Kurmanjan Datka - Queen of Alai. Part 2
Kurmanjan Datka. Part - 2
After marrying Alymbek Datka, she did not become pregnant for seven years. One night in the yurt of a fellow tribesman, she saw a strange light. Approaching the yurt, she saw a baby in a cradle, who was somehow drawing her to him with an unknown force. She begged the child's parents to let her raise him and become his mother, but no one was to know about it. The child was named Karabek. All relatives were strictly warned not to disclose the secret. According to popular belief, if a childless young woman adopts someone else's child and raises him to be a good person, she will have her own children. Indeed, after adopting Karabek, Kurmanjan gave birth to seven children: Abdyldabek, Baatyrbek, Mamytbek, Asanbek, Kamchybek, Satimbubu, and Aikokul.
In the first half and mid-19th century, the Kyrgyz were part of the Kokand Khanate. It was a typical Asian despotic state. Defending their freedom and independence, the Kyrgyz waged a stubborn struggle against the Kokand khans and Chinese feudal lords. Real power in the regions belonged to tribal leaders. One of them was Alymbek Datka. Strong in character and quick to make decisions, Alymbek, having subdued the southern tribes, played a significant role in Kokand. However, he was not always patient, wise, or cunning enough. Kurmanjan filled this gap. Her wise advice often helped her husband. Moreover, during Alymbek's long absences, Kurmanjan effectively ruled. Her extraordinary intellect, tact, and innate delicacy, which prevented her from interfering in her husband's affairs, earned her deep respect among Alymbek's circle. For her time, she was an educated person. From a young age, she composed poems dedicated to her homeland, nature, parents, and her beloved husband. She became a famous poetess under the pseudonym Zynat. Next to her husband, Kurmanjan grew as a politician and ruler, learning the art of negotiation, etiquette, and how to receive high guests. A significant role in Kurmanjan's development was played by the wife of the Kokand khan Sheraly - Zharkynaiym. She was her mentor, and during critical moments in Kurmanjan's life, Zharkynaiym always helped her with wise advice and guidance.
Initially, the bai and manaps viewed her actions with distrust, but they did not ignore her directives. Alymbek's influence was too strong. Moreover, the cautious Kurmanjan never undertook anything without the Kenesh of the aksakals and elders. She never approached the Kenesh empty-handed. Her proposals were almost always supported by the elders. In 1861, during a palace coup in Kokand, Alymbek Datka was killed.
This year became one of the most tragic in Kurmanjan's fate. She lost a faithful ally in the struggle for the independence of the Kyrgyz, a favorite of the nomadic Kyrgyz, a loving husband, and a wonderful family man. Bravely accepting the blow of fate, she took full responsibility for governing the Alai Kyrgyz upon herself. From that point on, she became the undisputed ruler of the region. No leader was respected by the Kyrgyz as much as she was, who stood at the head of Southern Kyrgyzstan for almost half a century. The lowlands called her "mother," and the upper echelons recognized her authority. The Emir of Bukhara, Said Muzaffar-eddin, granted Kurmanjan the powers of the ruler of Alai and bestowed upon her the title of "Datka." The Kokand ruler Khudoyar Khan confirmed Kurmanjan's right to govern Southern Kyrgyzstan.
Kurmanjan Datka - Queen of Alai. Part - 1
