Siberia. Alibert’s purchase of six daguerreotypes (an early form of photography) in cities like Irkutsk, Khyagt, and Ulan-Ude played a foundational role in the early development of photography across Siberia and the Far East. Photography is a powerful historical tool. Documentary photography particularly preserves the reality of how Mongols lived 150–170 years ago, showing their appearances, relationships, and daily lives. Unlike dramatized images, documentary photos present unfiltered truth. I believe this genre should be further developed in Mongolia.”

Under the “Ulaanbaatar Photography Week” Exhibition, media photographers and documentary photography project leaders will also host a series of events and discussions. Topics include “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Photography: Advantages and Disadvantages” and “Research on the Development of Photojournalism in Mongolia.”