What's a yurt?

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett | The Transit Center at Manas in Kyrgyzstan embraces the Kyrgyz culture by adopting the use of a yurt. Yurts are common throughout Central Asia and are used as stores, homes and banquet halls as well as area attractions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett)  

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, KYRGYZSTAN

09.23.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez 

376th Air Expeditionary Wing

TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan - The Transit Center at Manas embraces Kyrgyzstan's culture by adopting some key traditions from around the country. One example of trying out Kyrgyz traditions is the yurt, a circular, tent-like structure, filled with colorful carpets, tapestries and intricately carved furniture.

While the TCM has only one yurt, it's primary use is for hosting guests, holding celebrations and accommodating other special occasions. Yurts are still common throughout Kyrgyzstan and traditionally used as homes, although, some are used to sell goods as well. But, what's a yurt?

According to local guides, thousands of years ago the nomadic, cattle-breeding, people of Central Asia needed a dwelling they could easily assemble and reassemble, that's where the yurt or "'yurta" comes in. Nomads would normally put up their yurts on a hill where they could watch their cattle and be surrounded by nature, the sky, stars and valleys. Typically it only takes approximately an hour to erect or collapse the structure. Once collapsed, the nomadic tribes would use pack animals to move the yurt from one location to another.

The yurt is made from a circular wooden frame and bent poles, which are then covered with wool and felt. Using wool as a covering allows the yurt to breathe during the summer months, but also blocks the wind and keeps in the warmth during the winter months.

The shape prevents the structure from being blown away by the mountain winds. No one knows for sure which Central Asian culture developed the yurt, but it's a shared tradition throughout the region.

The size of the yurt is defined by the "kerege," latticed sliding walls consisting of separate links that are covered with mats made of grass stalks. Traditionally the entire yurt is decorated with different ornamented felt items, braided patterned fringe, multicolored tassels and patterned braids.

The very top of the yurt is the "door to the sky" called "tunduk," an opening that is partly covered with a felt coat. The "tunduk" can be opened or closed to help control the temperature or let out the fireplace smoke, which is placed in the middle of the yurt. This is where the dining takes place, and where the bedroom is located.

Usually the internal part is separated into two sections, the right side is considered the woman's part "epchi jak" and the left side is for the man "er jak." Colored bags, clothing, jewelry, pottery and the woman's other personal belongings are kept in the "epchi jak." Also on the right side, is a partition used to separate food storage and most importantly this is where the babies are cared for. The left side holds the man's clothing, hunting equipment and trappings.

The "tor" located just opposite the entrance, is considered the most honorable place inside the yurt. This is where a row of trunks are placed, along with the best patterned carpets covering the floor. Placed on the trunks are quilts and fur rugs, symbolizing the wealth of the family.

The importance of the yurt is far beyond the structure itself and reaches deep into the past. Not only used for protection, the yurt was used in various traditions and ceremonies. For example, when the birth of a child is expected, a long stake symbolizing a "cosmic tree" is placed in the center of the yurt at the start of delivery. The belief is that the woman in labor would receive help from the stake as she knelt and held it while giving birth.

Yurts are used in funeral ceremonies as well. The deceased family member is purified and then kept on either the left or right side of the yurt, depending on the gender. The family then guards the deceased person during the night and tells stories of the loved one's life and values during the day. On the third day, the body is washed and wrapped in a white cloth, then carried out to the grave and buried.

More than just a dwelling, the yurt symbolizes the ancient traditions and culture of Central Asia, which still lives on today.

(Valentina Turabekova, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, Kyrgyz host national affairs consultant and linguist, contributed to this article.)

• Date Taken: 09.23.2013
• Date Posted: 09.23.2013 23:03
• Story ID: 114139
• Location: TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, KG