Mongolica. Vol. XXVIII, No. 3 / Ed. by I. V. Kulganek (editor-in-chief), D. A. Nosov (secretary), M. A. Kozintcev (deputy secretary). St Petersburg, 2025. 63 p. ISSN 2311-5939.

HISTORY

Serjee Munkhsaikhan. Investigating the Historical Root of the Stele of Genghis Khan — 5
Many researchers have been making scientific investigations to transcribe, to read, to translate, to interpret and build a whole database about the Stele of Genghis Khan, considered to be the oldest record of Uyghur-Mongol script. Although it is composed of compound segments that contain a few words, this article proposes that investigating its historical roots from the Secret History of the Mongols will answer many questions. In particular, the questions of who are the Sartaγuls, if Khamag Mongol is a state’s name, if it is read ‘noyad-i’ or “arad-i” and “dauliǰu” or “ha’ulǰu” could potentially be investigated from the Secret History of Mongols. Moreover, comparing other records of the Uyghur-Mongol script and the Secret History of the Mongols is useful for studying philological aspects.
Keywords: Mongol, Uyghur script, Genghis Khan, Yesunge, The Secret History of the Mongols.

PHILOLOGY

Olga K. Bavaeva. А Healing Spring of Poetry by Nikolay Khatuyev — 14
The article presents a multidisciplinary analysis of several poems by contemporary Kalmyk poet Nikolay S. Khatuyev, integrating approaches from cultural studies, stylistics, morphology and semantics. Adopting Mikhail L. Gasparov’s method of poetic analysis — which involves examining the functions of parts of speech in a literary text — the author argues that verb and passive participles dominated texts, contribute to a sense of semantic dynamism, while a predominance of nominal forms correlates with contemplative and introspective tones. A particular focus is placed on Khatuev’s innovative lexical choices, including neologisms and individually coined words, which serve as distinctive features of his poetic language. The article also defines a unique phenomenon within the Kalmyk linguistic context: the existence of family-specific microdictionary — lexical items confined to domestic usage and absent from standard lexicography. By incorporating these idiosyncratic expressions into his work, Khatuev enriches and expands the expressive capacity of the Kalmyk language. The comprehensive stylistic, semantic, and prosodic analysis reveals the poet’s creative synthesis of traditional folklore, contemporary poetic techniques, and a deeply personal world view.
Keywords: Nikolay S. Khatuyev, micro-dictionary, contemporary Kalmyk literature, neologisms.

Chuluun Zayasüren. Тwo Manuscript Sutras for Camel “Dallaga” — 19
From the imagery of the Camel Blessing Sutra (Temegen-ü dalalγiin sudar), it can be seen that for the Mongolians it symbolizes overcoming the three harsh spring months and welcoming the warmth of the new season. It conveys the invocation of fertility, prosperity, the well-being of livestock without loss of mothers or offspring, and the full growth of the herds. This reflects the nomadic herders’ worldview in which their perception of nature, harmonious relationships, and imaginative thought have always held an important place in their spiritual life. The abundance of dairy and food, together with the mental and emotional well-being of both people and animals, symbolize the hope for a prosperous summer. By entrusting their wishes to the Eternal Blue Sky, the Golden Earth, and the deities of mountains and waters, Mongolians have, for generations, expressed their desire to live in abundance and well-being. This demonstrates that the deep aspiration for prosperity has long been embedded in the consciousness of Mongolian people. Such a unique characteristic of Mongolian thought — approaching all matters with faith and reverence — has been preserved even in today’s era of globalization. The ritual of receiving the Camel Blessing has been passed down through generations, incorporating elements of shamanism, Buddhism, and broader Eastern cultural influences. As a result, its imagery has become more enriched, while the main structural components — offering and sacrifice on the one hand, and supplication and petition on the other — have formed its essential composition.
Keywords: manuscript sutra, camel Blessing (dalalɣa), fire sacrifice camel legend, Eternal Blue Sky, the character, composition.

Rita P. Sumba. Written Sources in Mongolian and Tibetan Language at the Collections of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva — 30
Currently, in Tuva written sources in Oriental languages are concentrated in the Aldan-Maadyr National Museum of the Republic of Tuva, the scientific archive of the Tuvan Institute of Humanities and Applied Social and Economic Research and the State Archive of the Republic of Tuva. The collections of the Institute of Humanities and Applied Social and Economic Research keep manuscripts and xylographs in Tibetan and Mongolian languages, about 2,000 archival units. Among the collections of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva there are over 20,000 archival units of manuscripts and xylographs in Tibetan language. The article examines the history of the collection, focusing on various aspects of studying Tibetan xylographs and manuscripts. The article relies on the museum’s acquisition books and a number of research works on the topic.
Keywords: Tuva, manuscript, xylographs, Tibetan, Mongolian.

ARCHIVES OF ORIENTAL STUDIES

Svetlana S. Sabrukova. Naran E. Ulanov (1867–1904) on Organizing an Expedition to Tibet in 1904 (From the Archives of Orientalists at the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences) — 37
Thе article examines the diary of Podyesaul (Cossack staff captain) Naran Erentsenovich Ulanov (1867–1904), which describes in detail the author’s preparation for the planned Tibetan expedition of 1904. The document reveals two key aspects of this preparation: the military component — obtaining permission to study at Nicholas General Staff Academy in order to acquire knowledge of topography and cartography; and the scholarly component — under the guidance of Academician S. F. Oldenburg and the Imperial Russian Geographical Society. The diary records the process of coordinating study plans with military and scientific authorities, as well as Ulanov’s everyday life as a Russian officer and a Kalmyk representative in early 20th c. St. Petersburg. The entries provide valuable insights into the interaction between military and scholarly circles, personal contacts with Orientalists, and everyday details reflecting the sociocultural context of the period. Publication of this source introduces into academic circulation rare material on the history of Russian Oriental studies, Buddhology, and the participation of the Kalmyk community in scientific and military missions.
Keywords: Ulanov, Tibetan expedition, Nicholas General Staff Academy, Imperial Russian Geographical Society, Oldenburg, diary, Kalmyk Cossacks.

ACADEMIC LIFE

Alexander A. Kolesnikov, Irina V. Kulganek. Military Oriental Studies in Service to the Fatherland: On the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory (St. Petersburg, June 23–24, 2025) — 54

Tatiana D. Skrynnikova. Review of the Book: Tsendina, Anna D. Life Reflected in Texts: Folk Magic of the Mongols (Late 16th to Early 20th Centuries). Omens, dream books, fortune-telling books, amulets, spells, and prayers. — Moscow: HSE Publishing House, 2024. — 536 р. — (Orientalia et Classica series. IX (LXXX) — 60

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