Kibitka

A kibitka (Russian: кибитка) is a type of portable dwelling or wagon traditionally used by nomadic peoples, particularly in Russia and Central Asia. Historically, the term referred specifically to the covered wagons used by nomadic groups like the Kalmyks, Kazakhs, and Kirghiz peoples.

More generally, a kibitka can describe a temporary or mobile shelter. The term often evokes images of a small, enclosed wagon, offering protection from the elements while traveling. While sharing similarities with yurts in terms of portability and use as a dwelling, kibitkas typically differ in construction and size, often being smaller and designed more explicitly for transport.

Over time, the term "kibitka" has also been used more broadly, sometimes appearing in literature or historical accounts to refer to similar types of covered carts or wagons used for travel, even if not strictly within the context of nomadic cultures.

The etymology of the word "kibitka" traces back to Turkic languages, reflecting the origins of the practice among nomadic groups in Central Asia and surrounding regions.