The yurt is a portable, round tent that is the characteristic dwelling of the Mongol people and the other nomadic peoples of the Central Asian steppe. The yurt is a sophisticated piece of design, and it was the result of centuries of development on the steppe. The yurt is perfectly adapted to the conditions of the nomadic pastoral economy, and it has been used by the Mongols and other steppe peoples for thousands of years.
The yurt is typically made of a wooden frame of bent willow or poplar, covered with sheets of felt made from sheep’s wool. The frame consists of a circular roof ring, supported by a number of roof poles, and a circular wall of crossed wooden poles, called the “khana.” The wall is typically about 1.5 meters high, and the roof is typically about 2.5 meters high at the center.
The Structure of the Yurt
The yurt has three main structural components: the wall, the roof, and the door. The wall is composed of a series of crossed wooden poles, called the khana, which are lashed together at the top and bottom to form a circular lattice. The roof is composed of a series of straight roof poles, called the “uni,” which are attached to the top of the wall and meet at the circular roof ring, called the “toono.” The door is a wooden frame covered with felt, and it is typically placed on the south side of the yurt.
The yurt is typically about 5-7 meters in diameter, and it can accommodate a family of five to ten people. The yurt is typically furnished with a simple set of furnishings, including a wooden chest, a felt mattress, a few carpets, and a cooking stove. The yurt is typically heated by a small stove, called a “tuvdan,” which is fueled by dried dung or wood.
The yurt is also typically decorated with a variety of ornaments, including felt hangings, embroidered cushions, and ornamental bands. The decorations are typically bright and colorful, and they are often made by the women of the household. The decorations are a major feature of the Mongol artistic tradition, and they are widely admired for their beauty and craftsmanship.
The Construction of the Yurt
The construction of a yurt is a major undertaking, and it typically requires the help of several people. The first step in the construction is the preparation of the wooden frame, which is typically done in advance. The wooden frame is made of bent willow or poplar, and it is prepared by the men of the household or by specialists.
The second step in the construction is the assembly of the frame. The wall poles are first erected in a circle, and the roof poles are then attached to the top of the wall. The roof ring is then raised into position, and the frame is complete. The assembly of the frame typically takes about an hour, and it requires the help of at least three or four people.
The third step in the construction is the covering of the frame with felt. The felt is typically made of sheep’s wool, and it is prepared by the women of the household. The felt is then laid over the frame in a series of layers, with each layer being carefully fitted to the shape of the frame. The covering of the frame typically takes several hours, and it requires the help of several people.
The fourth step in the construction is the addition of the furnishings. The furnishings are typically simple, and they are usually made of wood and felt. The most important of the furnishings is the cooking stove, which is typically placed in the center of the yurt. The other furnishings include the wooden chest, the felt mattress, the carpets, and the cushions.
The Disassembly of the Yurt
The disassembly of the yurt is a major undertaking, and it typically requires the help of several people. The first step in the disassembly is the removal of the furnishings, which is typically done by the women of the household. The second step in the disassembly is the removal of the felt cover, which is typically rolled up and packed for transport.
The third step in the disassembly is the dismantling of the frame. The roof poles are first removed, and the roof ring is lowered. The wall poles are then removed, and the frame is disassembled into its component parts. The disassembly of the frame typically takes about an hour, and it requires the help of at least three or four people.
The fourth step in the disassembly is the packing of the materials. The materials are typically packed onto camels or horses, and the yurt is transported to the next camp. The packing of the materials typically takes several hours, and it requires the help of several people.
The Cultural Significance of the Yurt
The yurt is more than just a dwelling. It is a major symbol of the Mongol way of life, and it has a deep cultural significance for the Mongols. The yurt is a symbol of the nomadic heritage of the Mongols, and it is a reminder of the importance of mobility, adaptability, and self-sufficiency. The yurt is also a symbol of the family, and it is a reminder of the importance of the household in Mongol society.
The yurt is also a major tourist attraction in modern Mongolia, and visitors to Mongolia often stay in yurts during their travels. The yurt is a major part of the Mongolian national identity, and it is a major source of pride for the Mongols. The yurt is also a major source of inspiration for contemporary Mongolian artists and designers, who have created a number of modern yurt-inspired buildings and products.
Sources
- Jack Weatherford, The Secret History of the Mongol Queens (New York, 2010).
- Anatoly M. Khazanov, Nomads and the Outside World (2nd ed., Madison, 1994).
- David Morgan, The Mongols (2nd ed., Oxford, 2007).