This information is based on historical documents and stories from elders who shared their memories of those events.
The Semiz-Bel volost was established as an administrative unit in the Russian Empire in 1876 and existed until 1916. It included territories that today encompass settlements in the Kochkor district, such as Kara-Küngöy, Sary-Chat (where representatives of the Itimbok tribe lived), Kosh-Bulun (the Besh Kaman tribe), and others. The volost also included settlements in the modern Ton district, such as Ak-Olon, Ottuk, and Karashaar. In total, the volost comprised eight settlements, each with its own elder and biy. In 1915, Sagyn Niyazbek uulu was elected as the head of the volost, having grown up in a poor family without parents and lacking relatives among the manaps or rulers.
The village elders assert that despite his humble origins, Sagyn possessed a high level of education. He was born in the Ak-Suu valley in the Issyk-Kul region; the exact date of his birth is unknown, but he came from the Besh Kaman tribe. In early childhood, he became an orphan. In 1878, during the administrative reform of the Russian Empire, he, along with his relatives, was resettled to lands where the settlements of Kara-Küngöy, Ottuk, Ak-Ölön, and Karashaar are now located. Local residents who remained in Issyk-Kul expressed regret that "three rich and clever people left us and would not return," among whom was Sagyn, whose skills helped save people from enemy troops in 1916.
In his youth, Sagyn survived a camel attack, which left him with physical injuries and forever changed his life. After the opening of the Russian-native school for Kyrgyz manaps, he, as an orphan, became one of the students and formed friendships with the children of local rulers, which broadened his horizons.
From 1878 to 1896, he was an assistant to the ruler of the volost, Kenenbay Buitugul uulu, and participated in all his meetings. He was noticed by the ruler of the volost, Borukchu Tezekbay Tulku uulu, who highly appreciated his abilities. At one of the meetings, when asked about himself, Sagyn described his position as "a boy without kin or tribe." In 1913, before his death, Kenenbay wanted Sagyn to become the ruler of the volost. Despite his origins, in 1915, he decided to participate in the elections and won, which may be attributed to his knowledge of the Russian language and the support of local authorities.
Upon becoming the ruler, Sagyn built a house on the banks of the Kara-Küngöy River and organized a school for children, where various subjects, including geography and mathematics, were taught. Among the graduates were future enlighteners, such as Asylbek Ramanov.
At the same time, in 1909, the "Medrese Shaydana" was opened in Chon-Kemin, and in 1914, an educational institution was established in Kochkor at the initiative of local bai. All these efforts contributed to the elimination of illiteracy among the population.
After his election as ruler, Sagyn began to assist needy families, using his authority to redistribute resources.
On July 25, 1916, Emperor Nicholas II signed a decree calling men to work on defensive structures, which caused discontent among the local population. Sagyn gathered the elders and proposed two paths – peaceful and armed. Soon, as Russian troops began to approach, he and his followers started preparing for armed resistance.
Sagyn and his associates confronted the Russian troops, who were trying to forcibly conscript people into service. They organized resistance by producing weapons and gathering ammunition. Historical records indicate that on August 9, 1916, they managed to intercept a shipment of weapons, significantly strengthening their positions.
On August 10, more than 5,000 people gathered to attack the Russian troops, and as a result of the clash, they suffered significant losses. After several battles in which the Kyrgyz rebels showed courage, the situation became critical.
Sagyn Niyazbek uulu became a symbol of resistance; his actions inspired many, and his memory lives on to this day. He was killed in 1918, but his legacy continues to influence the Kyrgyz people. His grave is located in the Kyzyl-Korgon area, and the house where he lived was used as a school in the early years of Soviet power.
Sagyn had two wives and two daughters – Sayna and Kaalkan, who were engaged in trade.
