Tracing the Roots of Ulaanbaatar

This 1957 photograph captures everyday life on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar during a pivotal period of social transition. Taken by Czechoslovak archaeologist and Mongolist Lumír Jisl, the image offers a rare visual insight into the city’s peripheral communities, where traditional ger districts coexisted with the early stages of urban expansion.

While conducting archaeological research across Mongolia in the 1950s and 1960s, Jisl documented not only ancient sites but also contemporary life. His photographs preserve authentic moments of daily living, architecture, and landscape, providing valuable historical context for understanding Mongolia’s urban and cultural evolution.

For documentary storytelling, this image serves as a visual bridge between past and present, illustrating how Ulaanbaatar has transformed over time. For the travel industry and curated itineraries, it adds depth and narrative value allowing travelers to connect modern destinations with their historical roots and better appreciate the cultural layers behind today’s cityscape.