Monument to Eset Kotibaruly

Historical Background

Eset Kotibaruly was one of the well-known Kazakh batyrs of the 19th century, a biy, public figure and leader of the national liberation movement against the colonial policy of the Russian Empire. He was born in 1803 in the area of present-day Shalkar District of Aktobe Region, near Akshi, approximately 7–10 kilometres from Lake Shalkar. He died in 1889.

Eset Batyr was an authoritative figure of the Kabak clan of the Lesser Zhuz. In historical memory, he is remembered not only as a brave warrior, but also as a biy who was able to unite people and make important decisions during a difficult historical period.

In 1838, Eset Kotibaruly took part in uprisings together with Zholaman Tlenshiuly and is associated with attacks on the Ilek fortification. In the 1840s and 1850s, he became one of the leaders of resistance among Kazakhs living near the western coast of the Aral Sea, the Greater and Lesser Barsuki sands, the Mugodzhar Mountains and along the Emba, Sagyz, Irgiz, Ilek, Oyil and Kiyil rivers.

Eset Batyr’s activity was not limited to resistance against the colonial policy of the Russian Empire. His name is also connected with struggles against the influence of the Kokand and Khiva khanates. For this reason, Eset Kotibaruly occupies an important place not only in the history of Western Kazakhstan, but also in the broader history of Kazakh national liberation movements.

Historical sources describe Eset Kotibaruly as a brave batyr, an authoritative biy and a person capable of uniting people during a difficult political period. His life reflects the resistance of Kazakh society to colonial pressure and the struggle for land and freedom.

Description of the Monument

The monument to Eset Kotibaruly is located in Aktobe, at the intersection of D. Kunaev Street and K. Nokin Avenue. The monument presents the historical figure through a powerful equestrian composition.

The monument consists of a sculpture of Eset Kotibaruly on horseback, holding a spear in his left hand, and a pedestal. The equestrian image of the batyr artistically conveys the ideas of freedom, courage and the tradition of defending one’s native land, which are characteristic of steppe military culture.

The pedestal is made of cement and faced with granite. Its length is 8.8 metres, its width is 4.6 metres, and its height is 3.55 metres. The four-tier stylobate is 15 metres long, 10.8 metres wide and 0.5 metres high. The sculpture is cast in copper and is 5.45 metres high. The total height of the monument is 9.5 metres.

The author of the monument is the well-known Aktobe sculptor Zhenis Zhubankossov. The monument was erected with the funds of the Eset Batyr Kotibaruly Public Foundation and with the support of concerned citizens.

Opening of the Monument

The monument to Eset Kotibaruly was solemnly opened in Aktobe in 2023. The ceremony was attended by regional officials, descendants of the batyr, public figures, representatives of the intelligentsia and guests from different regions of the country.

The opening of the monument was organised to honour the memory of Eset Batyr, to highlight the significance of the national liberation movements of the 19th century and to strengthen historical memory. On the same day, a republican scientific and theoretical conference titled “The National Liberation Uprising Led by Eset Kotibaruly: Prerequisites, Results and Lessons” was held in Aktobe.

Why Is This Monument Important?

The monument to Eset Kotibaruly is an important symbolic site that brings the history of the 19th-century national liberation movements into the urban space. It reflects the struggle of the Kazakh people against colonial pressure, the pursuit of freedom and the historical role of the batyr tradition.

The equestrian image in the monument can be interpreted as an artistic expression of steppe military culture, the spirit of freedom and the tradition of leadership in nomadic society. The spear in Eset’s hand emphasises his image as a fighter, defender of the land and a historical figure who took responsibility for the fate of his people.

The monument introduces residents and visitors of Aktobe to one of the significant figures in the history of the region. It also serves as a cultural space that promotes respect for patriotism, courage, justice and historical memory.

What Should Visitors Notice?

Visitors should first pay attention to the equestrian image of the batyr. In Kazakh monumental tradition, a rider symbolises movement, freedom and readiness to defend the homeland.

The spear in his left hand is a symbol of courage, struggle and military duty. This detail emphasises that Eset Kotibaruly was not only a historical figure, but also one of the leaders of resistance against colonial pressure.

The high pedestal and wide stylobate give the monument a solemn character. Its location at the intersection of D. Kunaev Street and K. Nokin Avenue makes it a visible landmark in the public space of the city.

Did You Know?

Eset Kotibaruly and Eset Kokiuly are two different historical figures. Eset Kokiuly was the 18th-century Tama Eset Tarkhan, while this monument is dedicated to Eset Kotibaruly, who lived in the 19th century.

The name of Eset Kotibaruly is also associated with the epic “Aiman-Sholpan”. This shows that he has remained in public memory not only as a historical figure, but also as an epic and cultural image.

Eset Kotibaruly was mentioned by travellers, researchers and military officials who visited the Kazakh steppe in the 19th century. This indicates that he was already widely known during his lifetime.

Read More

1. Akimat of Aktobe Region. “A Monument to the Great Eset Batyr Kotibaruly Opened in Aktobe”
2. Kazinform. “A Monument to Eset Batyr Kotibaruly Installed in Aktobe”
3. Aqtobe Gazeti. “Ақтөбеде ұлы Есет батыр Көтібарұлының еңселі ескерткіші ашылды”
4. Egemen Qazaqstan. “Eset Kotibaruly in Western Studies”
5. El.kz. “Eset Batyr”