Kazakh Yurt

The yurt holds a deep cultural significance for the Kazakh people, serving as both a practical and symbolic home. A convenient structure, easily assembled, dismantled, and transported on the back of a camel or horse, the yurt stands as an enduring symbol of Kazakh culture and that of other Turkic nomadic groups. The word “yurt” in Kazakh translates to homeland, fatherland, or even the people themselves. In addition, the yurt in Kazakh tradition embodies a representation of the universe.

The design of modern yurts can be traced back to the primitive huts and tents of early nomadic tribes. The style of yurts seen today began to emerge around 1,000 years ago, a fact supported by drawings and writings from ancient travelers from China, Iran, and other regions of Asia. These portable dwellings were common not only in Kazakhstan but also in places like Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and even the Altai and Tuva Republics in Russia, where they continue to be used in high mountain pastures. Different regions developed unique variations of the yurt, each with distinct characteristics. For instance, Kazakh yurts are typically lower to the ground to withstand the powerful winds sweeping across the steppe.

A Kazakh yurt consists of three key wooden elements. The latticework, known as “kerege,” forms the walls, while poles called “yuk” or “uuk” create a dome-like roof structure. The “shanyrak,” a round rim at the top of the yurt, serves both as a skylight and an outlet for smoke. So important is the yurt to Kazakh identity that the shanyrak is prominently featured on Kazakhstan’s National Emblem. Traditionally, willow wood has been the primary material for yurt construction, though wealthier nomads would opt for birch. Once the wooden framework is completed, it is covered with felt, which provides insulation from cold winds, rain, and snow in the winter, as well as shade from the heat and protection from dust in the summer.

Women typically take the lead in assembling a yurt, with a small team of two to three people able to construct one in about an hour. The process begins with setting up a door frame to which the kerege are connected, gradually closing the circular structure. A standard yurt typically has six kerege sections, though wealthier families may use up to ten. After this, a man stands at the center of the structure holding the shanyrak on a tall pole. The shanyrak has square holes around its rim, into which the yuk poles are inserted, with their opposite ends fastened to the kerege framework. The first three or four poles stabilize the dome, followed by the rest being added one by one.

The junction between the kerege and yuk is then reinforced with fabric strips to enhance the structure’s stability. Once secured, the walls are lined with felt. A canopy is attached to the door, and two large pieces of felt are draped over the top to form the roof. The entire structure is then tightly bound with rope to hold the felt walls firmly in place. Finally, a felt flap is installed, which can be pulled over the shanyrak in case of rain.

Traditionally, the yurt’s entrance faces south, allowing the nomads to gauge time and plan their day by the position of the sun. On either side of the entrance, household items are stored—women’s belongings, including dishes and food, are kept to the left, while men’s items, such as weapons, saddles, and tools, are stored on the right. In the center of the yurt, directly beneath the shanyrak, is the fireplace, where a tripod is set up to hold a cooking boiler. The back of the yurt serves as a storage area for the family’s belongings, and it is also where guests are traditionally seated. As night falls, beds are laid out, with the elders of the family sleeping on the right side of the entrance and the younger members on the left. Carpets line the floor and walls of the yurt, adding comfort and warmth.

Though yurts have become less common in Kazakhstan due to the rise of urban living, they remain a visible tribute to the country’s rich nomadic heritage. Even in modern cities, yurts can be seen as reminders of Kazakhstan’s deep cultural roots.

Here are a few of the country’s most remarkable natural and man-made wonders:

1. Lake Balkhash – The second largest non-drying saline lake in the world (after the Caspian Sea) and the 13th largest globally, covering an area of 18,428 square kilometers. The uniqueness of this lake lies in its division by a strait only 3 kilometers wide, resulting in two distinct sections: the shallow western part, fed by the Ili River and filled with fresh water, and the deeper eastern part, which is highly saline (with salinity levels ranging from 3.5 to 6 g/l). Balkhash, crescent-shaped, is one of the world’s warmest lakes, with its waters exhibiting a striking milky-white hue.

2. Charyn Canyon – Located 200 kilometers east of Almaty, this 154-kilometer-long canyon stretches along the Charyn River. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the U.S., the Charyn Canyon’s “Valley of Castles” is particularly unique. Formed from sedimentary rock that is over 12 million years old, its towering cliffs rise to heights of 150-300 meters.

3. The Baikonur Cosmodrome – A one-of-a-kind complex of technical structures, covering an area of 6,717 square kilometers. The flight paths from Baikonur extend across thousands of kilometers, passing over Russia and neighboring countries. Baikonur was the launch site of the world’s first artificial Earth satellite, as well as the first artificial satellites of the Sun, Moon, and Venus. It was also from here that the first human ventured into space.

4. Astana’s Unique Architecture – The new capital of Kazakhstan, located on the left bank of the Ishim River, boasts buildings unlike any other, with no two structures alike.

5. The Karagiye Depression – One of the world’s lowest points on land, situated in Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, and Mangistau regions). At 132 meters below sea level, it ranks as the fifth deepest depression on Earth, following the Dead Sea Depression, the Afar Depression, Lake Assal in Djibouti, the Turpan Depression in China, and the Qattara Depression in Egypt.

6. Borovoe – Also known as Burabay, this mountain resort boasts crystal-clear waters, with visibility down to a depth of 7 meters.

7. The Chimney of Ekibastuz GRES-2 – Recognized as the tallest in the world, this smokestack, standing at 420 meters, discharges emissions from the Ekibastuz power plant into the atmosphere and holds a place in the Guinness World Records.

8. Medeo – The highest-altitude skating rink in the world, located at 1,691.2 meters above sea level in Almaty.

9. Kok-Tobe – A hill in Almaty home to the world’s highest TV tower (from sea level), which is also one of the most earthquake-resistant structures globally.

10. Kazakhstan’s Stability – The country is renowned for its political stability and harmonious interethnic relations, making it a welcoming and peaceful destination for visitors.