Editing Yurt

{{Short description|Portable, round tent covered with skins or felt}}
{{Other uses}}
[[File:SK yurt camp (1 of 1)-8.jpg|thumb|A traditional [[Kyrgyzs|Kyrgyz]] yurt]]
[[File:Armature dune yourte (Khorezm, Ouzbékistan) (6859416536).jpg|thumb|A [[Karakalpaks|Karakalpak]] bentwood type "yourte" in [[Khwarezm]] (or [[Karakalpakstan]]), Uzbekistan]]
[[File:Gorskii 04412u.jpg|thumb|Turkmen woman at the entrance to a yurt in [[Turkestan]]; 1913 picture by [[Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky|Prokudin-Gorsky]] ]]

A '''yurt''' (from the [[Turkic languages]]) or '''ger''' ([[Mongolian language|Mongolian]]) is a portable, round [[tent]] covered and [[Thermal insulation|insulated]] with [[Hide (skin)|skins]] or [[felt]] and traditionally used as a dwelling by several distinct [[Nomad|nomadic groups]] in the [[Eurasian Steppe|steppes]] and [[Tian Shan|mountains]] of [[Inner Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kingsley |first1=Patrick |last2=Levene |first2=David |date=2017-01-05 |title=Nomads no more: why Mongolian herders are moving to the city |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/05/mongolian-herders-moving-to-city-climate-change |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> The structure consists of a flexible angled assembly or latticework of wood or [[bamboo]] for walls, a door frame, ribs (poles, rafters), and a wheel (crown, compression ring) possibly steam-bent as a roof. The roof structure is sometimes self-supporting, but large yurts may have interior posts or columns supporting the crown. The top of the wall of self-supporting yurts is prevented from spreading by means of a tension band which opposes the force of the roof ribs. Yurts take between 30 minutes and three hours to set up or take down, and are generally used by between five and 15 people. Nomadic farming with yurts as housing has been the primary way of life in Central Asia, particularly [[Mongolia]], for thousands of years.

Modern yurts may be permanently built on a wooden or concrete platform; they may use modern materials such as metal framing, plastics, plexiglass dome, or [[Radiant barrier|radiant insulation]].

== Etymology ==
[[File:Yurt_in_Xinjiang.jpg|thumb|Yurt of [[Kazakhs]] in the [[Tian Shan]], 200 km northeast of [[Urumqi]] at 2100 m a.s.l., August 1991]]
The [[Old Turkic]] ''yurt'' ({{gloss|tent, dwelling, abode, range}}) may have been derived from the Old Turkic word ''ur''—a verb with the suffix +Ut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yurt |url=https://nisanyansozluk.com/?k=yurt |access-date=24 August 2020 |website=Nişanyan Sözlük}}</ref> In modern Turkish and Uzbek, the word ''yurt'' is used as the synonym for 'homeland' or a 'dormitory', while in modern Azerbaijani, ''yurd'' mainly signifies 'homeland' or 'motherland'. In Russian, the structure is called ''yurta'' (юрта), whence the word came into English.

=== Other terms ===
* ''Black house'' ({{langx|kaa|qara u‘y}} {{IPA|kaa|qɑɾɑ́ ʉɪ̯|}}; {{langx|tg|хонаи сиёҳ}}, {{IPA|tg|χɔˈnaɪˑ sɪˈjɔɦ|IPA}}; {{langx|tk|gara öý}}, {{IPA|tk|ɢɑˈɾɑ œj|IPA}})
* ''Felt house'' ({{langx|kk|киіз үй}} / {{lang|kk-latn|kiız üi}}, {{IPA|kk|kʰɘjɘ́s ʉɪ̯|IPA}})
* ''Grey house'' ({{langx|ky|боз үй}} / {{lang|ky-latn|boz üi}}, {{IPA|ky|pos ʏɪ̯|IPA}})
* ''Mongol house'' ({{langx|mnc|ᠮᠣᠩᡤᠣ ᠪᠣᠣ / monggo boo}}; {{langx|zh|蒙古包 / měnggǔ bāo}})
* ''White house'' ({{langx|tk|ak öý}}, {{IPA|tk|ɑɢ œj|IPA}})

=== Alternate names in other languages ===
* ''Alachyk'' ({{langx|az|alaçıq}}; {{langx|tr|alaçık}}; {{langx|ba|alasıq}})
* ''Balaghan'' ({{langx|sah|Балаҕан}} {{IPA|sah|b̥ɐɫɐʁɐ́n|}})
* ''Chador'' ({{langx|fa|[[wikt:چادر|چادر]]}} {{lang|fa-latn|câdor}} {{IPA|fa|t͡ʃʰɒːˈdoɹ|}}; {{langx|tg|чодар}} {{IPA|tg|t͡ʃʰɔˈdaɾ|}}; {{langx|ota|چتر / çadır}}), has several descendants
** ''Shator'' ({{langx|hu|sátor}} {{IPA|hu|ˈʃaːtor|}}), now archaic
* ''Ger'' ([[Buryat language|Buryat]] and {{langx|mn|гэр}}, {{IPA|mn|ˈkɤr, ˈke̝r|IPA}})<ref>{{cite web |author=Project SafeCom, Western Australia |title=Mongolian Gers or Yurts: heritage of nomadic peoples |url=http://www.safecom.org.au/yurts.htm |website=www.safecom.org.au}}</ref>
** ''Kerege'' ({{langx|alt|кереге}} {{IPA|alt|kʰeɾeɣé|}})
* ''Og'' ({{langx|tyv|өг}} / {{lang|tyv-latn|ög}}, {{IPA|tyv|ɵɣ|IPA}})
* ''Otagh'' ({{langx|ota|اوتاق / otağ}}; {{langx|ug|ئۇتاق}}, {{lang|ug-latn|otaq}}, {{IPA|ug|oˈtʰɑq|}})
* ''Tirma'' ([[Tatar language|Tatar]] and {{langx|ba|[[wikt:тирмә|tirmä]]}} {{IPA|ba|tʲirˈmæ|}})
* ''[[Yaranga]]'', a tent-like traditional mobile home of some nomadic indigenous peoples of Russia, such as the [[Chukchi people|Chukchi]] and the [[Siberian Yupik]]s.

== History ==
Yurts have been a distinctive feature of life in Central Asia for at least two and a half thousand years. The first written description of a yurt used as a dwelling was recorded by the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] historian [[Herodotus]]. He described yurt-like tents as the dwelling place of the [[Scythians]], a horse riding-nomadic nation who lived in the northern Black Sea and Central Asian region from around 600 BC to AD 300.<ref>{{cite book |last=King |first=P.R. |title=A complete guide to making a Mongolian Ger |url=http://www.woodlandyurts.co.uk/Yurt_Facts/Build_Your_Own.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717113029/http://www.woodlandyurts.co.uk/Yurt_Facts/Build_Your_Own.html |archive-date=17 July 2017 |access-date=23 October 2011 |via=Woodland Yurts |publisher=Southgate Publishers |isbn=09531763-0-4}}</ref>

===Yurts beyond Central Asia===
As popularity grew, it extended beyond Central Asia. In the 13th century, during the height of the [[Mongol Empire]], yurts were introduced to parts of Europe and the Middle East. [[Marco Polo]]'s writings even mentioned the use of yurts in the court of [[Kublai Khan]]. In more recent history, yurts have gained attention in the West for their unique aesthetics and practicality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stunning Yurt Hire {{!}} Funky Monkey Tents {{!}} Bedfordshire based |url=https://www.funkymonkeytents.co.uk/yurts |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Funky Monkey Tents |language=en}}</ref>

== Construction ==
[[File:Jurty na stepie pomiędzy Ułan Bator a Karakorum 03.JPG|thumb|Traditional yurts on the steppes between Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorin.]]
[[File:CH-NB_-_Afghanistan,_Shibar_Pass_(Shebar_Pass,_Kowtal-e_Shebar)-_Landschaft_-_Annemarie_Schwarzenbach_-_SLA-Schwarzenbach-A-5-20-205.jpg|thumb|Yurts in eastern Afghanistan]]
[[File:Yurt_of_Kyrgyz,Kizilsu_Kirghiz_Autonomous_Pref.,Xinjiang,china.JPG|thumb|Kyrgyz yurts, [[Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture]], Xinjiang, China]]
Traditional yurts consist of an expanding wooden circular frame carrying a felt cover. The [[felt]] is made from the wool of the flocks of sheep that accompany the [[pastoralists]]. The [[timber]] to make the external structure is not to be found on the treeless [[steppes]], and must be obtained by trade in the valleys below.{{cn|date=June 2021}}

The frame consists of one or more expanding [[Latticework|lattice]] wall-sections, a door frame, bent roof poles, and a crown. The Mongolian ger has one or more columns to support the crown and straight roof poles. The (self-supporting) wood frame is covered with pieces of felt. Depending on availability, felt is additionally covered with canvas and/or sun covers. The frame is held together with one or more ropes or ribbons. The structure is kept under compression by the weight of the covers, sometimes supplemented by a heavy weight hung from the center of the roof. They vary in size and relative weight. They provide a large amount of insulation and protection from the outside cold of winters, and they are easily changed to keep the yurts cool for summertime.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

A yurt is designed to be dismantled and the parts are carried compactly on [[Bactrian camel|camels]] or [[Yak|yaks]] to be rebuilt on another site. Complete construction takes around 2 hours.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=Best Yurt Tent |url=https://www.lifeintents.com/collections/yurt-tents}}</ref><gallery>
File:Montage d'une yourte murs.jpg|Pitching a yurt: starting with walls and door
File:Yurt-construction-1.JPG|Placing of roof construction
File:Yurt-construction-2.JPG|Roof construction in place with roof slopes
File:Yurt-construction-3.JPG|Placing the thin undercover on the roof slopes
File:Yurt-construction-4.JPG|Felt cover in place
File:Yurt-construction-5.JPG|Placing the outer cover
File:Yurt-construction-6 (final).JPG|Last step: adding ropes
File:Mongolian Ger.jpg|A ger sits on the steppes near Mandalgovi
</gallery>

== Insulation and decoration, symbolism ==
The traditional insulation and decoration within a yurt primarily consists of pattern-based woollen felted rugs. These patterns are generally not according to taste, but are derived from sacred ornaments with certain symbolism. Symbols representing strength are, for instance, the temdeg or khas ([[swastika]]), the four powerful beasts ([[lion]], [[tiger]], [[garuda]] – a kind of [[Aves|avian]], and [[dragon]]), as well as stylized representations of the [[Classical element|four elements]] (fire, water, earth, and air), considered to be the fundamental, unchanging elements of the cosmos. Such patterns are commonly used in the home with the belief that they will bring strength and offer protection.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

Repeating geometric patterns are also widely used, like the continuous hammer or walking pattern (alkhan khee). Commonly used as a border decoration, it represents unending strength and constant movement. Another common pattern is the ulzii, a symbol of long life and happiness. The khamar ugalz (nose pattern) and ever ugalz (horn pattern) are derived from the shape of the animal's nose and horns, and are the oldest traditional patterns. All patterns can be found among not only the yurts themselves, but also on embroidery, furniture, books, clothing, doors, and other objects.<ref>{{cite web |last=van der Haegan |first=Bernard |title=Mongolian ger decoration |url=http://www.yurt-ger-yourte.com |access-date=27 October 2011 |publisher=Boston Star Consulting}}</ref>

In Kyrgyz felted rug manufacturing the most common patterns are the Ala kiyiz and Shyrdak. Ornaments are visualising good wishes or blessings of the makers to a daughter who gets married, to children, or grandchildren.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chochunbaeva |first=Dinara |date=2019-09-14 |title=Shyrdak: A sunny day in Kyrgyzstan {{!}} Garland Magazine |url=https://garlandmag.com/article/shyrdak/,%20https://garlandmag.com/article/shyrdak/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Garland Magazine |language=en-AU |archive-date=2022-12-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211094512/https://garlandmag.com/article/shyrdak/,%20https://garlandmag.com/article/shyrdak/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== In Central Asia ===
[[File:Kyrgyz_flag_yurt_Tengri_symbol.jpg|thumb|Roof crown of Kyrgyz yurt used in [[Kyrgyzstan]] flag]]
[[File:151127-worlds-largest-yurt-Mary-Turkmenistan.jpg|right|thumb|Ak Öýi (White Building), yurt shaped concrete building, "The World's Largest Yurt", near [[Mary, Turkmenistan]], established 2015]]
<gallery align="center">
File:Emblem of Kazakhstan 3d.svg|[[Emblem of Kazakhstan]]
File:Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg|[[Flag of Kyrgyzstan]]
</gallery>The ''shangyrak'' or wooden crown of the yurt ({{langx|mn|тооно}}, {{IPA|mn|tɔːn|}}; {{langx|kk|шаңырақ|Shañıraq}} {{IPA|kk|ɕɑɴəɾɑ́q|}}; {{langx|ky|түндүк}} {{IPA|ky|tyndýk|}}; {{langx|tk|tüýnük}}) is itself emblematic in many Central Asian cultures. In old [[Kazakhstan|Kazakh]] communities, the yurt itself would often be repaired and rebuilt, but the shangyrak would remain intact, passed from father to son upon the father's death. A family's length of heritage could be measured by the accumulation of stains on the shangyrak from decades of smoke passing through it. A stylized version of the crown is in the center of the [[coat of arms of Kazakhstan]], and forms the main image on the [[flag of Kyrgyzstan]].{{cn|date=February 2024}}

Today a yurt is seen as a national symbol among many Central Asian groups, and as such, yurts may be used as cafés (especially those specializing in traditional food), museums (especially those relating to national culture), and souvenir shops. In celebration of the city of Mary's year as Cultural Capital of the [[Turkic peoples|Turkic World]], the government of Turkmenistan constructed a yurt-shaped structure, called Ak Öýi (White Building) and described as "The World's Largest Yurt", of concrete, granite, aluminum, and glass. Established on November 27, 2015, the structure is 35 meters high and 70 meters in diameter. According to the [[Turkmenistan]] state news agency, "A white yurt is a symbol of an age-old, distinctive historical-cultural legacy, a sign of preservation of our roots and origins." This three-story structure includes a café, offices, and VIP apartments ,as well as a large auditorium with 3,000 seats.<ref name="akoyi2">{{cite web |date=3 November 2015 |title=Turkmenistan's Latest Folly: Humongous Yurt |url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/75866}}</ref><ref name="tkm-akoyi2">{{cite web |date=28 November 2015 |title=Концерт мастеров искусств тюркоязычных стран прошел в 'Türkmeniň ak öýi' |trans-title=Concert of Turkic-speaking countries' art masters takes place in 'Turkmen White House' |url=http://turkmenistan.gov.tm/?id=10000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128003448/http://www.turkmenistan.gov.tm/?id=10000 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |access-date=29 November 2015 |language=tk}}</ref>

=== Buddhism in Mongolia ===
[[File:Yurt_hearth_1.JPG|thumb|391x391px|Buddhist symbols: dharmachakra, represented by the [[Dharmacakra|khorlo]] (Tib: འཀོར་ལོ།) toono; [[Khata|khadag]] (Tib: ཁ་བཏགས་) hangs from the toono and [[Srivatsa|dpaljibeu]] (Tib: དཔལ་གྱི་བེའུ) is present on the stove.]]
The design of the Mongolian ger developed from its ancient simple forms to actively integrate with Buddhist culture. The crown—toono adopted the shape of Dharmachakra. The earlier style of toono, nowadays more readily found in Central Asian yurts, is called in Mongolia "sarkhinag toono," while the toono representing Buddhist dharmachakra is called "[[Dharmacakra|khorlo]]" (Tibetan འཀོར་ལོ།) toono. Also the shapes, colors, and ornaments of the wooden elements—toono, pillars, and poles of the Mongolian yurt—are in accord with the artistic style found in Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Such yurts are called "uyangiin ger", literally meaning "home of lyrics" or "home of melodies".{{cn|date=February 2024}}

== Westernization ==
[[File:FinishedYurt.jpg|thumb|A yurt-derived structure in the [[Mountain ranges of Colorado|Colorado mountains, USA]]]]
Enthusiasts in other countries have adapted the visual idea of the yurt, a round, semi-permanent tent. Although those structures may be copied to some extent from the originals found in Central Asia, they often have some different features and structures in their design to adapt them to different climate and uses.

In [[Canada]] and the [[United States]], yurts are often made using [[hi-tech]] materials. They can be highly engineered and built for [[extreme weather]] conditions. In addition, erecting one can take days and it may not be intended to be frequently moved. Such North American yurts are better thought of as yurt derivations, as they are no longer round felt homes that are easy to mount, dismount, and transport. North American yurts and yurt derivations were pioneered by [[William Coperthwaite]] in the 1960s, after he was inspired to build them by a ''National Geographic'' article about [[Supreme Court Justice]] [[William O. Douglas]]'s visit to Mongolia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Article at Alternatives Magazine on North American Yurts |url=http://www.alternativesmagazine.com/18/kemery.html |access-date=9 February 2006}}</ref>
[[File:Kelleys_Island_State_Park_Yurt.jpg|thumb|An American yurt with a deck. Permanently located in [[Kelleys Island State Park]]]]
In 1978, American company Pacific Yurts became the first to manufacture yurts using architectural fabrics and structural engineering, paving the way for yurts to become popular attractions at ski resorts and campgrounds. Yurts are also popular in Northern Canada. In 1993, Oregon became the first state to incorporate yurts into its Parks Department as year-round camping facilities. Since then, at least 17 other US States have introduced yurt camping into their own parks departments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Article at Midwest Weekends on Yurt Camping |url=http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/stay/camping/yurts_state_parks.html |access-date=8 December 2010 |archive-date=2 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702173454/https://midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/stay/camping/yurts_state_parks.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In [[Europe]], a closer approximation to the Mongolian and Central Asian yurt is in production in several countries. These tents use local [[hardwood]], and often are made for a wetter climate with steeper [[roof]] profiles and [[waterproof]] canvas. In essence they are yurts, but some lack the felt cover and ornate features across the exterior that is present in traditional yurt. There are UK-made yurts that feature a metal frame in use in at least two [[glamping]] sites in [[Somerset]] and [[Dorset]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Yurt Holidays in Somerset at Woodland Escape |url=http://woodlandescapeglampingholidays.co.uk/Yurt-Glamping.php |access-date=6 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yurt Holidays in Dorset at Dorset Country Holidays |url=http://www.dorsetcountryholidaysandevents.co.uk/yurt-glamping.php |access-date=6 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yurts from UK Company BCT Outdoors |url=https://www.bctshop.co.uk/products/nomadic-yurt |access-date=6 April 2017}}</ref>

The [[palloza]] is a traditional building found in the [[Serra dos Ancares]] in [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] (NW Spain). Pallozas have stone walls and a conical roof made of stalks of [[rye]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Vernacular architecture {{!}} Grove Art |url=https://www.oxfordartonline.com/view/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000088875 |access-date=21 November 2019 |website=www.oxfordartonline.com |language=en |doi=10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T088875 |isbn=978-1-884446-05-4}}</ref>

Different groups and individuals use yurts for a variety of purposes, from full-time housing to school rooms. In some provincial parks in Canada, and state parks in several US states, permanent yurts are available for [[camping]].<ref>{{cite web |date=15 May 2018 |title=Yurts at Ontario Parks |url=http://www.ontarioparks.com/roofedaccommodation/yurts}}</ref>

Since the late 1920s the German youth and [[Scouting]] movements have adapted a variant of the yurt and the Sami [[Lavvu]] ([[Kohte]]), calling them ''Schwarzzelt'' (black tent), a term mainly used for tents from North Africa.

== See also ==
[[File:Yurts_in_the_tourist_camp._Mongolia.jpg|thumb|Yurts in the tourist camp, Mongolia]]

* [[Architecture of Mongolia]]
* [[Flag of Kyrgyzstan]]
* [[Alachig]]
* [[Ger district]]
* [[Igloo]]
* [[List of human habitation forms]]
* [[Tent]]
* [[Tipi]]
* [[Yaranga]]
* [[Vernacular architecture]]
* [[Alternative housing]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|40em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}	
*[http://www.yurtinfo.org Yurt Info]&nbsp;– A comprehensive resource for yurts and related structures
*[https://www.yurtforum.com Yurt Forum]&nbsp;– A community resource for yurts and related structures
*[https://www.worldhistory.org/Yurt/ Yurt - World History Encyclopedia]
*[https://www.amicusmongolia.com/mongolia-ger-mongolia-yurt.html What is Mongolia Ger?(Mongolia Yurt)]
*[http://www.blackdownyurts.co.uk/our-yurts/ Timelapse of Yurt construction at Blackdown Yurts&nbsp;– Devon, England by Mike Lusmore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419194406/http://www.blackdownyurts.co.uk/our-yurts/ |date=2015-04-19 }}
*[http://www.wdl.org/en/item/1927 Yurts of the Nomadic Chahar People. Inner Mongolia, China, 1874]

{{Huts}}
{{Tents}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Culture of Central Asia]]
[[Category:Indigenous architecture]]
[[Category:House types]]
[[Category:Tents]]
[[Category:Vernacular architecture]]
[[Category:Culture of Mongolia]]