Yurts: Sustainable Traditional Central Asian Housing

From the steppes of Mongolia and Kazakhstan to the mountains and valleys of Kyrgyzstan, nomadic people in parts of Central Asia traditionally lived in yurts. Lightweight, easy to breakdown, transport and re-assemble, they are ideal for shepherds and herdsmen as they move around to find fresh pastures for their animals to graze.

Traditional Yurts

Traditional yurts are sturdy and comfortable, warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The frame is made of wood poles with the roof poles connect to a sturdy center ring.

The exterior is covered in wool felt, nearly black, gray, brown or white, depending on the wool. Sometimes the exterior is highly decorated, with the wool dyed in bright colors. Different areas have different traditions.

The roof has a felt flap over the center ring that can be opened for light and ventilation or closed to keep the structure warm and dry.

Traditional yurts don’t have windows. Usually they are set up with the door facing the sun. The center opening can let lets in light, too.

The interior is finished with decorative mats of woven reeds. The yurt can be a showplace for varied embroidering, weaving, and carpet-making skills. Colorful felt floor coverings and beautifully made rugs and blankets are folded and stacked on wooden chests.

Traditionally, as you enter the yurt, the right side is for women, the left side is for men. The women’s side has everything for cooking, cleaning, sewing, and making felt. The men’s side stores saddles and other equipment for hunting and taking care of animals.

There is variation to traditional yurts from different areas.

The word “yurt” comes from Turkic languages and means “homeland,” “territory,” or “people.”

Yurts in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are taller, steeper and more rounded. Kirghiz call the yurt a ”boz üy” or “gray house.” Kazakhs call a yurt a “kiiz üy” or “felt house.”

Mongolians use the word “ger”, meaning “home.” Mongolian yurts have straight poles and lower, flatter roofs to contend with the strong winds and lightning strikes on the open plains.

Traditionally yurts were broken down into the wood poles and roof wheel that makes up the frame and the felts and materials that make up the roof, walls, and floor to be transported on carts pulled by yaks or horses or on the back of camels. Now they are often transported in trucks.

Sometimes authentic Mongolian yurts  are on Facebook Marketplace. You can find listings for pre-owned yurts from private sellers and new listings from  importers. The price ranges all over the place

Authentic Mongolian Yurt

Authentic, fair-trade Mongolian Yurt including wood stove, chimney piping, circular floor, drip edge, insulation, and layer of house wrap.

Ready for your all season retreat, air bnb, or minimal living dreams.

Authentic Mongolian Yurt on Facebook Marketplace

Featured Image Traditional Yurtk, Orkhon Valley, Central Mongolia
Photo by P. Lechien