A conference was held at Khangarid Palace on Wednesday to mark the 100th anniversary of the renaming of Mongolia’s capital.

Under Chinese rule, Ulaanbaatar was known as Ikh Khuree. But on February 9, 1912, the Bogd Empire changed the city’s name to Niislel Khuree, as a show of independence. (The city got its current name in 1924.)

In observation of the centennial, the Mayor’s Office, the Historical Institute of Science Academy, and the State Archive General Office organized the conference.

Participants discussed the history and development of the capital, and scholars and researchers read papers. During the conference, J.Urangua of the National University’s History Department told our reporter that the Ministry of Internal Affairs told the Bogd Empire that a city where the king lives should be called “niislel,” or “capital.”

The Bogd Empire agreed, decreeing that henceforth all official documents should refer to the city as Niislel Khuree instead of Ikh Khuree.

J.Urangua said the conference was important for understanding the controversial history of the capital, and also for putting its current problems in perspective.

She added that other events to mark the centennial will include a children’s essay contest, radio and television programs, and a city tour for journalists.