Mongolian yurt

The Mongols of Inner Asia traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle. They moved in groups, roaming the great plains divided by rivers and surrounded by mountain ranges. Their pastoral, livestock-centred culture was based on keeping animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, and, in certain regions, camels.

Of all the animals, horses were held in the highest esteem as the closest companions of humans. They were used for various purposes, such as transport, carrying loads, combat and even as food. The bond between man and horse was deeply respected and became a cornerstone of Mongolian culture.

The yurt, known as ger in Mongolian, is one of the most iconic symbols of Mongolian national identity. Its design and materials are perfect for the nomadic way of life. They are easy to assemble and dismantle yet light enough to be transported on carts pulled by oxen, horses or camels. All the components of an average yurt weigh between 250 and 300 kilograms.

Interestingly, while Mongolia has embraced modern technological advancements, a significant portion of its population still lives in yurts today. While the central districts of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, are dominated by high-rise buildings, the outskirts of the city are home to yurt districts, where traditional living arrangements are still common.

Mongolian yurts are circular in design. In the Mongolian belief system, bad energies can accumulate in corners, which cannot happen in the round shape of the yurt. In this way, the inhabitants of the yurt can have a peaceful night's sleep and protection from negative emotions such as anger.

The interior of a yurt is traditionally divided into several areas, each with a different function. By custom, the entrance always faces south to protect the interior from strong northern winds and to allow smoke to escape. The area near the entrance is reserved for ordinary visitors. The family altar is located opposite the entrance. The area in front of the altar is reserved for honoured guests. The husband's side is to the left of the entrance. That area is also where male guests sit. The right side is for the wife, children and female guests. In the centre of the yurt is the hearth, which carries a deep symbolic meaning. The fire itself is revered as sacred, and the hearth's central position in the yurt is analogous to the centre of the Universe.

Ease of assembly and disassembly was one of the most vital considerations in the design of the yurt. The choice of materials used in its construction was dictated by the natural resources available in the given region. The framework of the yurt's walls consisted of a collapsible lattice structure made by joining several pieces of wood, which were held together by binding materials. The roof was constructed of poles supported by pillars, and a circular opening was designed in the centre of the roof to allow smoke to escape.

The yurt's exterior was covered with a material called felt, which was made from compressed and dried animal hair, mainly sheep's wool. Felt is an excellent insulator: it retains heat effectively and is also breathable and waterproof. The felt covering was attached to the frame with ropes. These ropes not only held the felt in place but also provided stability to the whole structure. The roof ring and the entrance were covered with separate adjustable covers, similar to blankets. In warm weather, the outer felt cover could be folded up from the base of the yurt to allow air to circulate and ensure proper ventilation inside.