The Attitude Towards Kurmanjan Datka and Shabdan-Baatyr in Central Asia and Beyond

According to legends, Kurmandzhan Datka and Shabdan-Baatyr often showed mercy towards the poor and weak, providing them with material assistance. They were not characterized by a thirst for power, cruelty, greed, or a desire for enrichment.

They amazed their contemporaries with their insight, flexibility, and consistent implementation of their set goals.

In the context of the colonial policies of the Tsarist regime, they tried to preserve the integrity and nominal independence of their fellow tribesmen by participating in the governance of the region, even at the lowest levels. At the same time, deeply aware of the irreversibility of the development process of Kyrgyz society within the framework of world civilization, they sought to attract nomads to innovations in education, healthcare, and economics through their own examples.

The outstanding public and political figures Kurmandzhan Datka and Shabdan-Baatyr were known and respected not only in Central Asia during their lifetime but also far beyond its borders. They represent a cohort of remarkable individuals of the human race who earned eternal glory through their selfless deeds.

In concluding our brief excursion into the affairs of the past, let us remind you of the following. Back in 1991, on the eve of gaining independence, the public of the republic widely celebrated the 180th anniversary of Kurmandzhan Datka, who was respectfully referred to as the Queen of Alai by European researchers and local representatives of the Russian authorities during her lifetime. And now, after two decades, in the year of the 20th anniversary of sovereignty, the decree of the first female President of the Kyrgyz Republic has declared this year the Year of Kurmandzhan Datka.

The organization of events related to anniversary dates allows us to express our respect for prominent state and public-political figures of different eras and to delve deeper into the essence of democratic transformations in the country through the lens of the past.

Speeches and publications on this matter in the media generally contribute to raising the public consciousness of Kyrgyz citizens, instilling in them a spirit of devotion to their homeland. Unfortunately, it is with great regret that sometimes materials emerge that, to put it mildly, do not correspond to historical truth. To prevent such outbursts from becoming a tradition, it is essential for the people to know the truth about the creators of their history. Therefore, we wish authors like the respected Yu.M. Myrzapayazov to consult more often with historians. Then the significant words of this aksakal and other seekers of historical truth will be scientifically substantiated and will not become a cause for possible conflicts.

Participation of Shabdan-Baatyr in the military-scientific expedition to Alai in July 1876