Monument to Bokenbay Batyr

Historical background: Bokenbay Karauly, also known in historical sources as Bokenbay Karabatyruly, was born in 1667 in the territory of present-day Aktobe Region. He was one of the prominent Kazakh military commanders of the eighteenth century, known for his role in the struggle against the Dzungar invasion, as well as a batyr, political figure and defender of national unity.

In 1710, at the Karakum kurultai, Bokenbay Batyr was elected commander-in-chief of the united Kazakh army in the struggle against the Dzungars. This event holds a special place in the history of military and political consolidation in the Kazakh steppe. Later, Bokenbay Batyr led Kazakh forces in the battles of Bulanty, Anyrakai and Kalmakkyrylgan, becoming known as an experienced commander and courageous defender of his homeland.

He was one of the close associates of Abulkhair Khan and played an important role in the political and military life of Kazakh society in the first half of the eighteenth century. In 1742, Bokenbay Batyr died in battle for the freedom of his people. His name remains in public memory as a symbol of courage, statehood and the struggle for independence.

Opening of the monument: The monument to Bokenbay Batyr was solemnly opened on 15 June 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of the city of Aktobe.

The opening ceremony was attended by the akim of Aktobe Region, Ondasyn Orazalin, public and state figures, representatives of the intelligentsia, descendants of the batyr, veterans and city residents. During the ceremony, special attention was given to Bokenbay Batyr’s role in the Kazakh people’s struggle for freedom and territorial integrity.

Description of the monument: The monument depicts Bokenbay Batyr on horseback, holding a battle banner. The mounted figure conveys his warrior spirit, authority as a commander and image as a historical leader capable of guiding his people.

The sculpture is installed on a five-tier circular base. The total length of the circle is 41 metres. The pedestal is made of reinforced concrete: its length is 8.8 metres and its width is 4.2 metres. Behind the monument there is a bas-relief designed in the style of a medieval fortress. The bas-relief is 37 metres long and 6.6 metres high.

The height of the sculpture is 5.98 metres. The height of the pedestal is 5.4 metres. The height of the two-level staircase is 2.7 metres. The total height of the monument is 13.98 metres.

Sculptor: Zh. Zhubankosov.

Cultural and historical significance: The monument to Bokenbay Batyr is one of the significant monuments in the historical and cultural space of Aktobe, expressing the ideas of heroism, unity and service to the homeland. It reflects the Kazakh people’s struggle against the Dzungar invasion in the eighteenth century, the difficult period of preserving national unity and the historical role of the batyr institution.

The composition presents Bokenbay Batyr not only as a military commander, but also as a figure who was able to unite the people around a common goal. The mounted figure, the banner in his hand and the fortress-style bas-relief artistically convey the ideas of defending the land, courage, resilience and statehood.

For residents and visitors of the city, this monument is an important place of historical memory, patriotic education and respect for the deeds of ancestors.

Why is this monument important?

The monument to Bokenbay Batyr recalls decisive moments in Kazakh history. In the early eighteenth century, the Dzungar threat increased, and Kazakh society needed unity and military organisation. Bokenbay Batyr’s election as commander-in-chief at the Karakum kurultai shows not only his personal bravery, but also his great authority among the people.

This monument embodies the spirit of an entire era. It conveys to the present generation the memory of the batyrs who defended the land and shows that the historical roots of independence reach far into the past.

What should visitors notice?

First, notice the figure of the batyr on horseback. In Kazakh tradition, the horse symbolises freedom, movement, military strength and nomadic civilisation.

The banner in the batyr’s hand represents a call to unity, the struggle for a common goal and the authority of a military leader. The high pedestal gives the sculpture solemnity and emphasises the historical importance of the figure.

The fortress-style bas-relief behind the monument symbolises defence, protection of the homeland and military history. This artistic solution connects Bokenbay Batyr not only with personal bravery, but also with the broader struggle of the people for freedom.

Did you know?

In 1710, Bokenbay Batyr was elected commander-in-chief of the united Kazakh army at the Karakum kurultai.

He took part in battles against the Dzungars at Bulanty, Anyrakai and Kalmakkyrylgan.

Bokenbay Batyr was one of the close associates of Abulkhair Khan.

The monument was opened in 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of Aktobe.

The total height of the monument is 13.98 metres.

Read more:

1. Adilet. State list of monuments of history and culture of local significance in Aktobe Region.
2. Qazaqstan Tarihy portal. Bokenbay Karauly.
3. Kazinform. Memorial complex to Bokenbay Batyr opened in Aktobe.
4. Egemen Qazaqstan. Monument to Bokenbay Batyr opened in Aktobe.
5. Aqtobe Newspaper. Monument to Bokenbay Batyr erected.