We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center, the long-cherished vision of Nomadic Expeditions’ founder, Jalsa Urubshurow. This center represents decades of commitment to honoring and preserving the ancient Kazakh eagle hunting culture of Western Mongolia. Now, this remarkable tradition has a permanent home.
A Partnership for Culture and Conservation
To make this vision a reality, we partnered with the Cultural Sanctuaries Foundation (CSF), an international non-profit focused on culture and environmental preservation. Founded by photographer Chris Rainier and lawyer Olivia McKendrick, CSF is dedicated to protecting endangered cultures and biodiversity. Indigenous communities, while making up only 5% of the global population, manage nearly 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Their efforts are vital for the protection of both cultural heritage and the environment.
The Kazakh eagle hunters of Western Mongolia perfectly demonstrate the link between culture and conservation. Chris, drawn to Mongolia’s beauty and resilient nomads, has traveled there for nearly two decades. In 2017, he and Olivia visited Bayan-Ulgii province, staying with local eagle-hunting families arranged by Nomadic Expeditions. Together, they explored the tradition of eagle hunting and the environmental challenges it faces. River drying, grassland desertification, and changes in wildlife health are threats that impact both the Kazakh way of life and the environment.
CSF recognized the urgency of preserving this unique heritage. The foundation quickly partnered with Jalsa, the Kazakh Falconry Association, and the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia. Together, they planned the cultural center in Ulgii. Bayan-Ulgii’s government generously donated land between the town and the airport, providing an ideal location for the center. With funding from CSF’s supporters, construction began, turning this vision into reality.
A Lasting Legacy
The Eagle Hunter Cultural Center opened on October 4th, aligning perfectly with the 2024 Golden Eagle Festival. The grand celebration brought together dignitaries, eagle hunters, and guests for speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, candy throwing, and local music. Following the festivities, hunters with their eagles entered the center, marking the beginning of a new era in the preservation of this extraordinary tradition.
Designed in the style of a Mongolian ger, the center serves as a cultural hub, a gathering place for the eagle-hunting community, and a living museum for visitors. It offers a permanent showcase for eagle hunting, providing a space for both locals and tourists to learn about Kazakh traditions and the unique Mongolian landscape. Beyond the Golden Eagle Festival, the center remains a place for year-round cultural exchange and education.
Join Us in This Journey
We invite you to experience the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center, where Jalsa’s vision now thrives as a living testament to cultural pride, education, and conservation. By joining us on this journey, you help preserve an ancient tradition and support its continued legacy for future generations.
For more about CSF and its mission as a 501(c)(3), visit culturalsanctuaries.org.