Boz üy, a portable type of dwelling, is integrated with the historical and social structure of Turkish nomadic culture. The word "Boz" in Old Turkish means "steppe, open area," and when combined with "üy" (house), it refers to tent structures used in open areas, which are disassemblable, portable, and re-erectable. This type of structure has been the basic dwelling unit for various Turkic tribes, especially those living in the Central Asian steppes.

^{Boz Üy (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Historical and Cultural Background

Boz üy has been used since pre-Islamic periods as a symbolic and functional element of the nomadic lifestyle of the Turks. Equestrian nomadic societies adopted tent-type structures to make their settlements portable while migrating to seasonal pastures. These structures are also indirectly mentioned in early sources like the Orkhon Inscriptions and are conveyed as indispensable elements of life practices in Central Asia.

Boz üy is not merely a shelter; it is also a structure where the social order, customs, cosmological belief systems (Tengrism, the three-world concept), and craft culture are embodied. Especially among the Kyrgyz Turks, the boz üy is a core space that shapes family hierarchy, gender roles, traditions, and social rituals.

^{Boz Üy, the Traditional House of the Kyrgyz, and the Reason for its Use (TRT Avaz)}

Structural Features

Boz üy is composed of easily portable parts that can be completely disassembled. It generally consists of three main parts:

Tunduk (Tündük): The circular opening at the top of the boz üy that allows light and air to enter. The tunduk also represents the connection with the sky and holds a symbolic place in Kyrgyz national identity.

Kanat: The arched poles around the Tunduk. These poles form the dome shape of the tent and provide the structure to support the coverings.

Kerege: The collapsible lattice framework system. The kerege forms the tent walls and can be easily opened and closed. It is made of wood and has a flexible structure.

The exterior of the boz üy is covered with felt. This felt, made from wool, provides insulation against both cold and heat. The thickness and number of layers of the felt vary according to the season. The entrance usually faces south, allowing for more sunlight.

^{Boz Üy (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Interior Layout and Symbolic Arrangement

The interior of the boz üy is arranged according to specific cultural codes. Each section of the space has a particular meaning:

Left side (women's section): Kitchen items and handicraft tools are located here.

Right side (men's section): Hunting equipment, saddles, bows, and weapons are kept here.

Opposite section (guests and honor corner): The wall directly opposite the entrance of the boz üy is where the most honored guests are hosted and important family items are displayed.

Symbolic Meanings of Boz Üy

Boz üy is not just a living space; it is also a spatial reflection of the worldview. The tunduk symbolizes the sky and divine power, while the kerege represents the connection with the earth. The tunduk symbolizes resilience against the harshness of the four seasons. Especially in Kyrgyz folk culture, the tunduk has become one of the symbols representing national identity and is featured on the flag of Kyrgyzstan.

Production and Installation Process

The production of a boz üy relies on craftsmanship and requires traditional mastery. The wooden frame is usually made from poplar, juniper, or elm. The installation process takes an average of 2–3 hours and is carried out with the participation of at least 3–4 people. It can be dismantled and transported with the same ease after use. tunduk, on the other hand, fall within the traditional production domain of women; they are produced from both goat and sheep wool.

Boz Üy Today

In the modern era, with the spread of settled life, the boz üy has partially lost its traditional function as a dwelling. However;

• It is kept alive by being re-erected within the scope of festivals, cultural events, and museum work.
• In tourism, especially in the context of ethnotourism, boz üys are used as hotels or guesthouses, hosting visitors seeking an authentic experience.
• It is preserved as a visible symbol of cultural identity in countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.