Mangasyn Khuree

Mangasyn Khuree, also known in some sources as Mangasyn Kherem, is an ancient earthen enclosure located in Galba Gobi, Khanbogd soum, Umnugovi aimag. It should not be understood as a monastery. Rather, it is the remains of an ancient settlement, fortification or enclosed structure. According to the Oyu Tolgoi Cultural Heritage report, the site is located about 70 km south of Khanbogd soum in Galba Gobi. Mangasyn Khuree is considered one of the few known Xiongnu-period settlement remains found in the southern Gobi region. Sources on ancient settlements in Umnugovi mention Mangasyn Khuree in Khanbogd soum, the Bayanbulag ruins in Nomgon soum and Sairyn Balgas in Bayan-Ovoo soum as settlements that may have been connected with guarding the border areas of the Xiongnu Empire. The site is notable for its circular outer embankment and square inner enclosure. Some studies note that the outer circular wall was approximately 500 metres in diameter, while the inner square enclosure was around 130 metres in size. Archaeological findings such as Han-style pottery, arrow-related objects and armour fragments suggest that the site may have had a military function. Mangasyn Khuree is now included in the list of immovable historical and cultural heritage sites under state protection. According to the official Legalinfo list, Mangasyn Khuree in Khanbogd soum, Umnugovi aimag, was added to the state-protected heritage list by Government Resolution No. 179 in 2021. When the site was added to the state protection list in 2021, it was described as one of the few Xiongnu-period settlement remains in the southern Gobi region. Due to its remote location, the site has been affected by negative impacts such as vehicle tracks crossing the area, looting and illegal excavation.