by Nikki Rossi

Mongolia
What is it? Where is it?  Why do you want to know about it?

Come to one or all of our conversation sessions to learn all about this fascinating and little known country.

Conversation 1:  “Genghis Khan and the Mongol Horde: It’s Not What You  Think”.  May 13, 2008.  6:30 p.m. Middletown Library Community Room.

What do Hungary, China, Iran, and Iraq all have in common? All of these modern day countries were at one time ruled by Genghis Khan and his succeeding khanates.

Join Dr. Christopher Atwood of Indiana University, Central Eurasian Studies Dept., for an enlightening talk on Genghis Khan.  This conversation is sure to blow away any 
preconceptions you have of this amazing man and his vast empire.  As well you will have the opportunity to see what far reaching consequences this empire had on world history.

Conversation 2:  “Mongolia’s Past and Promise in the 21st Century” 
May 20, 2008. 6:00 p.m. Middfest Office. Middletown City Building.  4thFloor.

In October of 2007, President Bush awarded Mongolia the Millennium Challenge Grant.  This prestigious award of $285 million is awarded to countries which the US sees as being committed to fighting poverty through economic growth and democratic reforms.

Join former US Ambassador to Mongolia, Al La Porta, for an inspiring talk on modern day Mongolia. This conversation is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about contemporary culture and politics from a Mongolian aficionado.

Conversation 3:  Mongolian Buddhism. September 2008. TBA

Over 80% of Mongolians consider themselves Vajrayana Buddhist.  This sect of Buddhism is led by the Dalai Lama and the name Dalai Lama is Mongolian and roughly translated means “ocean of wisdom”. 

Join Middfest for the third and final lecture of our series on Mongolia and find out about Mongolian Buddhism.
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*All lectures are free and open to the community.  For more information on these  incredible learning opportunities call  he Middfest office at (513)-425-7707 or email us at middfest@siscom.net. 

We look forward to seeing you there!