Photos

Ceiling of the Yurt

This is the ceiling of yurt, a view from inside.

Kyrgyz people traditionally led a nomadic life. A light and transportable house was a necessity of life while traveling. Such a dwelling has been formed over the centuries and has remained unchanged until now.

The yurt (Boz uy) and its details were made of a very firm elastic wood. Round walls (kerege) were connected with leather rivets. The ceiling (uuk) consisted of folded wooden sticks of the same length and width, thus forming a domed upper part of the yurt. The wood sticks connected to round holes - tyunduk, which serve both a flue and a window and lets the light pass in. In the night tyunduk is covered with tyunduk jabuu made of a felt mat. The second main material of the yurt that plays a leading role in the interior is felt matting.

The felt mat which covers the walls, is called tuurduk; the other one, which covers the ceiling, is called uzuk.

Between the turduk and the wooden wall - kerege, specially-made placemats (chiy) were set in order to keep the premise cool in summer and warm in winter.