qishlaq
Quick Summary
A qishlaq is a village found in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan. These settlements are typically situated in narrow valleys or along riverbanks, often surrounded by orchards and cultivated fields. They usually consist of 200 to 700 houses, traditionally built with mud walls and flat roofs, and are closely linked to adjacent gardens or vineyards. In mountainous regions, qishlaqs can be smaller, comprising 15 to 20 households, with the flat roof of one house serving as the yard for the one above it on steep slopes. This unique construction makes them vulnerable to earthquakes.1
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