Kazakhstan's yurts: From nomadic shelters to modern eco-living innovations

euronews (in English)

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we travel to Kazakhstan's Almaty region to discover the rich history and innovative transformations of the yurt, a symbol of nomadic resilience and adaptability.

Transcript

00:00The Kazakhs, whose name means free, forged a unique identity in the vast open steppe

00:08during the 15th and 16th centuries, a legacy deeply rooted in nomadic traditions.

00:14The yurt, a symbol of this heritage, has evolved alongside them, still cherished today, though

00:20often adapted to be used in a modern setting.

00:29In the Almaty region, located about 1,000 km south of the capital Astana, the distinctive

00:34shapes of yurts often appear on the landscape.

00:38Yurts – portable and eco-friendly circular dwellings used for centuries by nomads on

00:42the steppes – have been adapted for modern uses, such as accommodations or restaurants.

00:48Over time, the yurt, recognized on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, has evolved

00:53into a sophisticated and versatile shelter.

00:56At this ethno-village, we spoke to architect Ravil Nurgisa, who won a prestigious architecture

01:01award for his ultra-modern version of a yurt, recognized for its innovative approach and

01:06cultural significance.

01:07To attract younger generations, here I imagined the yurt with a 25-square-meter layout, featuring

01:13transformable furniture, centralized facilities and sliding walls.

01:18One of the main features is its sustainability, following principles that honor both traditional

01:23and environmental responsibility.

01:26We put a photoelectric panel on the top of the yurt, where we take the energy from the

01:34solar panel and use it for washing and washing machines.

01:38Even if there is a small fire in the house, it can be used.

01:43The energy taken from the yurt is used in the kitchen, and the energy is stored in the

01:49reservoir at the bottom of the yurt.

01:52Interest in modern yurts has grown worldwide, with Ravil receiving inquiries from across

01:58the globe.

02:01To understand the yurt's significance to Kazakhs, we must explore its traditional role in supporting

02:07their nomadic lifestyle for centuries.

02:09Yurts dating back 3,000 years in Central Asia feature a wooden frame covered with felt or

02:16canvas, making them easy to assemble, disassemble and transport.

02:20Herders and shepherds still use them in mountain pastures.

02:25We are on Almaty's mountains.

02:27Here it's common to see traditional yurts, often used for glamping but still keeping

02:32their original form.

02:33The yurt's circular design is supposed to prevent negative energy buildup, ensuring

02:39continuous energy flow and promoting harmony.

02:42Its decoration is equally important.

02:44Kazakh yurts, more ornate than Mongolian and Kyrgyz ones, feature vibrant patterns, felt

02:49carpets, colored rugs and wooden furniture, embodying their rich heritage and artistry.

02:55Just like the shapan, the traditional garment Tlek offered me to make me feel like a true Kazakh.

03:02It's a unique experience to be able to experience the unique sense of rest and relaxation,

03:07helping relieve stress and inner tension.

03:09When you stay in a yurt, you may experience a unique sense of rest and relaxation, helping

03:14relieve stress and inner tension.

03:16Is this a couch?

03:18This is a bed.

03:20Oh yeah, bed?

03:22Okay.

03:25Oh, this is really comfortable.

03:33It's true that within this cocoon we can feel the culture and spirit of the Kazakh people.

03:38I've traveled across the country to the capital Astana to learn more about an essential aspect

03:44of this Kazakh symbol's interior decoration, the rugs.

03:49At the SheRug exhibition, which explores the untold stories of the steps through carpets

03:54and contemporary tapestries, I learned more about the significance of this art form.

03:59These hand-woven masterpieces, passed down through generations, adorn the yurts as decoration,

04:05insulation and a reflection of the owner's identity through specific patterns.

04:10Most importantly, identity card.

04:13Therefore, Kazakh rugs include the ornaments, which would portray the family and its heritage,

04:20its history.

04:21It's like a non-verbal communication.

04:23Indeed, a nomad entering a yurt could immediately identify its owner.

04:27The rugs often depict livestock, highlighting its significance as the primary source of

04:32wealth for nomads.

04:34Our journey through time wraps up here.

04:37We have uncovered the history of Kazakh rugs,

04:40Our journey through time wraps up here.

04:42We have uncovered the story of yurts and seen how these structures, once essential for nomadic

04:47life, still embody the Kazakh spirit of versatility and serve as a lasting link between the past

04:54and the present.

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