Sain bain uu? My name is Agata Magdalena Chmielecka, and I am part of the team at the Erdenesiin Khuree NGO, Mongolian Calligraphy and Art Center in Kharkhorin, an institution proudly listed by CNN as one of the 10 top reasons to visit Mongolia in 2023. Now, I’ll tell you about my personal journey—from a student abroad to dedicating my life to this unique art and heritage preservation project—and why Erdenesiin Khuree offers the most authentic cultural experience for expats and travelers in Mongolia.
My connection to Mongolia began not here, but in Poland, my homeland. I first arrived in Ulan Bator in 2014 as a student of Mongolian and Tibetan Studies at the University of Warsaw, drawn by a thrilling call in the sound of the Mongolian language—a pull I later realized must have been destiny, karma or a life mission - however you like to call it. Like most of you, I immediately fell in love with the vastness of the landscape, rich nomadic culture and the profound history of the land of the Eternal Blue Sky.
Though I returned to Poland to complete my studies, Mongolia was forever in my heart. The breakthrough came in 2018 when I met my future husband, Tamir Samandbadraa, the renowned calligrapher and leading figure in contemporary Mongolian Calligraphy. Even before our meeting, I had already been captivated by his unique calligraphies and knew people he worked with—a series of connections that felt like a karmic, destined path.
That same year, we co-founded the NGO Erdenesiin Khuree—The Village of Treasure—initially registering the association in Ulaanbaatar before making the pivotal decision to establish the Center right here in the ancient capital and soon a new city to be - Karakorum. This move permanently tied my life to the Orkhon Valley, the historical heart of Mongolia, Kharkhorin, and its traditional script.
After tireless efforts with a strong network of partners and crucial support from organizations, all guided by our Mongolian leadership,—including the co-founder of the Center, Joel Rauzy of 'Wind of Mongolia'; renowned musician and throat singer Ganzorig Nergui; and Frederic Roman from Stepin Mongolia—and institutional cooperation with UNESCO Mongolia, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the French Embassy in Mongolia, Alliance Française of Oulan-Bator, and APAU/Departement of Allier—we proudly opened our Center in 2021.
Our beautiful space is composed solely of Mongolian gers, which serve as rotating exhibition spaces promoting Mongolian Calligraphers, Artists and Craftsmen, host international volunteers and art residencies 'Residence of the Steppes,' and are the foundation for our local Calligraphy Club, impactful art therapy programs for the local community, and the crucial training for the future generation of Mongolian calligraphers. With the guiding principles of honesty and bringing good to the world, our work has the strongest possible foundation.
As an expat, I understand exactly what captivates international visitors. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every traveler who finds us in Kharkhorin receives a profoundly authentic, memorable, and accessible cultural experience. Working alongside Tamir and our team, I am driven by the belief that keeping this UNESCO-listed heritage alive and connected to the world is the most rewarding work imaginable.
Our Mission
Our main mission is to preserve and promote the art of Mongolian Calligraphy in Mongol Bichig—the UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage—while simultaneously serving as a vibrant cultural crossroads. Just as the ancient city of Karakorum was a hub of diplomacy, trade, and multicultural exchange along the Silk Road, we aim to be a modern bridge between cultures, hosting international artists for know-how exchanges and inspiring a global community through the universal language of art.
We believe that the art of calligraphy is a cultural bridge that unlocks the secrets of nomadic philosophy. The Center's exhibition, placed in the authentic yurts, unveils the sacred knowledge of the spiritual kingdom. We welcome you to delve into its symbolism and gain a deeper appreciation for the soul of Mongolia.
When You Visit, You Will Experience...
authentic engagement and connection that immerses you in Mongolian culture. You can participate in hands-on Calligraphy Workshops to try the brush yourself and learn the basic strokes of the vertical script. For a memorable keepsake, receive your name or a special word written in the Script of Chinggis Khaan by a master calligrapher. Within the traditional gers, explore unique exhibitions of contemporary Mongolian calligraphy and art, gaining Historical Immersion by connecting with the profound history of the Orkhon Valley and the ancient capital of Karakorum (Kharkhorin). Finally, every visit allows you to Support a Cause, as your contribution directly funds our non-profit initiatives, while also supporting the creation of the Great Art and the artists, the center's operational capabilities, and its vital future development.
Join the New Nomad Journey
Dante Vonkayser, the creator of NomadGO, has his own story, and countless foreigners have found purpose under the Eternal Blue Sky. My life, too, was fundamentally changed by Mongolia’s calling. Whether you came for the history, the adventure, or because you simply felt a pull, you are part of this new generation of global citizens who are dedicating their lives to a higher cause and sharing the good. We are all building a new future for Mongolia, one business, one piece of code, or one brushstroke at a time.
If you, too, have felt the spirit of this land calling you to connect, create, and contribute, we invite you to truly experience the heart of its culture—and to become a part of our family.
Come to Erdenesiin Khuree in Kharkhorin. Don't just witness history—write it. Pick up the brush, write your name in the script of Chinggis Khaan, and make your own indelible mark on the future we are building together.
