Traditional Mongolian Ger (Yurt): Structure, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance

The modern Mongolian ger, or yurt, is traditionally classified by its external shape into two broad types: Mongolic and Turkic. Within the Mongolic type, regional variations exist, including Khalkha, Bayad, Dörvöd, and Buryat styles. A Mongolian ger consists of two main components: wooden framework (yas mod) and felt coverings (büreés). The framework includes the wall lattice (khana), roof poles (uni), door (khaalga), and the crown (toono), while the coverings comprise the central flap (örkh), roof felt, wall felt (tuurga), and entrance curtain. Additional structural elements include the central columns (bagana), tension ropes (busluur), and fastenings (daruulga). These parts are intricately balanced in proportion, providing both practical and symbolic harmony.

Bagana (The Pillars)

The pillars are vital during the construction and disassembly of the ger, used to raise and support the toono. Their proper height ensures the structural balance of the entire dwelling, protecting it from strong winds or collapse. Typically, the pillars are 1.5 times the height of the door, while the floor’s diameter is four times that of the crown. The pillars are deeply sacred—believed to connect with ancestral spirits—so leaning on, hugging, or stepping over them is taboo. They are also symbolic of the vertical axis of the universe and likened to human legs. The two central pillars represent the husband and wife; thus, passing between them or exchanging objects through them is strictly avoided.

Örkh (The Roof Flap)

A square piece of felt customized to fit the toono is called the örkh, used to regulate sunlight, wind, and rain. There are several styles, such as the square örkh, pointed örkh, and triangular örkh. The state of the örkh reveals the household’s activity: if it remains closed in the morning, the family is still asleep; if closed all day, they are either away or mourning. The örkh is considered the “hat” of the toono and symbolizes dignity and spiritual energy. Stepping or sitting on it, or leaving it on the ground, is seen as disrespectful and inauspicious.

Toono (The Crown)

The toono is the circular wooden ring at the center of the roof, functioning as a skylight, chimney, and the attachment point for the uni. It expands or contracts the interior space and is crucial for ventilation and lighting. Among different Mongolian groups, it has various names: “kharaach” (meaning “sky observer”) among the Dörvöd and Bayad, and “garaats” (meaning “smoke outlet”) among the Oirat groups. It is considered the “head” of the ger and is therefore painted red or orange, symbolizing the sun. Walking over the toono is strictly forbidden. Historically, there were several styles: the sarkhinag (latticed crown), tsamkhraa (ribbed crown), and khorol (wheel crown). Each evolved based on environmental needs and nomadic suitability.

Tulga (The Hearth and Fire)

Located in the very center of the ger, the hearth represents the heart of the home. Its three supports (legs) symbolize the father (west), mother (east), and daughter-in-law (south). In traditional practices, a metal hearth was gifted to families who raised a thousand cattle, symbolizing the endurance and strength of their fire—like steel. The hearth is sacred; offerings are made to the fire spirit, believed to take the form of a three-year-old boy. These offerings include butter, milk, meat, and fine silk. Before meals, the hearth is honored with blessings such as:

“May your endeavors proceed with short ribs,
May everything flourish with hind shanks,
May you prosper with marrow bones.”

It is forbidden to give or request fire from another household. When placing the cooking pot on the stove, it is tilted slightly westward, symbolizing prosperity. A son born to a household is said to be “born upon the hearth,” indicating his sacred role as the successor of the family fire.

Tuurga (The Felt Walls)

The felt walls, or tuurga, are crafted by carefully sizing pieces of felt to fit the curvature and height of the ger. Traditionally, hides of deer, antelope, or gazelle were used. The tuurga stabilizes the structure and is secured with braided horsehair ropes known as busluur. These ropes symbolize continuity across time (past, present, and future) and generations (youth, adults, and elders).

Uni (The Roof Poles)

The uni represents rays of the sun inside the ger. Made from willow, birch, or elm, they come in two types: straight and slightly curved. Curved uni reduce wind impact, raise wall height, and form the dome shape. After erecting the toono, the uni are inserted symmetrically from east and west sides. The average length of uni for a five-wall ger is 2–2.5 meters, and for a four-wall ger, 1.5–2 meters.

Khaalga (The Door)

The door is not only for entering but structurally integral to the wall. There are framed (jaaz) and flat (khaftsan) doors, with framed wooden doors being most common. Traditionally, gers face southeast or south to avoid the cold northern winds and to optimize sunlight inside. The felt door includes components like neck pieces, lining, seams, and edging, often decorated with patterns such as waves or coin motifs. The edges are embroidered with white and black braids. Among Mongolic groups, people enter the ger by lifting the door curtain with their right hand on the right side, while Kazakhs do so with their left hand from the left. The felt curtain is edged with counter-clockwise twisted black thread to symbolically ward off evil.