The traditional yurt building is a circular tent that was first used by the nomadic herdsmen of Central Asia as long ago as thousands of years. The construction is made out of a wooden lattice frame covered in felted wool, held together with ropes and supported by bent wood roof poles. In some areas the felt is covered with canvas, that provides better protection from the rain. Of course, there are no trees growing on the steppes of Afghanistan and Mongolia where the yurts are most commonly found, so the herders are most likely to obtain the necessary lumber by trading with people who live in the lower altitude valley regions. Horses, camels or yaks are used to transport their portable yurt from one grazing area to another.
Today, in Europe and North America, modern yurt manufacturers may use slightly different building styles and materials, but they build upon the tried and true techniques that have proven successful over the centuries to be easy to set up and take down, and comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Perhaps this is why yurt rentals are now becoming more commonly seen in places such as state park campgrounds across many states of the US.
The process of yurt building may be different between Central Asia and North America, but the intrinsic comfort and charm of yurts or gers is something that is universal. Whether they are illuminated by electricity or a lamp burning yak butter, there is definitely something soothing about being inside a round tent. Maybe it is the simple fact of lacking in corners, but this is a good feeling environment with an almost therapeutic aura. Artists set up yurts as backyard workshops not only because the construction is more economical and environmentally responsible but also because the spirit inside the yurt feels more creative, or at least so they say.
Although yurt buildings are now being adopted by Europeans, Americans and Canadians, this portable tent will still be an important symbol of nationalism in many Asian cultures. The coat of arms of Kazakhstan and the flag of Kyrgyzstan both include yurt design symbols. And even in some cities and towns located far from nomadic tribes people, the yurt design is being incorporated to represent the soul of the nation in the form of traditional restaurants and shops selling souvenirs to tourists. From Mongolia to Siberia to Afghanistan, the yurt building remains a symbol of a powerful way of life that has now spread its influence all across the world.