History of Yurts

HISTORY OF YURTS

The yurt is the traditional dwelling of the nomadic people of Central Asia. They are found from Anatolia to Mongolia. It is not possible to say which of the ancient nomadic tribes originally developed the traditional design but it is still in use by people throughout the region and plays an important role in the lifestyle of the shepherd. Although styles of architecture and city planning come and go, the yurt remains a stable and lasting link with the past.

The nomads usually set up their yurts on high ground, where they could easily oversee their livestock and watch the surrounding world. Yurts were also placed in valleys beside a mountain streams. In autumn and winter, windless spots that lacked heavy snowfalls were preferred.

The traditional yurt was covered with a felt mat. Life in the yurt centered on the fireplace. Near the rear wall of the yurt, just opposite the entrance stood blankets,

carpets and pillows piled up on chests or special props. The height of this pile was an indicator of the family's wealth.

The day in the yurt began before dawn. The women would already be cooking breakfast and putting food into bags for the men who would lead the herds out to the pastures. After seeing them off, the women would attend to other household tasks.

Children who could barely walk were taught to ride a horse.

They would learn about cookery, embroidery and the traditional patterns which adorned carpets and blankets. These carpets would be placed on the walls or the floors of the yurt. They not only served practical purposes helping to keep the yurt warm, they also had an aesthetic function. The patterns reflected the colors and shapes found in nature such as the variety of color and fragility of flower petals, eagles with proudly bent wings, the blue tints of the sky.

Although most once nomadic people now live in high-rise apartment blocks, they have a special affection for the yurt. Often, on the occasion of a birthday a yurt will be set up and guests invited to the holiday table in the yurt.

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