Tandoors in Southern Kyrgyzstan
Two Types of "Tandyr"
In southern Kyrgyzstan, there are two types of "tandyr." For one, the base is purchased ready-made from Uzbeks, while for the other, everything is made on-site. This is done by women. The base of the "tandyr" acquired from Uzbeks is a large pot in the shape of a "khuma" without a bottom. It is placed sideways on a platform, a "bottom" is laid inside, and it is coated around with clay to give it a rounded appearance. The entrance to the oven is the whisk of the "khuma," and the walls are its sides. This type of oven is common among the Uzbek and lowland Tajik populations of Central Asia, where dough in the form of flat cakes is quickly baked. Up to 15-18 cakes can be baked at once in a "tandyr," which is very convenient for a large family. This oven is usually set up near the entrance to the house. Typically, several neighboring families share one "tandyr."
The second type of "tandyr" is made as follows: various wool scraps (including waste from the production of pile carpets), water, and clean clay are mixed thoroughly and for a long time with feet, after which a rectangular clay slab measuring 80x130 cm and up to 3 cm thick is formed.
From this same mass, a ring with a diameter of 30-32 cm is shaped. After drying, the slab is bent into an arc and left in that position to dry. It is then placed on a platform that has been previously smeared with a thick layer of clay.
The back wall of the "tandyr" is filled with clay, and the ring, which serves as the entrance to the "tandyr," is inserted at the front.
Externally, both types of "tandyr" look the same: they are semi-circular structures set on a platform about a meter high. Fuel is filled through the round opening (smoke exits from the same place).
The entire inner surface of the "tandyr" is engulfed in flames, the walls heat up quickly, and the dough pressed against them in the form of flat cakes bakes rapidly. Up to 15-18 cakes can be baked at once in a "tandyr," which is very convenient for a large family. This oven is usually set up near the entrance to the house. Typically, several neighboring families share one "tandyr."
In shape, the described "tandyr" differs from the "tandyr" used by the Issyk-Kul Kyrgyz, where it takes the form of a cylinder or cube placed on the ground, with an opening located on top.
The courtyard (koroo) also serves as a resting place for the family. For this purpose, wooden platforms called "sere" (also referred to as charpaya, kelevat — from the Russian word for bed, ustyol — from the Russian word for table) are arranged around the house. They are widespread in Central Asia and consist of a wooden deck (approximately 2x3 m) raised on posts (50-60 cm high) and enclosed on three sides by low railings. Families usually gather on these platforms during meals, receive guests here, and lay out beds for the night.
Using such a platform as a basis, unique gazebos have been built throughout the south. For this, the platform is made higher, a gabled roof is added, the walls are covered with reed mats for protection from the sun, and a ladder is installed, resulting in a lightweight structure convenient for relaxation in warm weather.
The design of the "ayvan," platform, and gazebo reflects a persistent desire to create comfortable living conditions in a hot climate. In our opinion, Soviet architects, when designing rural residential complexes for Southern Kyrgyzstan, should take into account the experience accumulated by the local population in constructing summer dwellings.
Economic Buildings in Southern Kyrgyzstan
