Shagdaryn Bira

Shagdaryn Bira (September 1927 – 13 February 2022) was a Mongolian historian and scholar noted for his research that examines the history, culture, religion, and languages of the Mongols.

[4][5][6][7] From 1987, he served as the General Secretary for the International Association for Mongol Studies and worked as a visiting professor at universities and research institutes in several countries, including Russia, France, India, and Japan.

[8][9] He wrote books, including the Mongolian Historiography in the 13th-17th Centuries, and contributed various chapters/volumes to UNESCO's History of Civilizations of Central Asia.

[10][11][12][13][14][15] Bira was one of founders and honorary president of the International Fund of Tengri Research, president of the Roerich Society of Mongolia, and director of the Nicholas Roerich Museum and Shambhala Art Institute.

[16][17][18] He worked with Glenn Mullin to save the Roerich house in Mongolia and restore it as a museum and art gallery.