Most private residences in Almaty are arranged in a style similar to that common in Asia and the Middle East, with a wall of some sort around the perimeter, with the house and other buildings around a courtyard. Not only does this arrangement provide privacy while outside, it also allows the homeowner to keep the house and outbuildings in whatever state of construction or repair the family sees fit. Many residential compounds also contain buildings that house small businesses. The flat-topped green structure near the right edge of the photo was, at one time, a dry cleaning shop. Apparently some of these residences are not connected to city sewers - or the occupants merely prefer using outhouses.