This Yurt is a traditional shelter for the people of the Tian Shan mountains in central Asia. The Yurt is constructed of a many-pieced wooden frame that is overlaid with several felt coverings. The felt is made of wool sheared from the family sheep. Phil Auserehl, owner of Castle Cleaning and Oriental Rug Company, hopes to educate the community on the lifestyles and culture of central Asia. Click the Yurt on the left for more.
This structure is a Kyrghyz Yurta, traditionally used by the Kyrghyz people of the Tian Shan Mountains in the center of Asia. The Kyrghyz are herdsmen who guide their horse and sheep herds from pasture to pasture in their high mountain valleys. The yurt evolved over many centuries as a structure suited to their nomadic lifestyle. The dome shaped structure provides sound yet easily movable protection from the hart mountain environment.
The Kyrghyz yurta is made from wood available in the Tian Shan range. It is covered with felt made of wool of the Kyrghyz family’s sheep herd. The yurt pictured above was made in the early 1990’s at a factory in the town of Tokmok.
Typically, there is a wood-burning stove at the center with a funnel directing smoke through the open top hole. On Summer days, the side covers are often raised to allow a cool breeze, while the top provides shade.
This photo was taken to the west of Lake Issyk Kul. The mountains are the Kyrghyzki Alatau. (the range along the border with Kazakhstan).
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hazen
Arranged on the ground inside the yurta are Kyrghyz Shyrdak, which is a large felt applique rug made from the wool of the family’s herd and lovingly inlaid with tribal designs. We offer examples on the 2nd floor of Castle Cleaning and Oriental Rug Company. Today, yurta are common in areas of China, Mongolia, Burryata, Tuva, Kazahstan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. Ulaan-Baatar, capitol of Mongolia, is surrounded by extensive and permanent Yurta suburbs.