The Sinor Research Institute for Inner Asian studies defines the term Inner Asia as follows: Inner Asia, or the interior of the Eurasian landmass, comprises in historical terms the civilizations of Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet,...
moreThe Sinor Research Institute for Inner Asian studies defines the term Inner Asia as follows: Inner Asia, or the interior of the Eurasian landmass, comprises in historical terms the civilizations of Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet, together with neighbouring areas and peoples that in certain periods formed cultural, political, or ethnolinguistic unities with these regions. In the past the Inner Asian world was dominated by pastoral nomadic communities of the great Eurasian steppe, and its history was shaped by the interaction of these societies with neighbouring sedentary civilizations. (Website of the Sinor Research Institute, Indiana, Bloomington). Thus, Inner Asia is not only a geographic term but even more a cultural-historical term for defining the broader region which led to the emergence of different nomadic populations in Asia. These civilizations and peoples were and are mostly inhabiting the arid steppe areas in the interior of the continent. Their economy was mostly based on cattle herding; the ecology of the steppe made it necessary to move the animals at certain intervals to avoid overgrazing. This frequent change of location together with the requirements and benefits of animal husbandry led to the emergence of certain specific dwelling forms, several of which endure and are still used even in our modern age. The fact that these buildings are still present may be a proof of their sophistication and adaptation to local climate and prevailing lifestyle. However, as everywhere, in many Inner Asian countries, the lifestyles and economy of the people are changing, and these changes lead in many places to sedentarization and the abandonment of nomadic habits. Types of Nomadic Dwellings Historically, we can discern several types of nomadic dwellings, which were used in Inner Asia: • Tents with a load-bearing inner structure • The yurt (Turkic) or ger (Mongolian), a trellis tent with a load-bearing inner structure and felt covering • Carts with tents attached to them • The black tent, a very special tent form made out of black goat hair or yak hair • Different tents, usually for very temporary purposes and not intended for permanent dwelling At present, only the trellis tent (the so-called yurt or ger) and the black tent are still in use among Inner Asian nomads for permanent dwelling. Tents with a load-bearing inner structure (the precursors of trellis tents) and carts with attached tents are only of historical significance. While the more permanent nomadic structures remain in one place usually for a period from 2 to 3 weeks to several months, according to the environment and time of the year, various simple tent types, usually made of light materials, are used for a few days' stay during hunting, traveling or attending festivities. While in Mongolia the harsh climate makes agriculture a not very viable alternative to animal husbandry, in many Central Asian countries there is an option, especially with the advent of modernization , to switch to agriculture. Especially in those countries formerly part of the USSR, this change was
