Nomad Yurt

One variety of cabinet is the dish cabinet, known as “asadal,” which literally means “noble food.” It features a design with a pull-out drawer at the top. The name itself emphasizes the importance placed on the cleanliness of dishes, which served as vessels for food offered with good and pure intentions. It was customary to return borrowed dishes filled with sweets as a gesture of gratitude. According to popular belief, dishes and food were always stored in the cabinet at night, as leaving them out in the open was thought to invite unclean spirits.

One of the oldest household items is the “sandyq” (chest). Nomads used it to store clothing, personal belongings, various foodstuffs, and laid blankets (körpe) on top. In addition, certain types of sandyq were used as beds. In a nomadic lifestyle, the sandyq was convenient for transportation on a cart or carried on the backs of pack animals, such as camels or horses. In many cases, the chest was secured with a lock, which could be either padlocks or built-in locks. Legs were attached to the sandyq bottom to prevent moisture absorption when placed on the ground.

For the Kazakh people, the sandyq is an integral part of a girl’s dowry. During the bride’s farewell ceremony, her clothing and jewelry were placed inside the sandyq, with bedding added on top. She would then journey to her future husband's home along with her dowry. 

After the “qyz uzatu” ceremony—the wedding celebrated by the bride's side—a ceremony was held in the home where the newlyweds would live, marking the unveiling of the bride's sandyq. Inside, they had previously placed a special cloth, which would later be cut into pieces and distributed to all the women participating in the wedding festivities. Given with heartfelt wishes, this fabric served as a memento. From these pieces, young married women would stitch together a patchwork quilt (quraq körpe). This is one of the oldest traditions among the Kazakh people.

In their everyday lives, nomads used folding beds that could be spread wider when necessary. These beds were called “Tösekagash,” meaning “wooden bed.” In front of the newlyweds' bed, a “shymyldyk” was set up—a curtain that provided privacy by shielding their bed from view.

Welcoming travelers, offering warmth, and providing food was considered the duty of every nomad. Failing to welcome a traveler was a source of shame for the family and the entire clan, which allowed our ancestors to embark on long journeys without fear. They knew that even if difficulties arose, they would not be left in need. Guests were seen as messengers from heaven or God, bringing goodwill into one’s home. This belief explains the phenomenon known as the “cult of the guest,” which is widespread among the steppe dwellers. Consequently, setting a covered table holds great significance, as it reflects the hospitality of nomadic peoples. The word “dastarkhan” should be understood in a much broader sense—not only as a covered table (though its origin is linked to Persian terms for tablecloth and food). There are many traditions associated with gatherings, making “dastarkhan” something truly special for every nomad.

“Oshaq” is the main sacred object of every nomad. The home hearth was considered a sanctuary, and destroying it was deemed the most terrible offense.

Among the ancient Turks, there existed the cult of "Umay," a polysemous deity closely associated with the fire cult. This cult personified fire in the form of a female deity known as "mother-fire." Ethnographic materials highlight the close connection between folk beliefs about "Umay" and "Kut," which expresses the concept of the soul as a life force, the presence of spirit, fertility, and happiness.

Fire, as a purifying force, is given great importance. When leaving for spring pastures, livestock and loaded camels were driven between fires to ensure that the "unclean force" would not follow them into the steppe. Upon returning in late autumn, they would smoke out the wintering site to chase away the "evil spirits" believed to have settled during the summer. Fire was used to cleanse the living space and the children's cradle—besik. 

According to ancient beliefs, it was forbidden to step over fire, tread on the hearth, or extinguish the flames with water.

Every detail of our yurt has been drawn from authentic nomadic life.

The game “Altybakan” (“Six Pillars”) was widespread among ancient nomadic tribes. This household item can be quickly assembled and easily set up. The game helps youth develop skills in choosing partners, agility, creativity, and expressiveness. To build an “Altybakan,” you will need six sturdy wooden poles, a long board, and strong ropes. The structure resembles a swing, allowing several people to enjoy it simultaneously. The size of the swing can vary, with some larger versions accommodating up to six people at once. In the past, it served as an official gathering place for young men and women. A joyful song is a key element of the game, but traditional moments with educational significance also play an important role. 

In the evening, all the youth of the village, including young men and women, gather outside the village to set up the “Altybakan” (the swing: "alty" means six, and "bakan" means pillar). Parents express disapproval over various youth entertainments, but they cannot refuse to allow their children to participate in the “Altybakan,” especially the girls. Here, the youth sing songs, play various games, and the festivities continue until midnight. The game holds immense importance in understanding art, the perspectives of the youth, and their relationships.