“Halyk Kenesi” Memorial Sign

Historical background

The “Halyk Kenesi” memorial sign is an important memorial object connected with the history of the national liberation movement led by Syrym Datuly.

Syrym Datuly was born in 1753. He is known in the history of Kazakhstan as one of the leaders of the movement of the Kazakhs of the Junior Zhuz against the colonial policy of the Russian Empire, as well as a batyr, bi and outstanding orator. He came from the Baibakty clan of the Baiuly tribal union. Due to his intelligence, sense of justice and eloquence, he gained recognition at an early age and became known among the people as “Bala bi”.

In the second half of the eighteenth century, colonial pressure in the Junior Zhuz increased. The land issue, the pressure of the Yaik Cossacks and the crisis of khan authority caused growing public discontent. In these conditions, the movement led by Syrym Datuly was aimed at defending the land, the unity of the people and traditional forms of self-government.

According to the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Ch. Valikhanov, on 21 September 1785, one of the first kurultais in the history of Kazakhstan known as “Halyk Kenesi” — the People’s Council — was held on the bank of the Zhinishke River, west of Aktobe. It brought together biys, batyrs and clan elders from the western region of Kazakhstan. At this gathering, a new model of governance based on the traditions of steppe democracy was proposed.

Opening of the monument

The “Halyk Kenesi” memorial sign was solemnly opened on 27 October 2020 on the bank of the Zhinishke River near Aktobe.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Akim of the region Meirambek Shermaganbet, poet and Chairman of the Board of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan Ulykbek Esdaulet, Sulukhanym Ilyasova, the wife of the well-known writer and laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazhygali Mukhanbetkaliuly, representatives of the intelligentsia, local authorities and city residents.

The initiative to install a memorial sign at this historical place was proposed by the writer Kazhygali Mukhanbetkaliuly. His historical novel “Tar Kezen” presents the era of Syrym Datuly, the struggle against colonial pressure and the “Halyk Kenesi” kurultai on the bank of the Zhinishke River in both literary and historical form.

Description of the monument

The monument is made of a single granite stone. It consists of three main parts: a base, a pedestal and a stone sign.

A granite plaque mounted on the stone sign contains the following inscription in Kazakh: “Бұл жерде 1785 жылы 21 қыркүйекте Қазақстанның батыс аймағын мекен еткен елдің билері, батырлары, ру басы ақсақалдары жиылып, қазақ тарихында тұңғыш рет “Халық кеңесі” деп аталған құрылтай өткізді. Хандық биліктің дағдарысқа ұшырауына байланысты, ел басқарудың далалық демократияның негізінде жаңа үлгі ұсына білген бабаларға тағзым! Риза ұрпақ атынан. Ақтөбе облысының әкімдігі”.

The total height of the monument including its base is 2.90 metres. The base measures 0.75 by 1.18 metres and is 0.110 metres high. The pedestal measures 0.60 by 0.70 metres and is 0.45 metres high. The stone sign measures 0.25 by 0.60 metres.

Cultural and historical significance

The “Halyk Kenesi” memorial sign recalls the traditions of public council, collective decision-making and steppe democracy in Kazakh society.

This monument shows that the movement led by Syrym Datuly was not only armed resistance, but also a complex political process connected with the search for just governance, public agreement and the protection of the country’s interests. The kurultai of 1785 demonstrates the attempt of biys, batyrs and elders to gather during the crisis of khan authority and discuss issues concerning the fate of the people.

The monument revives the historical memory of the Kazakh people’s aspiration for freedom, justice and unity. For residents and visitors of Aktobe, it is a cultural and educational site that helps explain the political events of Syrym Datuly’s era, the meaning of the People’s Council and the historical roots of the idea of statehood.

Why is this monument important?

This monument reveals the tradition of the People’s Council in the history of Kazakhstan, the culture of steppe governance and the political significance of Syrym Datuly’s movement.

“Halyk Kenesi” was not the meeting of one person, but a space where the fate of an entire people was discussed. Therefore, this object has special significance for understanding democratic thinking, national unity and historical responsibility in Kazakh society.

What should visitors notice?

First, pay attention to the text carved on the stone sign. It briefly presents the meaning, participants and historical importance of the 1785 kurultai.

The granite material gives the monument strength and solemnity. This artistic solution symbolises the stability of historical memory, respect for the past and responsibility to future generations.

The location of the monument on the bank of the Zhinishke River is also significant. In historical memory and literary tradition, this area is associated with the place where the “Halyk Kenesi” kurultai led by Syrym Datuly was held.

Did you know?

The 1785 “Halyk Kenesi” kurultai is regarded as one of the important events revealing the political meaning of Syrym Datuly’s movement.

At this gathering, issues of the crisis of khan authority, land relations, national unity and self-government were raised.

Kazhygali Mukhanbetkaliuly’s novel “Tar Kezen” is an important literary work that widely introduced the historical events of Syrym Datuly’s era.

The monument is located near the Zhinishke River, close to the road from Aktobe toward Kobda.

Read more:

1. Aqtobe Newspaper. The “Halyk Kenesi” monument was opened.
2. Ruh.kz. What was done in Aktobe in one week?
3. Aqtóbe TV. The “Halyk Kenesi” memorial sign was installed.
4. Aqtobe Newspaper. Aktobe remembered Kazhygali.
5. History of Kazakhstan Portal. The uprising led by Syrym Datuly.
6. Ana Tili Newspaper. Syrym Datuly: the figure who first raised the banner of freedom.