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The first yurts have been traced back to the time of Genghis Khan. Marco Polo, observing the nomadic people of Mongolia, noticed their sturdy, exactly-round tents made of rods, covered with felt, which they carried with them on carts. Yurts (or gers, as they are called in Asia), are still used today throughout parts of Russia, Mongolia and Siberia.

The traditional yurt walls were made of slats lashed together with leather thongs to form a collapsible trellis or lattice. The lattice was set up in a circle and the door frame was lashed into place. The crown or center ring was set on two posts in the center of the yurt. Roof poles connected to the crown and rested on the top of the lattice, all the way around. Finally, the entire lattice is bound by a tension rope. Covers for yurts in Mongolia were constructed of felt, beaten soft by rolling and kicking the wet sheep fleece. The size of the flock ultimately dictating the size of the yurt. In cold climates, up to six layers were used for insulation.

As a modern structure, yurts are made using hi-tech materials. They are highly engineered and built for extreme weather conditions. And although it is true that they can be dismantled and moved, they are far from the nomadic structures of central Asia’s history. With many being built with elaborate decks, floors, interiors, kitchens, and bathrooms.