1. The forgotten middle Silk Road: Historical caravan route geographies between Mongolia and Tibet.
- Author
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McCarthy, Christopher, Konagaya, Yuki, Sternberg, Troy, Enkhjargal, Erdenebuyan, and Hoshino, Buho
- Subjects
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HISTORICAL source material , *CULTURAL property , *CULTURAL identity , *REMOTE sensing , *FOOD deserts ,SILK Road - Abstract
A detailed study of the ancient caravan routes connecting Mongolia and Tibet has yet to be established. This paper describes the results of initial investigations on the identification of caravan traces through Mongolia from historical sources, fieldwork, and remote sensing reconnaissance. Recreating the Roerich Central Asian Expedition of 1927, we identify several artifacts and locations that support our belief that these routes contributed to the movement and exchange of people, ideas, and commerce across the desert landscapes of Inner Asia and helped shape cultural and religious identities that still exist to this day. Moreover, we argue the Mongolia to Tibet caravan routes were part of the greater network of ancient Silk Roads and should be considered as such: an important, intangible cultural heritage worthy of further exploration, preservation, and scholarly study. • Mongolia-Tibet caravan routes were pivotal in shaping Inner Asian identities but are often overlooked in Silk Roads research. • Evidence of these routes include tracks, cairns, temples, and forts, signifying their role as well-traveled trade paths. • These routes were part of the broader Silk Roads network and merit attention for their intangible cultural heritage value. • Inclusive Silk Roads heritage acknowledges diverse cultural contributions and fosters understanding and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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