What is shanyrak?

Shanyrak is a wooden dome-shaped structure that serves as the roof of a traditional Kazakh yurt. It is made out of smoothly intertwined wooden sticks that are intricately fastened together to form an open dome, providing natural ventilation. The shanyrak sits at the top of a circular wooden frame called the kerege, which supports the roof and forms the yurt's main structure. The shanyrak also serves as a symbolic representation of the Kazakh worldview, with the circular frame representing the unity of the family and community, and the open shanyrak symbolizing a connection to the sky and the infinite. The shanyrak is an essential part of Kazakh culture and is a prominent feature in many Kazakh celebrations, gatherings, and events.