yurtlar

Yurtlar is the plural form of yurt in Turkish. The term has multiple related meanings. In traditional usage, a yurt is a portable, circular dwelling used by nomadic peoples of Central Asia and parts of Mongolia. It consists of a collapsible wooden lattice wall, a circular crown at the top, and a conical roof, all covered with felt and fabric. The wall lattice, the roof poles, and the crown (toono) are designed to be disassembled quickly for travel. Interiors typically feature a central hearth or stove, with space organized around it; doors usually face south for weather protection and light.

In modern Turkish usage, yurt can also refer to a dormitory, especially those serving university students. In this sense, yurtlar means student hostels or dormitories, commonly located near campuses and offering shared rooms and communal facilities.

Geographically, traditional yurts are associated with Turkic-speaking and Mongolic peoples across the Eurasian steppe—from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia and eastern Turkey. They are valued for enabling mobility, efficient heating, and resilience in harsh climates. In contemporary life, yurts persist in rural areas and have been adopted for tourism, cultural heritage, and glamping experiences.