Many Central Asian ethnic groups were traditionally nomadic pastoralists, following their herds of sheep and horses from pasture to pasture. Thus, they became acclimated to life on the grasslands, living in easily transportable yurts—round, fabric-covered collapsible homes. Although in modern times many people have moved into cities, others still live in yurts in the wide open rural spaces of Central Asia.

Yurts on the grassland
Photographer: Christine Martens