Yurts
Yurts have been a distinctive feature of life in Central Asia for at least three thousand years, used as dwellings by the ancient Greek Scythians, a horse riding-nomadic nation who lived in the northern Black Sea and Central Asian region from around 600 BC to AD 300.
Traditional yurts consist of an expanding wooden circular frame, lattice wall sections, door frame, support poles and a crown, carrying a felt cover, made from renewable sheep’s wool that accompany the pastoralists. They were designed to be dismantled and carried on camels or yaks to be rebuilt on another location.
The Tradional yurt interior decoration was not according to taste, but was derived from sacred ornaments of symbolism. Symbols representing strength being the most common, such as powerful lions, tigers, Garuda and dragons, plus stylized representations of fire, water, earth, metal, and wood, considered the unchanging elements of the cosmos, bringing strength and protection to all who sheltered there.
Also used were continuous geometric patterns such as the ‘’ alkhan khee’’ hammer or walking pattern, which represented unending strength and constant movement or the ulzii pattern, a symbol of long life and happiness.