Discuss these issues with your classmates.

1. What are other typical dwelling of ancient people can you name?

2. Is the yurt now only a symbol or it has some practical use? Give some examples.

3. If you have a chance to spend summer vacation living in a yurt, would you realize it? Why or why not?

Writing

Write some sentences or a short compositions about this topic.

Describe an idea house for you where you would prefer to live.

Lesson 60, 61, 62

National holidys

Kumis

The life of nomads greatly depended on animals. They were the main source for food and drink, and gave necessary materials for making both clothes and footwear. The skins and wool of animals were used in the construction of traditional nomadic dwellings. The horse was of greater importance that other domestic animals. It was not only a means of transportations, but it also gave meat and marvelous and wonderful drink made from mare’s milk. This drink is called kumis. It is a useful and healthy drink which treats many diseases. They say that it is the drink of strong and brave men. it is a recognized as a useful stimulating beverage.

The ceremony of kumis drinking is of equal importance for the Kazakhs, as the tea ceremony is for the Japanese. There are about forty types of this beverage made form mare’s milk. For example, “бал кумыс” is sweet, “бест” is very strong, “саумал” – in which fresh mare’s milk has just been added, “сары” is of high quality. Due to its unique taste, nutritious characteristics and white colour, which is considered sacred, the beverage plays a very important ritual role. It is recognized as a symbol of happiness and prosperity. This drink has always been together with its people for a long time, supporting their balance of spirit and strong desire for life.

The history of kumis started many years ago. According to scientific research the horse was domesticated at that time on the territory of present –day Kazakhstan. The remnants of mare’s milk found in clay jugs during archaeological expeditions can confirm this idea.

The nomads kept the technique of kumis preparation as a top secret for many centuries. As the historian Gerodot said the Scythians had blinded all their slaves knowing the technique of kumis making because they were afraid of their secret being discovered.

Kumis is recognized as a useful and stimulating remedy. Its taste is pleasant, refreshing, sour-sweet and foamy. The first written mention about kumis can found in the 430s B.C. Describing the life of the Scythians, historians wrote, that the most favorite beverage of that people was a drink prepared by churning mare’s milk in deep wooden barrels.

Kumis is very light in body compared to most dairy drinks. It has a unique slightly sour flavor. It is usually served cold or chilled. Traditionally it is sipped out of small handle less, bowl- shaped cups or saucers called pialla. The serving of this drink is an essential part of Kazakh hospitality.

Since ancient times kumis has a strong reputation of an all purpose medicine. It is really true. According to some diseases as tuberculosis, bronchitis, coughing and anemia.