Bylshyk Bi Mausoleum
History
The Bylshyk Bi Mausoleum is a memorial monument erected in honor of Qutayaq Seituly (1860–1933), widely known as Bylshyk Bi, who was renowned for his fairness, eloquence, and wisdom and became known as the youngest biy of the Junior Zhuz.
Bylshyk Bi was born in 1860 in the settlement of Aksu, near the village of Araltobe, in what is now the Aiteke Bi District of Aktobe Region. He belonged to the Tortkara clan of the Alim tribal group. His grandfather, Abdibai, was a wealthy and respected man, while his father, Seit, enjoyed considerable authority among the local population and, according to oral traditions, maintained a close friendship with the renowned warrior Eset Kotibaruly.
Although he was given the name Qutayaq at birth, he became widely known as Bylshyk Bi. From an early age, he distinguished himself through his intelligence, eloquence, and ability to find fair solutions to complicated disputes. Folk tradition preserves a story about how the young biy successfully resolved a marital dispute between Myrzagul from Shalkar and Derbisali of the Zhetyru tribal group. This event is believed to have significantly strengthened his reputation among the people.
Bylshyk Bi participated in resolving disputes concerning land, marriage, compensation, property, and personal honor. He sought to reconcile opposing parties and prevent conflicts between clans. He possessed extensive knowledge of Kazakh customary law, genealogical traditions, and the institution of biys. According to historical accounts, he served as a chief biy at fairs held in Zharmola (Irgiz) and Karabutak and held the position of chief biy of the Baisaiys Volost. Representatives of the Zhetyru, Alim, and Shomen tribal groups also sought his judgment in resolving disputes.
Bylshyk Bi lived through a complex historical period encompassing the final decades of the Russian Empire's colonial administration and the establishment of Soviet rule. Historical accounts indicate that he openly criticized Soviet policies toward the local population. In 1928, he was arrested on charges of being an "enemy of the people" and imprisoned in Aktobe. He died in custody in 1933 and was buried in the Tuyetobe area near the city of Aktobe.
During the Soviet period, Bylshyk Bi's name remained largely outside public attention. Information about his life and activities was preserved primarily through oral traditions, the memories of his descendants, and stories passed down through generations. Following Kazakhstan's independence, efforts to study, document, and revive his historical legacy gained momentum.
The initiative to construct a mausoleum in honor of Bylshyk Bi was implemented with the support of local residents and representatives of the intelligentsia. Construction was organized with the participation of the Karabutak 2012–2015 Public Foundation. Meirkhan Akdauletuly, Igilik Sagiyev, Kassymzhan Baisadakov, and other community members made significant contributions to the project. The foundation of the mausoleum was laid on April 25, 2015.
On June 20, 2015, the mausoleum was officially inaugurated as part of the celebrations marking the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate. The ceremony, entitled "Bekzat Baba Bylshyk Bi," brought together scholars, public figures, descendants of the biy, and residents of the region.
To commemorate the occasion, a book dedicated to Bylshyk Bi's life was published, and a scientific and practical conference entitled "Bylshyk Bi and the Institution of Biys in Traditional Kazakh Society" was held at K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University.
Description
The Bylshyk Bi Mausoleum is located in Aiteke Bi District, Aktobe Region, approximately 8 kilometers west of the village of Karabutak, on an elevated site overlooking the surrounding steppe. Built in 2015, the memorial combines elements of traditional Kazakh mausoleum architecture with contemporary artistic design.
The mausoleum stands 9 meters tall and is crowned with a dome. Its construction incorporated 35 blocks of limestone shell rock transported from the Zhanaozen area. Light-colored stone predominates in the exterior, making the monument stand out against the open steppe landscape and visible from a considerable distance.
A sculpture of Bylshyk Bi is positioned at the far end of the mausoleum's interior. Behind it are depictions of a five-pointed star and prison bars. These artistic elements recall the tragic fate of the biy, who became a victim of political repression during the Soviet period. Above them is an image of a swallow, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom.
The dome is topped with a pointed finial instead of the traditional crescent. Relief ornaments on the mausoleum's walls contrast white and black, symbolically reflecting the biy's commitment to justice. These architectural and decorative features are associated with the artistic vision of sculptor Ayapbergen Karpykov, who participated in creating the monument.
In front of the sculpture is a specially prepared stone pedestal intended to hold soil brought from Tuyetobe, the burial place of Bylshyk Bi.
The mausoleum grounds are enclosed by a fence 1 meter high. The enclosed area measures 25 meters in length and 15 meters in width.
The mausoleum was not built at Bylshyk Bi's actual burial site. Instead, it serves as a memorial dedicated to preserving the memory of his life, public service, and historical legacy.
Did You Know?
Bylshyk Bi's original name was Qutayaq. According to folk traditions, he received the nickname "Bylshyk" because his eyes frequently watered. Over time, the nickname became widely used and eventually became the name by which this historical figure is best remembered.
Bylshyk Bi began resolving major disputes at a young age. According to oral accounts, he successfully reconciled the opposing parties in a complicated marital dispute between Myrzagul and Derbisali. Impressed by his wisdom and fairness, respected elders offered their blessings to the young biy. This episode is regarded as one of the earliest demonstrations of his exceptional judgment and eloquence.
A poetic message written by Bylshyk Bi during his imprisonment has survived. It is believed that while in prison between 1928 and 1933, he expressed his longing for his homeland, the vast steppe, and his people through poetry. Professor Toregali Karatayev introduced an incomplete version of this work to the public, based on materials collected from local communities. A surviving copy of the poem bears the date June 6, 1981.
Bylshyk Bi's name also appears in Kazakh oral literature. He is mentioned in a poetic contest, or aitys, between the poet Kurmanali and Mariyam Kalmankyzy. This reference in the oral poetic tradition reflects the recognition and authority he enjoyed among his contemporaries.
Interesting Facts
An unusual event occurred during the construction of the mausoleum. Workers noticed that a swallow had built a nest inside the unfinished structure. Despite the ongoing construction, the bird did not abandon its nest. Sculptor Ayapbergen Karpykov interpreted this as a favorable sign. The swallow subsequently acquired special symbolic significance in the mausoleum's artistic composition.
Another remarkable feature of the mausoleum is a message addressed to future generations. During the inauguration ceremony in 2015, a letter was read aloud to those gathered. It emphasized respect for history, preservation of ancestral heritage, and continuity between generations. The message was then placed in a special capsule and sealed in a designated location inside the mausoleum. It is intended to be opened and read by future generations in 2050.
The community-supported nature of the construction is also noteworthy. Funds for the mausoleum were raised through voluntary contributions from local residents and people with ties to the region. Donations ranged from 200 tenge to 2 million tenge. The involvement of people from different social backgrounds became a powerful expression of public respect for Bylshyk Bi.
The inauguration was not limited to an official ceremony but developed into a major cultural event. Visitors watched a theatrical performance about the biy's life, while traditional aitys poetry competitions, contests among epic storytellers, Kazakh wrestling matches, and horse races were also organized. Thus, the commemoration of a historical figure was closely connected with the revival and promotion of national traditions.
Why Is This Monument Important?
The Bylshyk Bi Mausoleum is a significant memorial site commemorating the historical role of the institution of biys in Kazakh society and the traditional values of justice, wisdom, and social harmony.
Bylshyk Bi's life was closely connected with the political and social transformations that took place in the Kazakh steppe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His activities in resolving disputes, his oratorical skills, and his commitment to maintaining unity among the people provide valuable insight into the role of biys in the traditional system of social relations.
The monument's historical significance also lies in restoring the memory of individuals who suffered political repression during the Soviet era. Bylshyk Bi's fate serves as a reminder of the complex social conflicts of that period and the consequences of political transformations that affected the lives of many people.
The construction of the mausoleum through a local community initiative and with broad public support gives it additional significance. It represents an example of direct public participation in preserving historical and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the monument encourages younger generations to respect the history of their homeland, appreciate the values of justice and wisdom, and recognize the importance of traditional Kazakh legal practices. The Bylshyk Bi Mausoleum connects the historical experience of the past with the present and contributes to preserving the region's historical and cultural memory.
Sources
Diyarov N. “Былшық би биігі”. Aktobe newspaper, June 26, 2015.
Akmyrzauly Q. “Былшық би кесенесі салынып жатыр”. Aktobe newspaper, June 11, 2015.
“Би рухы ұлықталады!” and “Ақырғы аманат”. Aktobe newspaper, April 23, 2015.
Nurboluly A. “Тарихы терең маң дала”. Aktobe newspaper, April 23, 2024.
Smagulova S. “Былшық би және оның заманы”. Aktobe newspaper, May 14, 2015.
“Сөзіне халқы ынтыққан. Төртқара Былшық би Сейітұлы туралы”. Kazgazeta.kz.
Saurbay S. “Ақтөбе облысында Былшық бидің кесенесі ашылды”. Egemen Qazaqstan newspaper, June 30, 2015.
