Mongolian pastoral society and women
Yurts, the traditional round tent dwellings of the Inner Asian nomads, have been in use for more than 3,000 years. Constructed according to the principle of sparing natural resources, yurts are also a place where men and women live together in integrated harmony.
Expert story by
Ágnes Birtalan
Using the principle of sparing natural resources
Inner Asian nomadic society is based on the harmony of Cultura and Natura. Their dwellings are, therefore, constructed according to the principle of not wasting natural resources. The architectural structure of the yurt, and its predominant materials of wood and felt, exemplify methods that use and recycle natural resources of Inner Asian environments. The easily-constructed tents offer great flexibility in accordance with the nomadic lifestyles that continue to dominate the region.
Harmonious coexistence between men and women
The yurt is also the basic unit of social life. The number of generations (two, three or even more) that share these single-volume yurts have changed over time and relate to the social status of its owner. Many of the ancient rules of age and gender-specific distribution of the yurt’s inner space are still followed today.
Asia, Western Mongolia, multi-generational Mongolian family who all reside together in one Ger © Emily Marie Wilson, Shutterstock
Mongolian Ger © Ágnes Birtalan
Specific tasks for males, females or both help create a harmonious coexistence for all ages. This organised labour distribution recognises everyone’s contribution. Women, for example, traditionally make yurt coverings while men construct its wooden elements. Other building tasks are shared. The structure itself is light enough for easy assembly, disassembly and packing by women or even children.
Inside the yurt, the communal space has designated male (west) and female (east) sides, as well as shared spaces. Decision-making about leadership or education is also shared, further encouraging equality.
Socio-environmental adaptability
In the context of sustainable development trends, the socio-environmental adaptability of the dwelling could provide a scalable example for other nomadic societies. Even in contemporary life, yurt owners have adapted their dwellings to accommodate needs for renewable energy and even internet access.
Industrial sectors
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Education
Other service activities / indigenous values
Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use
Habitat at the New European Bauhaus Festival and the STI Forum
This story is part of “Habitat: Embracing change in the post-2030 future”. Habitat was discussed at the side event “New habitats for the post-2030 future” during the New European Bauhaus Festival on 10 June 2022. At the STI Forum of 2023, a science policy brief recommendation on Habitat was published under the category “science-policy-society interface”: Enablers for transformative change to sustain people and nature-centred world. Download recommendation >
Contribution to story
- This is “HABITAT: Embracing Change in the Post 2030 Future” Exhibition designed and curated by Dr Sandra Piesik, 3 ideas B.V in collaboration with HABITAT Coalition and VITO
- Copy editing by Katleen Vandormael, Communication Manager G-STIC, VITO
- Cover image: Some Mongolian yurts on a field © Alexandru Nika, Shutterstock
- “HABITAT: Vernacular Architecture for a Changing Planet” published by Thames & Hudson
- “HABITAT: Vernacular Architecture for a Changing Planet” published by Abrams
- “Habitat: Traditionelle Bauweisen für den globalen Wandel” published by DETAIL Special
- “Habiter la planète: Atlas mondial de l'architecture vernaculaire” published by Flammarion First Prize Winner at “J’aime le livre d’art”, Paris 2017
- “HABITAT: Arquitectura vernácula para un planeta cambiante” published by Blume
- “HABITAT: Vernacular Architecture for a Changing Climate’ published by Thames & Hudson UK, USA, and Shufuhsa