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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Mongolian Ambassador Jargalsaikhany Enkhsaikhan, Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern; Cultural Affairs Commissioner Schuyler G. Chapin; and Commissioner for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocol Irene R. Halligan at a ceremony in City Hall Park during which the City of New York was presented with gifts symbolic of Mongolia's rich cultural heritage. Ambassador Enkhsaikhan presented the Mayor with a "Ger," a round portable nomadic home, and a traditional robe called a "Del," along with a hat. Today's ceremony concludes this year's two-month-long Festival of Mongolia, a series of events that included a two-day celebration in Central Park on June 23rd and 24th.

"I am delighted to accept the Ger and the Del on behalf of the people of the City of New York," Mayor Giuliani said. "These two items are not only symbolic of the centuries-old tradition associated with the rich nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian people, but are still in use to this day. I believe that it is very important that we, as leaders, find ways to promote and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of our two great cultures. By doing so, we help to establish a better understanding and appreciation for each other."

Ambassador Enkhsaikhan said, "On behalf of the Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations it gives me great pleasure to present this Mongolian Ger to the City of New York as a sign of our appreciation for the support we have received in holding two Festivals of Mongolia in Central Park, both this year and in 2000. These festivals provide a unique insight into the nomadic culture of the Mongolian people, including their ability to adapt to nature and to live in full harmony with the environment. They offer all of us a realistic guide for a sustainable, non-materialistic lifestyle."

Commissioner Stern said, "For the past two years Parks and the Mongolian Government hosted a festival at the East Meadow in Central Park to celebrate Mongolian culture and their effort to preserve the environment. We gratefully receive the Mongolian Ger into our collection of park treasures."

Commissioner Schuyler G. Chapin said, "It was two years ago that Ambassador Enkhsaikhan asked the Department of Cultural Affairs to help him introduce Mongolian life to our City. We have been delighted to help in this task and to join with Parks Commissioner Stern in bringing about two Mongolian Festivals that have given such pleasure to New Yorkers."

Commissioner Halligan said, "This presentation is an exciting finale of a wonderful two-month Festival of Mongolia. We're proud of the many and diverse cultures that exist in harmony here in our City, from which there is much to learn."

Upon conclusion of the remarks, Ambassador Enkhsaikhan assisted the Mayor in donning the Del, the traditional dress of Mongolian nomads. The Del has been adapted for everyday use, including horseback riding as well as formal occasions. It is usually made of silk and is worn with a sash, with a ceremonial knife on the right side.

The Mayor and Ambassador Enkhsaikhan then entered the Ger, a large tent-like structure with felt lining and a domed ceiling, measuring approximately 21-feet in diameter, where the Mayor lit the hearth, an act of great symbolic importance. The image of the hearth's flame is found at the top of the national symbol in Mongolia's national flag. The fire symbol has three tongues of flame, representing past, present and future.

The Ger has given Mongolia's nomadic peoples the ability to survive in the country's extreme climate, where temperatures can drop to 60 degrees below zero. The Ger is thought of as a miniature universe, with the domed ceiling representing heaven and the hearth representing earth. The changing direction of the suns rays through the roof's vent opening enables occupants of the Ger to tell the time of day.

The NYC Parks Department will take possession of the Ger after today's ceremony. The Ger will be erected in various City parks, including Central Park during the next several months.

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