Ger / “Гэр”
The yurt, “Ger” in Mongolian is perfectly adapted to nomadic life. It can be disassembled in less than an hour, moved, and remounted in the same day. While the use of the yurt has almost disappeared in other central Asian countries, Mongolians still continue to use it.
What The Mongolian Yurt Is Made Of
The walls are made of felt (several layers depending on the season) inserted between two pieces of fabric that cover the inside and outside of the yurt.The roof is low to avoid strong winds and mooring ropes attached to large rocks keep the structure firm.The door is always faces South.Inside, the north side is reserved for elders and people of a certain status. The north side also houses the valuables, usually a small Buddhist shrine surrounded by family photos, sitting on top of a brightly decorated dresser.
As space is limited, a maximum of only three beds can fit into a ger. The center of the ger houses the stove, besides being used to cook meals, it also functions as the main heating system.
Openings in the crown act as ventilation and a mini skylight. These can be covered partly or fully by a flap that is adjusted through cords located outside the yurt. The wooden frame of a ger is composed of a crown supported by 2 main pillars as well as approximately 60 poles that are attached to the latticework wall.
