The History of the Housing Type “Halachah” in Khakassia

Abstract

Purpose. The article is devoted to the historical development of the Khakass housing type “halachah” in the ethnographic period. Its construction, classification, time of creation and existing housing forms in Sayan-Altay are considered. Results. The study explores systematic ethnographic data about “halachah” in the 18-20th centuries, a detailed description of its design is given, the problem of the classification of the housing is solved, time of creation and forms of its existence are reviewed. The issue of its pre-Turkic existence in Sayan-Altay remains problematic. The housing had the following characteristics: simplicity of construction, low cost, quick construction and availability of materials for its production. “Halachah” was used by the Khakass throughout the territory of their settlement during the 18-20th centuries. It was also used by pastoralists, farmers, hunters, and tradesmen, and was used during seasonal work. The study allowed the authors to clarify the characteristics of “halachah” as a type of portable housing, and revealed the characteristics of its long-term existence in ethnographic time. This feature indicates the universality of its design, the processes of evolution and development. In addition, the study of the housing indicated that one of the directions in the future may be the study of pre-Turkic history of conical grave buildings, which could likely be the prototype of the “halachah”. Conclusion. The housing type “halachah” refers to the conical frame of round structures at the base without walls. The housing fully reflected the adaptation of man to the natural geographical conditions of Khakassia. The time of disappearance of this type of housing is the second half of the 20th Century, when “halachah” had already lost its importance in the traditional life support system of ethnic groups.