On the sacred land of Torgai, where many unique figures of the Great Steppe emerged, the 140th anniversary of Myrzhakyp Dulatuly – an ardent publicist, educator, inspiring ideologue and political leader of the Alash movement – was celebrated at the state level. The solemn event dedicated to reviving the history of Alash and honoring M. Dulatuly took place on September 20–21, 2025, in Kostanay city and the Torgai region. Myrzhakyp Dulatuly devoted his entire conscious life to a selfless struggle for the independence of his people. On December 29, 1928, the totalitarian regime arrested him in Kyzylorda, falsely accusing him of being an “enemy of the people,” a “bourgeois nationalist,” and of having ties to “foreign pan-Islamism and pan-Turkism.” For more than sixty years, his name was erased from public memory. Only after his full rehabilitation by the Supreme Court of the Kazakh SSR on November 4, 1988, did genuine research of his political and educational legacy begin.
Today, Dulatuly’s service to his nation is being revived in the spiritual memory of independent Kazakhstan as a high example of civic duty. Time itself has confirmed that his ideas rest on a strong national foundation. Though he did not live to see his people’s freedom, he firmly believed that day would come. Among the Alash intellectuals, M. Dulatuly holds a special place. He was a national figure who lived a difficult life, leaving behind valuable heritage and an enduring model of selfless service to the homeland. The state-level celebration of his 140th anniversary is proof of this. This solemn event is a tribute to the ideas of Alash and a sign of respect for the leadership of Myrzhakyp Dulatuly, who once inspired his nation with the call: “Awaken, Kazakh!”
At Kostanay’s central square, a monument to M. Dulatuly was solemnly unveiled. The historic event, significant for national spirituality, was attended by the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Erlan Koshanov, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Alash scholar Mambet Koigeldiev, writer Tolen Abdikov, Dulatuly’s grandson Erlan Satybaldiev, as well as other public figures, deputies, and scholars. The monument was created by sculptors Zhenis Zhubankulov and Timur Yermukhametov. Speaking at the event, Erlan Koshanov conveyed heartfelt congratulations on behalf of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and emphasized the invaluable significance of Dulatuly’s service to the Kazakh nation. The celebration continued with a memorial visit to M. Dulatuly’s mausoleum in his native village Bidayyk, Zhankeldin district, the opening of a memorial museum, the start of the international “Great Steppe Expedition” marathon, an akyns’ aitys, and a scientific conference.
Among the participants was Associate Professor of the “Sociopolitical and Humanitarian Disciplines” Department of Tynyshbayev ALT University, Sabira Imanbayeva, a well-known “Myrzhakyp scholar.” She delivered a report titled “Myrzhakyp Dulatov and National Spirituality” at the scientific-practical conference. In her speech, she noted: “In order to instill patriotic spirit and love for the homeland in young people, we must consistently promote the honest service and invaluable legacy of our outstanding figures such as Myrzhakyp Dulatuly.” For her contribution to the events dedicated to the 140th anniversary of this great son of the nation, Imanbayeva Sabira Sarybaevna was awarded a letter of gratitude from Kostanay region’s akim Kumar Aksakalov, a jubilee medal, and the “Myrzhakyp Dulatuly” medal on behalf of his descendants. We sincerely congratulate Associate Professor Imanbayeva Sabira Sarybaevna on these well-deserved honors!
