Uukhai Crew Is Starting a Skateboard Revolution in Mongolia
A stunning look into the lives of the young crew changing the cultural landscape of Ulaanbaatar.
In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, something truly incredible is happening. Nestled within the traditional landscape and customs of old-world East Asia, a group of young visionaries is starting a cultural revolution through their passion for skateboarding. Comprised of a group of kids in their teens and early 20’s, those in Uukhai Crew are looking beyond their circumstances (more than a quarter of the population is below the national poverty line) and creating a new wave of skate culture. The leader of the crew is named Erdenedalai Purev, or “Eddie” as he prefers to be called, originally hails from his stateside home of Queens, New York. Since moving to Mongolia at the age of 13, he has worked with NGOs and skateboarding brands such as Carhartt to help raise awareness and funds for the skate community back home.
The name Uukhai, which is a word used as the cry of Mongol warriors as they went into battle, is undoubtedly appropriate as a name for this crew of dedicated individuals who are creating a trailblazing charge forwards. Not only changing the skate landscape in Mongolia, Uukhai is also shedding new light on the way that the arts and creative opportunities are perceived in the country. The Uukhai Crew now has more than 25 official members and over 200 nonofficial riders, made up of both girls and boys who have bonded on the streets of Ulaanbaatar. You can see the stunning gallery of Uukhai riders in the gallery above, and can head over to Vogue to read more.
- Photographer
- Dmitry Kostyukov
