On July 11, 1921, a wooden platform was erected on the square, in front of today’s Opera House, from which Prime Minister D. Bodo proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic. From that time on, the square became known in the capital as Tribune Square (Indriin Talbay) and became the site of public gatherings and rallies. At one such gathering, on December 23, 1921, Sükhbaatar organized a mass cutting of women’s and children’s braids, as well as the forced confiscation of traditional headdresses and jewelry. In 1922, during Nadom and the anniversary celebrations of the revolution, Sükhbaatar oversaw a military parade on the square and personally participated in an archery competition, winning first place. From 1923–1924, the square became known as “Sukhbaatar Square” (Sukhbaataryn talbai); for example, a July 15, 1925, issue of the Izvestia Ulan-Bator-Khoto newspaper reported that “according to Mongolian tradition, the fourth anniversary of the People’s Revolution was marked by horse races in the square dedicated to D. Sukhbaatar.”
On July 8, 1947, a monument to Sukhbaatar was unveiled. The sculptor was S. Choimbol. In 2005, the Sukhbaatar Mausoleum was dismantled, and in 2006, a large-scale reconstruction of the Government Palace was completed. During this reconstruction, statues of Genghis Khan, his two closest servants, Mukhali and Boorchu, and the two Great Khans of the Mongol Empire, Ögedei and Kublai, were installed in front of its façade.
Traditionally, all heads of government visiting Mongolia pay their respects to Genghis Khan at Sukhbaatar Square.
Currently, the square serves as a venue for public demonstrations, celebrations, concerts, and exhibitions.
Prepared by G. Altanbold
