TRADITIONAL KYRGYZ YURT

(Reference Information)

The yurt (in Kyrgyz: boz üy) is the traditional portable dwelling of nomadic Kyrgyz people and a symbol of their culture and lifestyle.

It is a dome-shaped structure made of a wooden frame and covered with felt adorned with national ornaments. The yurt is easily dismantled, transported and reassembled, making it an ideal dwelling for nomadic people.

 

Main Parts of the Yurt

 

1. Kerege – the collapsible lattice wall sections that form the circular base of the yurt. Typically consists of five or six parts.
2. Uuk (zherdi) – the wooden poles that rest on the kerege and rise to form the dome, connecting to the central crown (tunduk/shangarak).
3. Tunduk (roof crown) – a circular wooden ring at the top of the dome, serving as a smoke outlet and skylight.
4. Bosogo (door frame) – the wooden frame that forms the entrance to the yurt.
5. Felt covering – Felt coating is a thick layer of felt that covers the wooden frame, providing thermal insulation and protection from the weather. Types of felt covering, depending on the location: side (tuurduk), top (uchuk), above the dome (tunduk zhabuu).

 

Symbolism and Significance

The yurt carries deep meaning for the Kyrgyz people. It is not merely a home, but a symbol of the hearth, homeland and the nomadic identity. The yurt reflects family unity, hospitality and the spiritual and material values of the nation.

Every item inside the yurt has its place and meaning. Ornaments and patterns on felt and textiles often depict elements of nature, mythology and ancestral heritage.

While most Kyrgyz people today live in modern homes and apartments, the yurt remains a vital part of national identity. It is widely used for cultural events, tourism and as summer housing for herders in mountain regions.

The word yurt originates from a root meaning “homeland” or “fatherland” (ata-zhurt in Kyrgyz).

Yurt Dimensions

 

The yurt presented at the CICA Headquarters has a diameter of 6 metres and a height of 3.6 metres. As noted earlier, this is a six-wall yurt, meaning it is constructed using six kerege sections.