Illustration: Kazakh man on a horse with golden eagle, 1910s.
The word yurt is said to have a number of definitions and meanings in the Kazakh language and culture, as it does across most of Central Asia. Living area, household, immediate family or even extended family as in kin are all importantly associated with the word yurt and it can be seen that this form of habitation was central to the culture and everyday life of nomadic Kazakhs for generations.
Perhaps a more correct or direct spelling or pronunciation of the word would be zhurt, gher or uy though there are others. However, the most popular, widespread and internationally recognised name is yurt and so I will use that throughout the article, even though it may not be strictly correct.
Illustration: Satellite map of Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh yurt or kiiz uy, which literally translates as felt house, is exactly what a yurt is. It encapsulates perfectly the traditional nomadic lifestyle that endured for countless generations across much of the central belt of both Europe and Asia. Although not all of the traditional Kazakh yurt is necessarily produced self-sufficiently, the wooden framework in particular often had to be traded with communities in wooded areas, the nomadic steppes being largely devoid of wood, the yurt still remains a product of a particular lifestyle.
Illustration: Kazakh yurts near Katun River, 1910s.
The felt itself originated from the flocks of sheep raised by nomadic communities. Like many mobile cultures, the textile crafts were particularly important. They were easily transportable and could often be used over a long period, particularly when using felting techniques. These crafts often lent themselves to both a vibrant and individual creative element. Applique techniques were an important aspect of felting with many colours being cut out into complex patterns and then added to contrasting backgrounds.
Illustration: Kazakh woman on a horse, 1910s.
The ideal of the yurt is both simple and practical. The physical necessity of nomadic existence does not allow for the excessive accumulation of objects. All have to serve a practical and useful purpose. If a home is dismantled, carried across a distance and then re-installed, the mind becomes quickly focused on what can realistically be carried and therefore what is strictly necessary for both survival and everyday practicality, with all excess paraphernalia being cast aside. A lesson perhaps in focused need that we would all find useful.
Illustration: Inside a Kazakh yurt, 1910s.
Although the yurt is limited geographically to its original home in Central Asia, many nomadic cultures had different versions of movable shelters that could be easily and regularly raised and dismantled many times and over long periods. Yurts themselves can remain within family groups for generations, with materials being replaced over time when worn out or broken, but with the yurt itself always remaining as a constant and as a focus for the continuation of the family group.
Yurts are indeed now popular in a number of countries across the planet, mainly being used as temporary summer accommodation for holidays. A UK based company even supplies yurts that are specifically tailored for the British climate.
Although this can only ever be a small introduction to the yurt and the skills base of nomadic felt making, the illustrations, links and YouTube video of the construction of a yurt by Kazakhs living in China, will hopefully go someway towards an appreciation of this perfectly tailored and ingenious mobile home and family community.
Further reading links:
Woodland Yurts
Inside Kazakhs Yurt, Tianchi (Heaven Lake), Tien Shan, Xinjiang Province, China Photographic Poster Print by Anthony Waltham, 24x32
Yurts: Living in the Round
The Complete Yurt Handbook
Simple Shelters: Tents, Tipis, Yurts, Domes and Other Ancient Homes (Wooden Books)
For Love of Yurts Building an Ultra Simple Yurt Home for Under $1,000
Circle Houses: Yurts, Tipis and Benders (House That Jack Built)
Tipis & Yurts: Authentic Designs for Circular Shelters
The Oral Art And Literature Of the Kazakhs Of Russian Central Asia
Kazakh Visual and Applied Arts
The Art of Kazakh CCCP / Art from Kazakhstan / Full color Large Book, the most Beautiful Paintings and Handicraft from the SOVIET times from Central Asia
Kazakh Visual and Applied Arts: Ancient Art, Folk Arts and Handicrafts, Painting, Graphic Art, Sculpture, Monumental Decorative Art
(Kazakh Folk Ornamental Art) Tom 2
Felt (Textiles That Changed the World)
Of Gold and Grass: Nomads of Kazakhstan, Treasures of the Kazakh Steppes
Lonely Planet Central Asia (Multi Country Travel Guide)
Kazakh Jewellery
KAZAKH DECORATIVE AND APPLIED ART.
Culture and Customs of the Central Asian Republics (Culture and Customs of Asia)
Rugs and Carpets from Central Asia: the Turkomans, the Uzbeks, the Karakalpaks, the Kirghiz, the Kazakhs, the Baluch
