“Sartai Batyr — Zhauzhurek Myn Bala” Monument

Historical background

Sartai Batyr Baizhanuly was a Kazakh batyr, bi and historical figure who, according to commonly cited data, lived approximately between 1711 and 1785. He came from the Shekti clan of the Zhakayim branch within the Alshyn tribal union of the Junior Zhuz.

The name of Sartai Batyr appears in written and literary sources. He is mentioned in A. I. Levshin’s work “Description of the Kirghiz-Kaisak Hordes and Steppes”, in the diaries of A. I. Tevkelev and in M. P. Vyatkin’s study “Syrym Batyr”. Tevkelev’s diary records a conversation with Sartai Batyr on 6 March 1732. During O. A. Igelstrom’s 1785 reform of the administration of the Junior Zhuz, Sartai Batyr, Karakobek Bi and Muratbek Bi were mentioned among the figures associated with the governance of the Alimuly tribal union.

In public memory, Sartai’s name has been preserved through the image of “zhauzhurek myn bala” — “a thousand brave young warriors”. In Nurmagambet Koszhanuly’s epic poem “Myn Bala”, also known as “Sartai Batyr”, the young Sartai is portrayed as gathering a unit of one thousand young warriors and joining the forces of Abulkhair Khan in the struggle against the Dzungar invasion. Because of this work, Nurmagambet Koszhanuly became a victim of Soviet political repression and was executed in 1937. For this reason, the memory of Sartai Batyr was preserved for a long time mainly in oral tradition, genealogical narratives and literary heritage.

Opening of the monument

The “Sartai Batyr — Zhauzhurek Myn Bala” monument was solemnly opened on 22 December 2023 in Aktobe. It was installed in the Zhibek Zholy residential area, near the road leading from Aktobe toward Khromtau.

The monument was erected with the support of the Akimat of Aktobe Region and financed by the “Sartai Batyr — Myn Bala” public foundation. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the intelligentsia, regional veterans, members of the Council of Business Women, deputies of the Aktobe City Maslikhat, public activists and residents of the city.

During the ceremony, special attention was given to Sartai Batyr’s courage, his ability to unite young warriors and his significance as a historical figure.

Description of the monument

The pedestal of the monument is made of granite, while the main composition is made of copper in the form of a high relief. The high-relief technique gives the images depth, movement and expressive battle dynamics.

The total height of the monument, including the pedestal, is 9.5 metres, and its width is 7.5 metres. The composition is built symmetrically. In the central part, the commander is depicted holding a spear. On both sides of him, mounted warriors are shown — four figures on each side. One of the figures is a girl on horseback holding a bow. This artistic element symbolically emphasises that the defence of the native land was a matter of the whole people.

Each warrior in the composition is shown in a different movement. This gives the monument dynamism, martial energy and a sense of historical tension. The length of the banner is 4.5 metres.

Author of the monument: sculptor Adil Baimenov.

Cultural and historical significance

The “Sartai Batyr — Zhauzhurek Myn Bala” monument is an important monumental object that reflects the heroic tradition of the Kazakh people during the struggle against the Dzungar invasion.

This monument represents not only the image of one batyr, but also the participation of the younger generation in defending the homeland during a difficult historical period. Through the image of Sartai Batyr, the ideas of courage, responsibility, national consciousness and continuity between generations are expressed.

The high-relief composition conveys the determination of young warriors, the leadership qualities of the commander and the historical spirit of national unity. Therefore, this monument occupies an important place in the cultural space of Aktobe as a symbol of heroism and patriotic education.

Why is this monument important?

The monument helps younger generations understand the values of defending the homeland, courage, justice and historical memory. The image of Sartai Batyr shows that the heroic tradition of Kazakh history is connected not only with great commanders, but also with young people who understood their responsibility to the nation at an early age.

The concept of “zhauzhurek myn bala” is a powerful historical symbol. It reminds us that age is not a barrier to courage and that the spirit of serving the homeland is passed from generation to generation.

What should visitors notice?

First, pay attention to the central image of Sartai Batyr holding a spear. It symbolises military leadership, resilience and readiness to defend the native land.

The mounted warriors on both sides give the composition movement and scale. Their different poses show that each warrior has an individual character, while all are united by a common purpose.

The figure of the girl on horseback with a bow has special meaning. It emphasises that, in Kazakh historical memory, the defence of the land was a cause shared by the entire people.

The long banner symbolises the pursuit of victory, the idea of statehood and the spirit of freedom.

Did you know?

Information about Sartai Batyr appears both in historical works and in oral literary tradition.

A. I. Tevkelev’s diary mentions a meeting with Sartai Batyr in 1732.

Nurmagambet Koszhanuly’s epic poem “Myn Bala” celebrates the bravery of young warriors led by Sartai.

The author of the poem, Nurmagambet Koszhanuly, became a victim of the political repression of 1937.

The monument depicts not only one batyr, but an entire group of warriors, highlighting the collective nature of the heroic deed.