Kenessary Kassymuly (1837-1847) – a prominent statesman, the common Kazakh khan (1841-1847). Genghiside. A descendant of Khan Jochi. He was the leader of the national liberation struggle against the Russian Empire. He conducted military operations against Kokand. Kenessary Kassymuly enjoyed great authority among the Kazakh population and Russian military personnel.
Biography
In 1837, there began a powerful national liberation movement against the Russian Empire. Kenessary Khan headed the movement. The participants of the uprising were predominantly indigenous, but among the rebels there were also Russians, Bashkirs, Uzbeks, Karakalpaks, Turkmens and representatives of other peoples. Some of them held high leadership positions, having the special trust and respect of the Khan. Russian Nikolai Gubin was Kenessary’s private Secretary, Tatar Alim Yagudin was a member of the Military Council, Uzbek Saidak-Kozha Ospanov was in charge of the Khan’s diplomatic service. All of them contributed to the army Kenessary essential element of organization and passed the rebels their unique experience [1]. Activation of Sultan Kenessary’s activity begins after in the spring of 1936 in Tashkent his close relatives – sultans Sarzhan, Yesengeldy and Alzhan were villainously killed. This is reported to the assessor of the district of Akmola order of the Omsk regional chief 4 Dec 1836: “Merchants as Tashkent, while travelling with caravans held in autumn in Petropavlovsk fortress unanimously spoke of executions in Tashkent traitor Sultan Sarzhan Kassymov, brother Esengeldy and his eldest son Aldana (known for the attack in 1835 with the gang on Karateginsky picket and murder in that case some people the Cossacks), followed in the spring by a former ruler of Tashkent” [2].
Then Sultan Kassym responded with cruel revenge for the murder of his offspring, killing 40 envoys of the ruler of Tashkent, as can be seen from the secret report of the assessor of the Akmola district order biy (chieftain) Kosubai Babykov to the Omsk regional chief of December 23, 1836: “Meanwhile, as the day was already declining in the evening, special wagons were put up for guests and a decent meal was made, leaving all negotiations until tomorrow. The Tashkent people, seeing the affectionate reception of Sultan Kassym Ablaev and expecting nothing unfavorable for themselves, surrendered to the onset of night in complete carelessness to a deep sleep. At which time a gang of 400 armed Kirghiz, previously manufactured and hidden Ablaev not far from the premises of Tashkent, and the sign made a surprise attack on their guests, killed all except only 3 people, including Ismambet, who were taken prisoner” [3].
Kenessary Kassymuly was born in 1802 at the foot of the Kokshetau mountains in the family of Sultan Kassym. He was the grandson of the elder Khan Abylai. The leader of the rebellion early learned to ride and marksmanship, was reputed to be an excellent hunter. Character was distinguished by justice, and possessed the indomitable will and courage, courage and courage, outstanding managerial and leadership talent. One of the Russian researchers of the mid-XIX century L. Meyer enthusiastically noted that Kenessary was very brave. In religious respect he not differed excessive fanaticism [4].
The Sultan entered the historical arena as the successor of his glorious grandfather Abylay Khan. The well-known researcher of modern times N. Konshin also spoke about the leader of the uprising in a positive tone: “only in the person of Kenessary we meet in the true sense of the national Kazakh hero, who dreamed of political unification of all Kazakhs. Without distinction of tribes, and even hordes. Personally very brave, he possessed indefatigable energy and was at the same time a very skilful politician” [5].
Merits
The uprising covered all three Kazakh Zhuzes. In the 1820-1830s, relations between the colonial authorities and the local population significantly worsened. Thus, the abolition of the Khan’s power in the Junior and Middle Zhuzes caused a protest from part of the sultans, biy (chieftain) and batyrs. The mass seizure of land from the Kazakh population for the construction of new military fortresses began. If the early steppe dwellers do not pay taxes of the Russian Empire, now introduced a single tribute, tent and submit to the road service. The Tsar’s detachments repeatedly raided the steppe villages under the pretext of “military searches”. They brought terrible devastation and numerous disasters for the nomads. Of course such actions by the Russians government caused discontent among the nomads. Therefore, the main goals of the new uprising were: the return of the Kazakhs taken away by Russians lands, the abolition of the outer districts and the abolition of taxes. Of course, the main driving force of the uprising were ordinary cattlemen, as well as foremen, biy (chieftain), batyrs, sultans. And among the leaders of the groups were popular warriors of all three Zhuzes: Agybay, Iman (father of Amangeldy Imanov), Bazigar, Angal, Zhanaidar, Gauke, Surahi, Baiseit, Zholaman, Bytebin, the Bukharbay and others. The uprising was supported by the largest cattle owners: thus, Tayzhan and Seyten Aznabayev from Bayanaul outer district became the closest associates of the rebellious Sultan, actively helping rebels.
Kenessary began to attack the villages of the hated sultans and biy (chieftain), who supported the policy of the Russians government. There were frequent cases of attacks of Sultan Kenessary and border fortifications, and on the king’s death squads. So, at the end of 1937 in the area of Aktau strengthening Kenessary completely defeated almost the entire detachment under the command of cornet Rytov. The detachment consisted of 6 constables and 48 Siberian Cossacks. They were escorting a trade caravan from Petropavlovsk to Tashkent. This can be seen from the report of the acting commandant of the Aktau fortification of military Sergeant V. Simonov to the Governor of the Omsk region, Colonel Talyzin: “Having Reported this incident to your Excellency, with my regret I dare to report that the acquisition of such insignificant trophies is estimated by the loss of cornet Rytov 4-x constables, 22-x Cossacks and one paramedic” [6].
In the spring of 1838 Kenessary sent his men to the Governor-General of Western Siberia. The Sultan’s letter contained such demands as the destruction of the Aktau fortification and Akmola order, the release of all his people who were then in captivity in Omsk. But Russians had its own way with the Khan’s envoys: all the members of this delegation were punished with a syringe through a thousand people. Fit for service were sent to the army, and unfit-sent to Eastern Siberia. These actions of the authorities caused a noticeable intensification of performances of Sultan Kenessary: so, he struck a sensitive blow to the troops of the military Sergeant Simonov. He got weapons and ammunition. In the spring of 1838 Kenessary’s detachments raided the villages of Konurkulji Kudaymendyuly, stealing from Him about 12 thousand heads of horses. More than 2.5 thousand cattle of residents of the fortress were stolen from the vicinity of Akmolinsk. Kenessary’s sister Sultan Bopai raided the villages of relatives of the deceased Khan Uali, who lived in Kokshetau district. Kenessary began active military operations in the summer of 1838 with a six-day siege and burning of the outskirts of Akmola fortress [7 ]
Gun of Khan Kenessary, stored in the Omsk Museum of local history. Photo By A. N. Ozerov
The fortification was well protected. Deep ditches were dug around the fortress. All approaches to it were well barricaded. Akmola fortress was defended by senior Sultan K. Kudaiberdyuly and army captain Karbyshev. Kenessary launched the attack at dawn on August 7, 1838. His warriors fired at the fortress with bows and incendiary arrows. A fire broke out in the vicinity of the fortification. One of the groups, led by the renowned warrior Kenessary Bashara broke into the strengthening. During street fighting, the warrior died heroically. In strengthening entered and squads of batyrs Agybay, Iman and Nauryzbay [8].
Tombstone erected in the honor of 255 soldiers and seaflow Khan Kenessary, killed in the assault of Akmola fortress in the summer of 1838. Nur-Sultan, “Peace and harmony”, Karaotkel Muslim burial.
The relations of the rebellious Sultan with the Siberian administration did not develop. The categorical demand of Russians to stop the anti-government speech of Kenessary did not like. Therefore, he was forced to move to the area of Turgay and Irgiz. Troops led by Zholaman Batyr joined the rebels. This is evident from the report of the Orenburg military Governor V. A. Perovsky to the Minister of war A. I. To Chernyshev on May 9, 1839: “Kenessary sent the auls to Aksakal byi Bar on Syr-Darya, and itself, having connected with the rebel from Kirghiz of the Orenburg Department Batyr Yulaman and having at itself considerable congestion, threatens attacks on peace Kirghiz and on the line; this gang as believe, approached the center of the New line of 200 versts (Kilometers)” [9].
Between the Orenburg Governor V. Perovsky and West Siberian P. Gorchakov there were frictions concerning search of optimum ways of fight against Kenessary Khan. The first was for the solution of conflicts exclusively through peaceful negotiations, the second – for the military option. Orenburg Governor, sympathetic to the Sultan, in early 1840, achieved Amnesty Kenessary: all his relatives were returned from captivity. There was a temporary truce.
In the summer of 1840, the citizens of Tashkent killed Sultan Kassym and his family, as can be seen from the report of the Orenburg Cossack army Sergeant Lebedev to the chief of Staff of the separate Orenburg corps dated July 16, 1840: “information was received that the famous Sultan Kassym Ablaev approaching Tashkent, was seduced by Kushbegi, the gifts were sent with gunpowder, lead and weapons, and then six thousand people were sent who came to the very section of gifts, where Kassym and his family were killed, and Kenessary fled to Khiva, followed by six hundred men of Tashkent” [10]. Then the Khan’s relations with Kokand, which had not been good since the tragic events of 1836, when his brothers were insidiously killed, became noticeably strained.
Russians officials received information that Kenessary went to China, where he “asked for an army of 90 thousand people” [11].
Apparently, this was a tribute to the former diplomatic traditions, when his grandfather Abylai repeatedly asked the Chinese for troops to conquer the States of Central Asia, although he knew in advance that such assistance would not be.
In September 1841 representatives of three Kazakh Zhuzes elected Kenessary Kassymuly as their Khan and the Kazakh khanate was restored for a time. The Russians government received this news with deep regret: the uprising began to assume an element of organization and system. For the successful conduct of the national liberation war Kenessary Khan creates a single centralized state, headed by the Khan himself. Under him, the Council functioned as the highest deliberative body, consisting of loyal batyrs (heroes), biy (chieftain), sultans and close relatives, but the decisive vote was always with him. The control of the khanate of Kenessary was carried out through proxies-captain who were engaged in judicial, economic, diplomatic, fiscal and military issues. Captains watched and directives of the Central government, distribution of pastures and study the mood of the subject population. As a result of successful activity of the Khan among his subjects internecine strife and “barymta” stopped. He somewhat limited the power of the biy (chieftain). Significant court cases resolved personally.
Kenessary has streamlined the collection of taxes, put payments for pastoralists, user for farmers. The continuation of the war with the Royal detachments required the concentration of material and financial resources. Therefore, additional types of taxes were introduced. The tax was levied by clothing, weapons and horse harness. He introduced and village tax and charges on extraordinary occasions, and did not want to pay taxes, he was cruelly punished. A special detachment was formed to collect taxes under the leadership of his sister Sultana Bopay. When levying the tax, a differentiated approach was used: owners of herds of up to 40 heads were exempt from taxes, only one head was levied from a herd of 40 to 100 heads, and then one was levied from each 40 heads of different cattle.
Farmers paid one-tenth of the harvest. Bread intended for the rebels was often confiscated by the Russians authorities. Traders with risk, delivering bread to the rebels, were attracted to severe punishment by punitive detachments. Therefore Kenessary encouraged transition of Kazakhs to agriculture.
For some time the Khan’s men were engaged in looting caravans going from Central Asia to Russia, especially those of them who were distinguished by excessive loyalty to the Russians government and Kokand, with whom the Khan had not very peaceful relations. For example, this can be seen from the report of the commander of a separate Siberian corps, Dutch P. D. Gorchakov, addressed to the Minister of war, adjutant General Dutch Chernyshev of December 10, 1846: “Consisting in a position of the frontier chief of the Siberian Kirghiz by the report of December 3 with No. 2550, brought to my attention that the caravan on 235 camels proceeding from Tashkent to Semipalatinsk, near the Chu river, was overtaken and plundered by a gang of predators under the leadership of Kenessary’s brother Nauruzbay Kassymov” [12].
Later Kenessary, seeing that duties from merchant caravans bring considerable income, stopped their plundering. Moreover, he provided for their protection by personally receiving the caravan-bashy, while at the same time imposing an additional tax on those who evaded the payment of the prescribed duties. With the proceeds, he bought weapons and ammunition in the markets of Central Asia.
Kenessary managed to create a combat-ready mounted army, consisting of 20 thousand people, which was divided into hundreds and thousands. The most distinguished and brave soldiers he conferred the title of “Zhuzbasy” (centurion) and “Mynbasy” (commander of thousand warriors). Kenessary formed a special detachment of sharpshooters headed by “Mergen-basy” (commander of the shooters) and modeled on the regular Russian army Khan introduced special insignia in his troops [13].
Kenessary’s troops were adapted to the conditions of the steppe war. He created a system of early warning of soldiers. Khan first introduced regular military training, which was engaged in former Russian soldiers and Bashkirs. In his army he managed to establish strict discipline. So, for treason and sleep at the post of Khan was punished with the death penalty, and violators of military discipline were punished and those that had on their heads “Chiki” (wounds). Weapons were stored in a special Armory – “Kunak Khan”, small arms were bought in neighboring States or got in battle. Kazakhs bought gunpowder in Bukhara. In the army of Kenessary was established to manufacture cannons.
Kenessary skillfully used the services of his scouts, who were in the camp of the enemy under the guise of merchants and mullahs. Therefore, the leader of the rebels knew in advance the plans for the movements of the Royal troops. In the army of Kenessary operated rear service, uninterrupted supplying the army with food, fodder and engaged in the breakdown of military camps. Kenessary warriors attacked the enemy with cry “Abylay”, which inspired and inspired the soldiers of the Khan.
The active participation of the Kazakhs and Zhuzs in the anti-colonial struggle greatly alarmed Russians, so it was decided to wage the most decisive struggle against the rebels. In 1842 on office Orenburg Governor Gorchakov replaced Obruchev, that became an occasion to deterioration relations Kenessary with new Orenburg General-Governor and truce was violated. In 1842, Sotnikov’s Siberian detachment made a predatory raid on Kenessary village. Punishers were stolen a large number of cattle and 10 people captured, including the wife of the Khan Kunimzhan. Later was exposed to the raids of the Cossacks and other villages that support the Khan.
The Russian Emperor kept a special control over the suppression of the uprising. So, on June 27, 1843 he made the order about the organization of a large campaign against the Kazakh Khan and for which head the award in 3 thousand rubles at the expense of the future family collecting was appointed.
Thus, against the rebels was sent a detachment of military Sergeant Lebedev among 300 people. In August of 1843 had been armed and the second group headed by sultans A. Zhantoreuly and B. Aishuakuly. At the same time military detachments from Omsk, Petropavlovsk and Karkaralinsk acted. Poor knowledge of the terrain, special tactics of conducting military operations by the steppe dwellers, noticeably exhausted the Royal detachments. Guides from among the Kazakhs were not interested in the quickest capture of many beloved national hero.
At the end of 1843 Kenessary’s detachment of 3.5 thousand people attacked the auls of the Sultan-ruler of the Middle part of the Younger Zhuz Aryslan Zhantoreuly: he suffered a very sensitive material damage when he lost 5.5 thousand horses, 3.5 thousand camels, 970 cows and about 7 thousand small cattle. And the attempt to recapture the stolen cattle was not successful.
Participants of the military campaign of 1843 by order of the Orenburg Corps of April 11, 1844 were awarded. Apparently, with these measures tsarism was trying to split the steppe camp, in order to prevent the possibility of its unification of the Kazakhs of the Younger Zhuz with the rebels. Among the recipients were very influential sultans, biys, foremen of this ethno-territorial association: “Sovereign Emperor, according to the most submitted report of my submission to all, I deign the below-named military ranks of the Corps entrusted to me, for the excellent diligent service and the labor in 1843 (expeditions in the steppe against the assemblages of rebellious Kirghiz sultan Kenisary Kasimov). To Sultan – the ruler of the middle part of the Orenburg Kirghiz, Arslan Dzhantyurin – the rank of military foreman; centurions: Sultan Muhamedgaly Tyaukin and Kazy Sarymov – the rank of Yesaul. Khorunzhi titled persons: Zyanaly Kanaev, Kustayk Isbulov, Sarlynbay Alchinbayev – the rank of foremen: Konduker Akbayev – the rank of corporal; Sultan Utyapgaliy Sugalin – a gold medal on the Annensky ribbon with the inscription “for zeal”, for wearing on the neck. To the distant boss Kunak Dzhansanbayev, the local boss of the ordinary-khorunzhy Salay Akkulchanov, Biy Almukhamed Bulgunbayev, Salasak Rakov, Subak Ayzhanov, Aitenbet Shukurgalin, Hodja Samay Khan Khojin – the order withthe inscription “for zeal” for wearing on the neck; To Normuhakhamedov, and the local leaders: Bikbatyr Kalgamaban, Bayadil Keykin, Mukhamediyar Kacharov; biys: Ryban Idygin, Abil Alekbaev, Mugaytman Baygubekov, Ustari Nakeneev, Bektursun Allayarov, Kurmangazy Baykuchkarov, Serkebay Karkinov, Kunus Busurmanov, Baytyubet Urazalin, Chavlybay Narbutin, Issa Baybagyshev, Sultan Nasrullin – the ranks of Khorunzhy; Tyuryabek Beketov, Baimukhamed Maskarov, Karakul Kulekenev, Turtubay Kasburin – the cloth caftans; to the following Kirghiz: Asker Tyuleken, Dzhanbarak Buzdakov, Chulbars Taryev, Begimbet Tursunov, Tyulyak Aizdyarykov, Tyauk Dzhazykbaev, Hudabay Aitukarov, Ak-Dzhiganuchulak Asau Bardalina, Kuylibay Itenev, Mambet Bachanova – a parts of caftans with a pose with commendation certificates”. A total of 49 people were awarded [14].
Kenessary, who knew the region well, made an attack. On the night of July 20-21, 1844, in the upper reaches of the river Tobol Kenessary Khan completely defeated the detachment of Sultan A. Zhantoreuly [15].
Inspired by the victory of the main forces, in mid-August 1844 Kenessary attacked Catherine’s village, managed to burn its suburb and forstadt; 40 people were taken prisoner and a large number of cattle was captured. At the same time, the attackers managed to capture the guns, pistols, swords and spears. The punitive detachments could not reach the villages of Kenessary. Confusion and panic gripped government circles.
The long war with Kenessary diverted considerable forces and funds of the Russians government. Therefore, in February 1845, the Orenburg authorities found it necessary to send two embassies to the Khan, headed by officers Dolgov and Gern. They had to persuade Kenessary to submit to Russia, at the same time secretly performing and reconnaissance tasks: first, they had to determine the exact location of Kenessary troops and, secondly, to choose the location for the construction of two new military fortifications on the rivers Irgiz and Turgay. By such measures the Russians government decided to establish full control over the center of the uprising. In the spring of 1845, the embassies of Dolgov and Guern arrived one by one at the Khan’s headquarters. Kenessary returned his wife Kuningan.
During the talks, Kenessary Khan was exposed to a number of obviously impracticable requirements. First, all Kazakhs of the Orenburg Department had to pay a living wage in the amount of 1 ruble 50 kopecks on the rights of subjects of the Russian Empire. Secondly, Khan was forbidden to collect zeket from Orenburg Kazakhs. Thirdly, Kenessary was ordered not to consider criminal and serious crimes and lawsuits above 50 rubles. Fourth, the Khan was strictly ordered not to hide fugitive Russians, Tatars and Bashkirs. All of them were to be returned to Russia. Fifth, Kenessary was instructed not to engage in foreign relations with those States and individuals who were considered “enemies” of Russia. Sixth, Kenessary received a hint that he had no right to assume the title of Khan. Finally, the leader of the uprising was invited to roam only in a small area of Karakuga.
It is obvious that none of these demands of Russians could not be fulfilled by the headstrong and rebellious Khan and therefore the negotiations reached a deadlock. The diplomatic mission did not achieve its main goal. After the departure of the representatives of the Russians government, Kenessary Khan convened a military Council, which decided to migrate to the territory of Zhetysu. Previously, he received consent to the migration from the Sultan of the Elder Zhuz Rustem Ablayuly.
Here’s what he wrote on this occasion, the Lieutenant of the General staff Gern addressed to the commander of the separate Orenburg corps, General of infantry V. A. Obruchev Russian government, and in order to dispel the last remnant of distrust of the Russian government and to enter the citizenship, I found a rebellious robber, who, having enticed us all prisoners and, finally, his wife, thought only about how to refrain from a clear break with the Russians and, not fulfilling any of all promises, tried in every way to evade decisive explanations “[16].
A little later on these lands the Russians government laid two fortresses: Ural – on the Irgiz river, Orenburg-on the Turgay river, which somewhat closed his way to the North.
Aggravation of relations between Kenessary and Kokand khanate was caused by personal motives of the Kazakh Sultan. The treacherous murder by Kokand rulers of his brother Sultan Sarzhan and other relatives in 1836, the treacherous execution in 1840 of his father Sultan Qasim and his family, also strengthened the anti-Kokand position of the Khan. From the very beginning of the liberation struggle until his death, the Khan maintained an extremely negative position towards the Kokand khanate.
In the fight against Kokand, he relied on the help of Zhankozha Batyr Nurmuhameduly. The military confrontation with the Kokand state began. So, in the autumn of 1845 the Khan managed to take Kokand fortifications Zhanakorgan, Zhulek and Suzak. There was an unsuccessful attempt to siege Akmeshit. In 1846 Kenessary took Kokand fortress Merke. Raids and outrages of Kokand on the Kazakhs is temporarily stopped. At the same time, in the person of the Kokand state Kenessary Khan acquired another dangerous opponent.
The government sought to oust Kenessary Khan from the Orenburg region, building several fortifications in the Aral and Syrdarya basin. Sandwiched on both sides Kenessary was forced to leave Saryarka and move the center of the uprising on the territory of Zhetysu. Here was how the situation of the Khan was reported by the prisoners interrogated by Russians – participants of the uprising: “Kenisara with auls moved up the river, heading deep into the Chinese borders and stopping at the Uighan-tas sent Sultan Khudaymendy Sarzhanov, biy (chieftain) Chukmar Baktybayev and Suydak Khoja with a gift consisting of 9 horses, to ask the Chinese government for permission to roam on his lands, but the messengers returned (a month later) with two Chinese officials and one interpreter, who the patronage of China cannot be accepted, so that he turned to where he came from and asked for the Mercy of the white king, against whom the Chinese authorities, after Listening to the feedback of Chinese translators Kenisara migrated back down the river, near the mouth of this river, at the tract Kara-Kamau found iginchey (plowmen) of a Large Horde Of the jalai clan. Having settled down as a nomad in their neighborhood, he took advantage of their food and, being in an extreme, invited his followers to engage in farming as well, as the only and surest means of subsistence… ” [17].
The Siberian authorities sent to Zhetysu considerable military forces with artillery under the command of officer Vishnevsky from Omsk. By the way, later these detachments will form the backbone of the future Zhetysu Cossack army[18].
Under the pressure of superior forces of Russians, Kenessary moved to the right Bank of the Ili river and from there moved to the foothills of Alatau. The Imperial troops barred the way of assistance from the Younger and the Middle Zhuzes. Known batyrs of the Senior Zhuz Suranshi, Baiseit, Tysiac supported Kenessary. Representatives of the Shapyrashty tribe gave a special support to the Khan.
In December 1846, some auls of the Elder Zhuz and 20 thousand Kazakhs who migrated from Kokand joined Kenessary. This was written in his report Esaul Nyukhalov to Major-General Vishnevsky on December 15, 1846: ” The Kirghiz of the Great Horde of families Chimyr, Janiz, Sary-yusun and Seikym in a huge number (so that believe up to 20 thousand families, former subjects of the Tashkent) joined Kenesssary, and took Chu from the tract Ag-Olen peaks thereof, the Western part of the mountains Altava, called Kungey, and lake Iskola” [19].
K. Kassymuly made an attempt to find refuge in China, but representatives of the Chinese side responded with a categorical refusal, not wanting to spoil relations with the Russian Empire. In addition, they did not need a strong and militant Khan, who enjoyed great influence among the Kazakhs. At this time, China was very concerned about the performances of Uighurs and Dungans, who professed the same faith with the Kazakhs.
The rebels approached the lands of the Kyrgyz, who at that time were under the influence of Kokand. The Khan demanded the subordination of the North Kyrgyz patrimonial rulers-manaps: these measures were dictated by the need to unite efforts to fight against Russians and Kokand. In his address to the related Kyrgyz, he wrote: “the Purpose of my coming here is not to enmity and shed blood, but to unite the forces of the Kazakhs and Kirghiz into one, to separate them from Kokand and generally free them from the oppression of the Kokand people” [20].
Until the time of Tauke Khan, the Kyrgyz were under the influence of the Kazakh khans and during the long bloody Kazakh-Jungar and Kazakh-Kalmyk wars, they also sided with the Kazakhs. But the former had no established tradition of submission to the descendants of Geghis Khan. Naturally, to obey the Khan and lose independence was not in the plans of the Kyrgyz nobility, besides, they could not forget the series of military campaigns of Khan Abylai on their territory. On the part of the Siberian administration, the Kyrgyz felt strong support. For example, Vishnevsky openly incited them to attack the villages of Kenessary. Alatau Kyrgyz recieved support from Kokand. The manaps Ormon, Janty and Angaras convened a Kurultai of representatives of big tribes Sarybagysh, Bugu, Sayak, Solto, Cheric. The influential Manap Ormon was chosen as the ruler of all Kyrgyz and at this Congress the leaders of this people openly refused to fulfill the requirements of the Kazakh Khan.
The two thousandth detachment of Khan Kenessary sent to Kyrgyzstan, was completely defeated: one thousand was destroyed, the second returned naked, without horses and weapons, and some of the soldiers were captured. This was unheard of audacity on the part of the Kyrgyz and was a manifestation of open insult to the Khan. In addition, the Kyrgyz side demanded a huge ransom for the prisoners. Kenessary could not satisfy the demands of the Kyrgyz side. The parliamentarians, led by elder Caligulov arrived with them. A truce was concluded between the opposing sides: prisoners were exchanged and both sides pledged to live in peace and friendship with each other. But the Kyrgyz soon violated the truce by attacking the Kazakh Batyr Sauryk – an associate of the Khan, which was organized out of a desire for revenge for the murdered Kyrgyz Batyr Jamankar. About 700 horses were stolen from the Kazakhs and Batyr Sauryk was ambushed and treacherously killed. Therefore, in the spring of 1847 Kenessary invaded Kyrgyzstan, with 10,000 troops [19, L. 113 and 113 vol.].
Clashes with the Kyrgyz occurred in the mountain basin of lake Issyk-Kul and the upper reaches of the Chu river. The Kyrgyz Manap managed to gather a huge army of 100 thousand people [21].
In the conditions of unfamiliar mountainous terrain, the Kazakhs were in a dense ring of encirclement. At the military Council convened on the eve of the last battle, Kenessary Khan’s associates offered to make a breakthrough in one place to allow the Khan to get out of the encirclement, but he was decisively refused: the Khan could not leave his batyrs and flee.
The situation deteriorated markedly after the departure of the troops of Sultan Rustem and the influential biy (chieftain) Senior Zhuz Sypytay from the camp of the rebels. Near Tokmak in the last unequal battle Kenessary together with 30 Kazakh sultans and a handful of his soldiers was captured. A small part of the rebels broke through the encirclement and managed to escape.
On April 13, 1847, in his report, the Manager of the Tamin volost wrote to the Akmola district order about the capture of Kenessary Kassymov and his associates by the Kyrgyz: “the people I sent tell about Kenessary that they heard there among the Kirghiz that Kenessary in February or early March made a twenty-thousandth detachment to the Kyrgyz, defeated their region, but during the skirmish the Kyrgyz captured him, brother Nauruzbay and nephews of Khudaymendy and Yerzhan, and the crowd broke it all. Having heard about it, the seals wandering at it all allegedly ran up in different directions” [22].
At their Congress, the manaps decided to execute the Khan, sultans and Kazakh soldiers. Before his death, Kenessary once again appealed to them to unite their common efforts against the war with Kokand and Russia, but the Kyrgyz did not listen to their honorable prisoner and then a brutal execution followed. Together with Kenessary died and his brother Nauryzbay Kassymuly. In this regard, on April 27, 1847, in his secret report, major-General Vishnevsky reported to the commander of a separate Siberian corps, General from the infantry Prince Gorchakov, about the desperate attempt of the Khan to get out of the encirclement and his subsequent death as follows: “Kenisary, seeing a significant superiority of forces, joined all his gangs and, having two guns, stopped Abakumov. Finally, biy (chieftain) Arman with all his forces attacked at midnight on Kenisary, broke it completely, and he, his brother, two sons and up to 15 other sultans were taken prisoner and executed by a painful death; Kenisary beheaded by biy (chieftain) Chizhim, and his villages were plundered and scattered [23].
The head of the Sultan was sent to Omsk to the Governor-General of Western Siberia P. D. Gorchakov. All Kyrgyz manapas and Kazakh sultans and elders who participated in the defeat of Kenessary and his associates were generously rewarded by the Russians government [24].
Annex 1. List of biy (chieftain)am and Kirghiz awarded for distinction in the case against the rebel Kenessary [24, L. 253 and about]:
| № | Who were awarded | Gold and Silver medals | Notes |
| Wild stone tribe: | |||
| Biy: | |||
| 1 | Manap Arman Niyazbek | Gold medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 2 | His son Umbet Ali | Gold medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 3 | Manap Zhankarcha Istkhodzhin | Gold medal on the Annen ribbon, from among the highest three at my disposal three medals transmitted to me by Mr. Chancellor of Foreign Affairs | Instead of a gold medal on the Alexander ribbon, which was issued for the dedication and zeal of the Great Horde to Sultan Rustem Abulfeyzov |
| 4 | Kolchi Ishembekov | Gold medal on the Annen ribbon | |
| 5 | Manap Zhantai Atakin | Gold medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 6 | Kozhubek | Gold medal on the Annen ribbon | |
| Kirgiz | |||
| 7 | Zhalantum Istekhodzhin | Silver medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 8 | Kalakul Alibekov | Silver medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 9 | Chal Togulbaev | Silver medal on the Saint George ribbon | |
| 10 | Baibat Bolusov | Silver medal on the Alexander ribbon | |
| 11 | Тokhtar Konurov | Silver medal on the Annen ribbon | |
| 12 | Alike Salibekov | Silver medal on the Annen ribbon |
General from infantry Gorchakov
Chief of Staff, Major General Zhemchuzhnikov
The heads of the executed Kazakh soldiers on several carts were sent to the Kokand ruler. They were exhibited on long poles in the Tashkent Bazaar for a few days. Here is how the poet Nysanbay, one of Kenesary’s companions, described the death of his beloved Khan :
“Don’t cry! Extinguish the dawn!
Collapse the proud cliffs sheer!
Silence the merry song of the brook!
No Kenessary, the messenger of heaven-
He’s dead now… shame
Over the body accomplishes alchemy.
Calm down, the wind is free!
Remember the songs the poets…
Sound and cry the silence of a gravestone,
Steppe has lost the best son [25].
Another uprising of the Kazakhs was defeated. The main reasons of this defeat were the following: first, poorly armed detachments of Kenessary Khan could not resist the well-trained and equipped regular units of Russia. Secondly, Kenessary tried to act on several fronts: against Russia, the Kyrgyz manaps and the Kokand khanate, which significantly dispersed the forces of the rebels. Thirdly, there was no unity among the Sultan’s estate, the largest patrimonial rulers. Moreover, the Russians officers in the person of Nyukhalov, Abakumov and Karbyshev incited the Kyrgyz to organized resistance to Kenessary Khan [26].
For example, this can be seen from the secret report of the Border chief of the Siberian Kazakhs N. F. Vishnevsky to the commander of a separate Siberian corps about the actions of the detachment T. V. Nyukhalov of October 20, 1846: “In favor of them (Kyrgyz-ed.) in this intention, Yesaul Nyukhalov sent letters to the most famous of them biy (chieftain) bugu-Borambay Bemuratov and Ajibay Seralin, Sarbagysh-Orman Niyazbekov and Solty Dzhangarach Eskozhin, inviting them to exterminate Kenessary, as an enemy of them and the Russian government” [19, l. 127-130 vol.].
Perhaps it was one of the last mass protests of Kazakhs against the Russians government in the XIX century. The suppression of the uprising opened the way for Russians to further conquer the Kyrgyz lands, the territory of Zhetysu and southern Kazakhstan. Serious prerequisites were provided for the conquest of Bukhara, Kokand and Khiva Khanate. But the conquest of the territory of the latter was somewhat delayed by the military actions of Kenessary Khan.
Memory
Kenessary Khan remained in the memory of the people as an outstanding commander, a major organizer and a prominent statesman. Under the conditions of the abolition of the Khan’s power, he almost managed to unite all three Zhuzes and restore the Kazakh statehood. Many Kazakh poets emphasized the exceptional role of Kenessary in the attempt to restore the territorial integrity of the Khanate. With respect to him treated and representatives of the Royal administration, gently calling him “rebellious Sultan”. The Kazakh people vividly demonstrated the presence of people’s spirit, their desire to achieve independence. Here’s how a famous Kazakh scholar A. Bukeykhanov: described the activity of Kenessary Khan:
“Year after year, limping a little the years have passed many of them since then,
As a free son of steppe freedom, Batyr Kenessary was executed.
But the spirit of his rebellious will, his struggle is a bloody trail,
He was a beacon of the Kirghiz will, until the days of freedom, the days of victories ” [27].
On the part of the children of Kenessary and Kazakhs there were repeated attempts to organize revenge against the Kyrgyz. In addition we observe in this connection the forced attempt of rapprochement of Syzdyk Kenessarin with Kokand [28]. Later, a number of Kyrgyz manaps began to claim the ancestral lands of the Kazakhs of the Elder Zhuz, citing their merits in the destruction of the detachments of Khan Kenessary, to which Russians were agreed, wanting to somehow encourage them and create a buffer zone between the Kazakhs and the Kyrgyz. For example, this was evidenced by the letter of the Governor-General of Western Siberia G. H. On the claims of the Kyrgyz Manap Urman Niyazbekov to the lands of the Kazakhs of the Elder Zhuz as a reward for the capture and execution of Kenessary Kassymov on may 11, 1852: “I had the honor to inform your Excellency on February 23, No. 82 about the spontaneous migration of the Manap of the wild-stone horde Urman Niyazbekov from the regions subordinated to him to the Ili valley, left by those who fled for the Chu (the Kirghiz of the Great Horde). It is undeniable that without his assistance and execution of Kenessary our Affairs could develop less favorably. For all these reasons, I would like to confirm him in possession of these lands, and later, when we ourselves are established on the Ili, to accept him formally as a citizen, and according to his merits, to reward him with the rank of senior Sultan and other incentives” [29].
After suppression of this revolt, descendants of Genghis Khan gradually recede into the background: we any more do not see from their environment of heads of all-Kazakh or regional revolts. One of the officers of the General staff Meyer wrote about it well: “From this time on, the people’s defenders are simple Kirghiz, sometimes not even tribal biy (chieftain), and sultans are finally pushed to the background, or are simply made by Russian officials”[30].
Moreover, Russia was taking a course to reduce the role of the sultans in the political elite of the traditional Kazakh society. For this purpose, even at the height of the uprising in 1842, the provision “on the election of senior sultans in the Kirghiz steppe” appeared, when, as an exception, this position could be held by persons of non-Sultan origin [15, p. 7].
In 1854, on the right bank of the Irtysh, the Semipalatinsk inner district was established, and the position of its chief was taken by one of the Russian officers, and his deputy was a senior sultan from among the non-Sultan persons. And on February 23, 1855, Russian deprived the sultans of the monopoly right to occupy this position. Henceforth commoners or representatives “black bone” also could take this position on the basis of their special merits to the Empire [31]. Even the eminent Sultan and enlightener Shokan Ualikhanov failed to become a senior Sultan of Atbasar County in the elections of 1862, as he sadly wrote to his friend F. Dostoevsky from Koshetau on October 15, 1862: “I thought to become Sultan, to devote myself to the benefit of compatriots, to protect them from the despotism of officials and wealthy Kirghiz. At the same time, I thought most of all about showing my countrymen by example how an educated Sultan-ruler can be useful for them. For this purpose, I agreed to be elected to the position of senior sultan of the Atbasar district, but the choice was not without various bureaucratic pieces. These gentlemen, both regional and clerical, completely revolted against it. You know why. Regional people would lose several thousand… The bureaucracy begins to incite the vanity of the rich and ambitious Horde and frighten them that if Valikhanov will be Sultan, it will be bad for everyone, he supposedly adheres to the concepts of equality. They also used the fact that I do not believe in God and with Mahomet I am in personal enmity. …I am triumphant in the elections. I’m elected by a majority of votes. I have 25, and my opponent … – 14. According to the law, the senior Sultan is elected: first, sultans and Kirghiz, who have ranks or served in positions in the district for 9 years; secondly, the Sultan is approved by a majority of votes; and, thirdly, the senior Sultan is elected primarily from the sultans. My opponent is a simple Kirghiz, it would be absolutely nothing, but he is an illiterate man and has been on trial more than once… although I read a lot of diatribes, but this time I thought – the scoundrels will be ashamed, because I am not just anyone. Pride took over. Suddenly I receive from Gutkovsky. that the Governor-General does not want to approve… ” [32]. Let us not forget that Shokan Valikhanov was at the reception of the Russian Emperor Alexander II and enjoyed special love and respect among the democratic Russian intelligentsia.
British Explorer and traveler, who visited Kazakhstan, enthusiastically wrote about the fighting qualities of the Khan’s soldiers as follows: “Apparently, Kenessary prepared beautiful fighters from the Kirghiz. Many have told me that it was the extraordinary dexterity with spear and battle-axe that allowed Kenessary horsemen to fight so successfully against superior opponents. With good officers, the Kirghiz could make up the best cavalry in the world. They have all the qualities that made the famous hordes of Genghis Khan famed in history” [33].
Monument to Kenessary Khan, established in Nur-Sultan
The famous Russian scholar L. N. Gumilyov called Kenessary Khan one of the strongest passionate (outstanding) personalities in the entire Kazakh history. In his honor, a monument was erected in Nur-Sultan and one of the streets bears his name. Scholars hold scientific conferences in order to reflect on his short, but bright and heroic life in the name of achieving the independence of his people. Researchers of the country devote their monograph articles to him. Streets and avenues are named in honor of the great Khan in a number of cities of Kazakhstan.
More than one generation of Kazakh heroes and batyrs, leaders of the national liberation movement of the early XX century was brought up on the example of the life and work of Khan Kenessary Kassymuly. Of course, in the national project “Great Names of the Great Steppe” the Khans’ name occupies one of the most honorable places.
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Author: Kabuldinov Z.E., Doctor of Historical Sciences, prof.