What is a yurt?

What is a yurt?

A yurt (or ger) is a portable living structure originally developed by the nomadic groups of the Central Asian steppes. Original yurts were fashioned from local wood, felt, and braided horse hair. They were designed to be portable for moving as the horse and goat herds were driven across the plains. Strong and light, they could be set up in a day or so and properly equipped to withstand wind and snow that would crush many other dwellings.
Modern yurts and yurt derivatives are typically made from more contemporary materials (aluminum rivets, aircraft cable, and polyester materials) with heat-treated and fine finished wood. Yet their basic architectural principle (circular arch) remains the same as used five hundred years ago.