Modern.az website is starting a series of interviews with foreign journalists. In these interviews, we will try to learn about the journalists' perspectives on inter-country relations, as well as the approach to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis in those countries, and commonalities.
Our first interviewee was journalist Nymadary Baigalma from Mongolia. She is an employee of gogo.mn website.
We present the interview with her:
- Ms. Nymadary, how would you characterize Azerbaijan-Mongolia relations?
- I believe that relations between Azerbaijan and Mongolia are stable and friendly. Although economic and political cooperation is not extensive, diplomatic ties, cultural exchanges, and cooperation within international organizations continue at a good level.
- What is it like to be a journalist in Mongolia today? Are you satisfied with the current state of media and press freedom in your country? Which media organizations are considered leading?
- Being a journalist in Mongolia is an interesting but challenging job. Freedom of speech and press is protected by law, but in practice, issues of financial dependence, editorial policies, and political influence can be problematic. Nevertheless, most media organizations strive to perform their work conscientiously. I believe that over time, low-quality and sensational media will gradually disappear, and more professional media organizations will develop.
- Which are the leading media organizations in Mongolia, and does the average journalist's salary provide a sufficient standard of living?
- National television channels, major newspapers, and online news platforms are considered influential. However, the average journalist's salary is insufficient to cover high living costs, which remains a challenge for the profession.
- What are the main occupations of the population in Mongolia today? Do people still prefer a nomadic lifestyle, or has urbanization significantly changed this tradition?
- Currently, the majority of the population works in service, trade, mining, and public and private sectors. Although traditional nomadic animal husbandry continues, urbanization is strong, and a large part of the population lives in cities. Today, approximately 3.5 million people live in Mongolia, and 1.7 million of them are concentrated in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. This figure means more than half of the population.
- To what extent are traditional Mongolian customs and daily life preserved today? For example, how do modern youth view the “yurt” (tent homes) lifestyle?
- Mongolians largely preserve traditional culture and customs. Although urban lifestyle prevails among many young people, interest in preserving traditional practices and keeping them alive in daily life is growing. For example, some people wear “deel” (traditional Mongolian clothing) daily, and children and young people are interested in traditional music and cultural heritage. Every household is preparing for the upcoming Mongolian National New Year (Tsagaan Sar).
For modern young Mongolians, the traditional "yurt" lifestyle is valued as an important part of cultural heritage, but most do not live it in their daily lives. Despite the prevalence of urban life, young people show interest in preserving nomadic traditions, visiting rural areas, and learning skills related to the "yurt" lifestyle. For them, this is not a full-time lifestyle, but rather a connection to identity, history, and nature.
- Animal husbandry, especially sheep breeding, is a fundamental element of Mongolian culture. The import of Mongolian sheep meat to Azerbaijan is carried out, but there are discussions about whether they are slaughtered according to halal rules. Can you explain the traditional Mongolian method of slaughtering sheep and the differences from other cultures?
- Mongolians traditionally slaughter sheep internally, with the aim of causing minimal suffering to the animal and ensuring a quick death. This method reflects the nomadic lifestyle and respect for nature. Islamic traditions, however, require halal slaughter to drain the blood and perform specific religious rituals. The difference is not a matter of right or wrong, but of cultural and religious distinctions.
- What does Mongolia's economy primarily depend on? What are the main export products and the most imported goods?
- Mongolia's economy is still primarily dependent on mining. Coal, copper, and other minerals constitute a large portion of export revenues and are mainly sent to foreign markets. At the same time, agriculture, especially animal husbandry - as a traditional sector - is important, but its share in the overall economy is small.
Mongolia imports fuel, machinery, some food products, and consumer goods. In recent years, the diversification of the economy, the development of manufacturing, renewable energy, domestic food production, and the development of tourism form the basis of its policy.
- What political and economic challenges and advantages does being located between two large states like Russia and China create for Mongolia?
- Being located between two large neighbors provides Mongolia with access to nearby markets, which is an economic advantage. However, maintaining balance in foreign policy and avoiding economic dependence is a constant challenge.
- What common historical and cultural ties exist between Turkic-speaking peoples and Mongolians? How close do you think we are historically and culturally?
- Many historical and cultural ties exist between Turkic-speaking peoples and Mongolians. Both traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle in the Eurasian steppe, had similar animal husbandry practices, adapted to nature, and possessed clan-based organizations. Nomadic states often interacted and influenced each other, resulting in intertwined histories. Personally, I was surprised to learn that there are many similar words in both languages.
- The legacy of Genghis Khan is still widely discussed globally today. How do modern Mongolians evaluate his historical role?
- Modern Mongolians highly value the historical role of Genghis Khan and are proud of it. He is seen as the leader who laid the foundations of the Mongolian state, uniting fragmented nomadic tribes into a powerful empire. Every Mongolian is proud of this heritage. For example, in 2023, the Genghis Khan Museum was established, preserving historical sources and exhibits, and serving as a pilgrimage site for tourists. Additionally, Mongolia displays the world's largest equestrian statue in Tsonjin Boldog.
- What perceptions do Mongolians have about Azerbaijan? Are there Mongolians living or working in Azerbaijan?
- Among Mongolians, Azerbaijan is primarily known as a country with a rich history and culture. Currently, 15 citizens of Azerbaijan live in my country. The majority of Azerbaijani citizens are individuals engaged in labor activities. Among them are businessmen, students, and migrants.
I am unaware of how many Mongolians live in Azerbaijan. However, I know that Mongolian athletes have achieved good results in international judo competitions held in Baku. Azerbaijan is a wrestling country, and Mongolia also highly values wrestling. Therefore, I believe we have common interests. In my personal opinion, Azerbaijan is one of the countries I would like to visit.
- How did the Mongolian media cover Azerbaijan's 44-day war?
- Mongolian media primarily referred to international sources and provided relatively neutral information.
- Many foreign journalists have visited the Karabakh region liberated from Armenian occupation. Would you also like to participate in such a visit in the future?
- If an opportunity arises to visit Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, why wouldn't I want to go...
