YURT

YURT, a portable dwelling of nomadic Turkic and Mongolian peoples. The Yu. of Turkic type (with a rolling dome) were mostly used by Bashkirs at the places of nomad camps; the Yu. of Mongolian type (with a conical top) were less common. The Yu. frame was made of wooden gratings (approx. 2.2 m long, 1.5 m high); their number (mainly 5—7, sometimes up to 12) determined the size of a dwelling (diameter of Turkic Yu. — approx. 8—9 m, Mongolian Yu. — approx. 6 m). Single‑leaf or two‑leaf doors were inserted between the gratings, arranged in a circle and fastened with ropes or straps. The upper part of the frame was tightened with a patterned ribbon. The Yu. dome was constructed with special poles, the upper ends of which were fastened with a wooden rim. The living space of Yu. was organized in relation to the entrance and centre; it was divided into male (to the left of the entrance) and female (to the right of the entrance) halves (ref. Traditional interior). Yu., covered with white felt, was installed for guests during holidays. Since the end of the 20th century, the traditions of Yu. manufacture have been revived in the Republic; they are manufactured by companies Agidel, OOO Arts and Crafts Centre “Baimak”, etc.