The Kyrgyz Yurt: The True Nomadic Life

In this post we will introduce you to the long history of Kyrgyz yurts.

Yurts were a very significant part of Central Asian identity. The portable tents used by nomadic Turkic peoples, including the Kyrgyz, made it easier for them to move from one place to another. The word yurt comes from the Mongolian word "Urdu" which means a camp or palace. It also means "home" or "homeland" in Turkish.

The traditional yurts are made of Wool collected from domesticated sheep, goats or yaks. Although it can take a month to build a yurt, nomads can use these yurts for decades and easily transport them to their new locations. The round shape of a Kyrgyz yurt also helps reduce wind and protects nomads in extremely cold weather.

Apart from its functionality, a yurt has a deep symbolic meaning in nomadic cultures. A Kyrgyz yurt is not only the home of the nomads, but also a symbol of family, tradition, unity and earth.

Kyrgyz Yurts and Tündük

The tündük is an essential part of the Kyrgyz yurt. It is the crowning circle at the very top of the yurt that has significant meaning. "Tundukchi" is the name of the master who makes a tunduk. A tundukchi makes a tunduk that can be used by nomads for a lifetime. The tunduk functions as a window to the sky, creating light and ventilation. It is also the emblem of the Turkic peoples and symbolizes their unity and connection.

You want to spend the night in a yurt yourself? That and much more is possible on the Kyrgyzstan Group Tour. Here you will get an authentic insight into the life of the indigenous people of Kyrgyzstan, learn about the culture and the traditional dishes of Kyrgyzstan know. All this accompanied by a unique landscape and breathtaking nature.

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