Ahmet Korganbekuly Birimzhanov (7 December 1871–5 January 1927) was a public figure, a member of the government of Alash Orda, a member of the I, II state Duma, a lawyer.

Biography

Ahmet Korganbekuly Birimzhanov was born on December 7, 1871 in the village №1 of Tosynsky volost of Turgaysky district (now Zhangeldinsky district). According to the chronicle, Ahmet’s ancestors on the mother’s side were descendants of Tanbisuly – Batyr Shakshak and Syrizhetim of the tribe «Younger Argyn» [1]. Muratova Gulnar Mirzhakypovna made up the annals of Ahmed in the following way: Chakchak – Koshey –Koshkar – Zhanibek – Dautbai – Musa – Shegen – Birimzhan – Korganbek – Ahmet. His father is Korganbek. Mother the Khansha, daughter of Kipchak Nauryzbay Bi. And the daughter of his great-grandfather Shegen Bi, was the mother of Ibray Altynsarin. Shakshak Koshkaruly Zhanibek Batyr, the first Tarkhan Kazakh and Kyrgyz people. People of Turkic origin, who served the colonial interests of Russia, were given the title of «Tarkhan».

The descendants of Tarkhan Shakshak Zhanibek, who since ancient times are widely known to the people of Torgay region, were famous for their strength, gained respect and authority among their brethren. Ahmet Birimian`s grandpa who lived in Turgay region, left behind a whole dynasty of descendants. Ahmet’s grandfather, Birimzhan’s father, Shegen was the ruler of the Argyn tribe of the upper reaches of the middle Zhuz. The summer pasture of Shegen Musauly was located between the Tobol and Torgai rivers, and the winter pasture was along the Torgay river [2].

Among the ancestors of Ahmet Birimzhanov was Shegen Musin, who was very respected among the people. Shegen Musin was born in 1785. He headed the Argyn family of the upper limits of the middle Zhuz. The eloquent expressions and folk traditions of Shegen-Bi have now become Proverbs and sayings, widely circulated within the country, and still remain famous.

Ahmet’s father Korganbek Birimzhanov was the second son in the family. Korganbek was born in 1852. Korganbek, as a descendant of the famous Zhanibek Tarkhan, also became a great support of the tsarist government in the affairs of politics in the country. Mother the Khansha, daughter of Kipchak Nauryzbay Bi. And the daughter of his great-grandfather Shegen Bi, was the mother of Ibray Altynsarin. From Korganbek`s baibishe were born two sons – Ahmet and Abdikarim and one daughter. Children born from his second wife Gulimai (daughter of Seidaly Tore): Gazymbek, Gazima, Batyrkhan, Shaken, Mukhtar, Karim, Nurkhan, Zhumahan [3]. His brother Gazymbek (1896-1938) was a public figure and an honorary citizen. Wife, Gulzhauhar – granddaughter of Abulkhair Khan. Gulzhauhar`s father Almuhamed Seidalin was a lawyer by education, head – Sultan of Irgiz district and a member of the Imperial Russian geographical society. Son Batyrbek (1911-1985) was a chemist, graduate student, Dean of the chemical faculty of Al-Farabi Kazakh national University. Daughter Inkar (1915-2002) was a teacher, doctor of Sciences, head of the Department of normal physiology AMMI.

Since Ahmet Birimzhanov was the first son in the family, his parents had great hopes for him. He knew from childhood that he belonged to a noble dynasty. From the earliest childhood to his consciousness brought that his ancestors were great people-aksakals, Bi and batyrs, who were osnavatelyami dynasty. It is possible that Almuhamed Seidalin, who established reliable friendly relations with his father Korganbek had a great influence on the members of the family of Korganbek, including his son Ahmet. Ahmet Korganbekov brought up in a civilized, a noble family, from childhood showed a courage and bravery.

During the years 1878-1893, 60 new educational institutions were opened in Turgay region. In 1892, 2 school inspections were established in the Turgay region, the first schools of which were inspected by them were the schools in Turgay and Kustanay counties [4].

Father of Ahmet Birimzhanov, Korganbek realized the need to educate children in accordance with modern requirements, so he gave Ahmet to study in the 2nd grade Kazakh-Russian school in Torgay.

Thus, after graduating from a two-year Russian-Kazakh school in Torgay, Ahmet Birimzhanov continued his studies in Orenburg in a gymnasium for boys. In 1891 he graduated from a school with a silver medal. The school he graduated was considered the most authoritative among the Kazakhs. While studying at the gymnasium, he distinguished himself with the best abilities among students. According to the protocol of the pedagogical council of the Orenburg gymnasium in 1891, Ahmet Birimzhanov was given the characteristic: “A talented and intellectually developed child by nature.”

After graduating from the Orenburg men’s gymnasium with a silver medal, Ahmet has not yet formed a full social and political outlook, but he has reached the level of ability to respond to social, political and economic changes, to focus on the present. His choice was associated with the faculty of law of St. Petersburg University. As the best graduate of the gymnasium, he had the opportunity to receive a state scholarship for higher education. But due to the fact that for Kazakh children who graduated from the Orenburg gymnasium, the scholarship allocated to Kazan University was not transferred to the Fund of St. Petersburg University, thus Ahmet Birimzhanov is forced to transfer documents to Kazan University. Thus, on August 20, 1891 he became a student of Kazan University named after the Emperor. In 1895 he graduated from this University with a gold medal. Ahmet Korganbekovich Birimzhanov in the XIX century was one of the first representatives of the Kazakh intelligentsia who studied in Russian state universities.

Ahmet Birimzhanov studied at the faculty of law of Kazan University together with V. Ulyanov (Lenin). But the younger Ulyanov in his last year of the university participated in his brother`s terrorist organization and was expelled from the University, urgently passing exams, receives a diploma. Ahmet Birimzhanov graduated from the faculty of law of Kazan University with a gold medal. Ahmet Birimzhanov during his studies at the gymnasium was included in the control list of the Orenburg gendarmerie. There were two reasons for this. First, while studying at the gymnasium, Birimzhanov, repeating the words of the Kazakh people, expressed claims about the actions of Russian colonialists, appropriating Kazakh lands. Secondly, A. Birimzhanov was a descendant of the famous Tarkhan Shakshak Zhanibek. Shakshak Zhanibek gave Ahmet`s grandfather Dauitbai the title of Tarkhan. After Dauitbai – Musa, after Musa – Shegen, after Shegen – Birimzhan, then after Birimzhan – Korganbek, after Korganbek – Ahmet, Gazymbek and others – they all inherited the title of Tarkhan. Since the formation of Turgay County in 1868, starting with Shegen, his descendants Daurenbek, Zhakyp, Korganbek headed Tosynsky parish until the fall of The Russian Kingdom. At the same time, all the most influential descendants of Shegen were constantly under the control of the County gendarmerie and kept records of their affairs. These were the reasons why Ahmet Birimzhanov was under the supervision of the gendarmerie.

In 1895, after graduating from the faculty of law of Kazan University, Ahmet Birimzhanov returned to his native land of Torgay. For various reasons, Ahmet could not immediately get a job in his specialty. So, in 1898, Ahmet Birimzhanov joined the Turgay regional administration( Board), a year and a half later, in 1900, he moved to the position of Junior candidate for the judiciary of the Orenburg district court. Further in 1901, Ahmet Korganbekovich, educated, literate and responsible for his case, who proved himself as a qualified specialist, rose to the position of senior candidate in the judicial system.

However, in the following years, Ahmet Birimzhanov, being a graduate with higher education, was not enrolled in a senior position in the apparatus of the district court as a representative of the Kazakh people, his progress through the ranks was very slow. It was the policy of the tsarist government, associated with representatives of the local population.

Merits 

After serving in the Orenburg district court, Ahmet Birimzhanov moved to Aktobe County as a judge [5]. In 1906-1907 he was elected a member of the state Duma of Russia twice in a row on behalf of the Kazakhs of Turgay region. After the forcible liquidation of the State Duma of Russia, Ahmet Birimzhanov, returning to the country, was in the position of a judicial investigator of the Orenburg district court.

In 1908 Ahmet Korganbekov married a daughter of Almukhamed Seidalin, representative of the intelligentsia. At this time, Ahmet Birimzhanov was transferred to a new position as a civil servant and forced to move with his wife Gulzhauhar outside Kazakhstan, beyond the Turgay steppe, to the city of Buzuluk. Having gained experience working in the Orenburg district court, Turgay regional administration, Aktobe district court, Ahmet Korganbekovich was able to prove himself a qualified specialist in Buzuluk.

In February 1917, in Buzuluk, Ahmet Birimzhanov met the February revolution in Russia. Since the February revolution (1917), Ahmet Korganbekuly, being fully aware of the state internal political and economic situation, familiar with the actions of all parties with democratic positions, which have now been created and have become known to the population for their programs, hoped for the possibility of creating a national state. The Provisional Government was established in Russia, subsequently in Kazakhstan, until the government completely took control of the party of the Bolsheviks, he worked as the commissioner of the Provisional Government in Kustanay county.

Working in the local government of Russia, Ahmet Birimzhanov understood that the management and judicial power in the Kazakh steppe were not functioning properly. He believed that in the Kazakh steppe it is necessary to reform  –  to transform the administrative and judicial systems.

Despite the fact that in 1901 he worked in the judicial system in Aktobe county, Ahmet Birimzhanov was enrolled as a candidate for the elections to the first state Duma from the Tosyn parish of Turgay county of Turgay region and was elected as a candidate. In Aktobe on May 28, 1906, the last round of elections of the first state Duma of Russia took place, where Ahmet Birimzhanov won 95% of the vote and was elected Deputy of the Turgay region. The state Duma of Russia began its work on February 20, 1907 and ended on June 3, 1907.

Three deputies from the Kazakh people took part in the first state Duma. These are: from the Ural region  –  Alpysbay Kalmenov, from Turgay region – Ahmet Birimzhanov and from Semipalatinsk region  –  Alikhan Bukeikhanov. When the decree on the dissolution of the first state Duma was issued, the election campaign began in the Semirechensk region. Therefore, when the first state Duma was abolished, the Deputy in the Semirechensk and Syr Darya regions remained unidentified.

When Kazakh deputies A. Kalmenov and A. Birimzhanov visited St. Petersburg a month and a half after the opening of the Duma, that is, from 10 to 17 June, they began to participate in the work of the Duma, issues of agrarian, civil equality and others were discussed, on which appropriate commissions were created. And if A. Bukeikhanov participated in the work, then according to current data, there were 1-2 days left before the closure of the Duma. And, in contrast, the time allotted to Kazakh deputies to participate in the work of the Duma was too limited.

On July 2, Ahmet Birimzhanov spoke at the meeting of the Duma, who proposed to include representatives of Kazakh deputies in the Commission on agrarian issues. Kazakh deputies took part in the work of the first state Duma among the factions of Muslim deputies. This faction took an active part in the development of the bill, which is the main document on agricultural issues. They created an agrarian concept based on the program of the Muslim party. First of all, turning the land into regional ownership, thus on the agenda made a number of issues related to the allocation of occupied territories among the indigenous population, as well as increasing the size of the land share not only for settled landowners, but also for shepherds nomadic economy. At the same time, the right to receive an appropriate share between individual members who finally stopped resettlement from abroad required the transfer of ownership to the rural community. Along with this document submitted to the Duma Commission, Ahmet Birimzhanov and Alpysbai Kalmenovich together with other deputies appealed to higher authorities with a request to investigate illegal actions of commissions on land management in the Kazakh steppe.

The results of the elections of deputies from among the Kazakhs of the second state Duma, which began its work on February 20, 1907, were determined as follows: from Akmola region – Sh. Koshygulov, Turgay region – Ahmet Birimzhanov, Semipalatinsk region – T. Nurekenov, Semirechensk region – T. Allabergenov, T. Kulmanov, A. Birimzhanov and others. In addition, together with 53 deputies, they sent a request to the Council of Ministers on June 4, 1906 regarding the illegality of placement of resettlement sites and forest dachas in the Kazakh steppe. In connection with the mass migration from Inner Russia to the Kazakh steppe, the problem of land, resettlement has become very acute and directly affected the fate of the Kazakh people, while the Kazakh intelligentsia is very interested in this problem and tried to solve it through the Duma. However, the Duma spread that these actions were unsuccessful. A. Birimzhanov, as one of the members of the Duma was not allowed to work in the Kazakh region and until 1917 he worked as a judicial investigator in Buzulyk.

Among the members of the I and II Duma were representatives of the socialist-revolutionaries, Mensheviks, and the Socialist people’s party. Most of the laws proposed by the deputies of these parties, Duma Deputy Ahmet Birimzhanov and the Muslim faction, were ignored by Prime Minister Stolypin  fully. Since, upon the request of the above-mentioned parties, the Empire has no economic opportunity to raise the internal social situation. In addition, in Central Asia there were no plans of tsarist Russia to reverse the colonial policy. During this period, many Russian peasants began to move en masse to Central Asia, including the most spacious places of the Kazakh land. In 1906-1907 the terms of service of the two Dumas were very short, and the laws proposed by the Russian socialist party and the Muslim faction were ignored by Prime Minister Stolypin. Then, after the decree of Tsar Nicholas the Second, the activity of the Duma was stopped.

In his article «Kazakh deputies in the Duma of Russia» writer Galym Akhmedov gave the following data about Birimzhanov Ahmet Korganbekuly: «Birimzhanov Ahmet Korganbekovich from Turgay region (at that time the Turgay region included modern Aktobe and Kostanay regions). He graduated from the faculty of law of Kazan University with a gold medal, was an employee of the court. He was a member of the Agrarian Commission in the Duma, participated in the work of the Muslim faction. A very gentle, educated Deputy».

In order to stop the resettlement of Russian peasants in the Kazakh steppe and draw the attention of the government to the problem, the Duma deputies: M. Karataev, A. Birimzhanov, V. Koshigulov, T. Nurekenov addressed this issue to the chief Manager of agriculture and land management Vasilchikov. Bakhytzhan Karatayev, being a full Deputy of the State Duma of Russia, was criticized at the plenary session of the Duma in May 1907. In 1906, Bolshevik I. F. Golovanov from Turgay region was elected a Deputy of the Russian Duma. February 25, 1907 in Aktobe held a meeting of workers, which created a special Committee to establish contacts with the Deputy. Since the leadership of the city decided to officially ban the authorities on the work of this Committee, the Committee will work on the basis of sanctions of the population [7]. On March 11 of this year at meeting of urban population the questions on activity of the second Duma and the questions connected with I. Golovanov’s letters to the voters were considered.

And in the III Duma the rights to be elected Deputy to representatives of Central Asia were limited. This third Duma was the most «long-lived». The absence of Kazakh deputies in the III Duma was bothering Alash figures. In 1912, Ahmet Baitursynov wrote an article «The Duma and the Kazakhs». A. Baitursynov, earlier through the magazine «Aykap», appealed to the people of Turkestan, Nogais, Tatars, Bashkirs with a request to help provide one representative of the Kazakh people to the deputies of the IV-th Duma. Despite the fact that the Turkestan people, Nogais and representatives of the Tatar people supported Akhan, the Russian authorities did not allow representatives of the Kazakh people in the IV-th to the state Duma. Thus, when the First world war began, difficult events took place in Russia.

Ahmet Korganbekovich, being a Deputy of the Duma, was actively engaged in public work until the end of his life. In the conditions of another language, completely foreign traditions and customs, it was difficult to raise children in the conditions of the native Kazakh environment, thus, Ahmet Birimzhanov takes his wife Gulzhauhar and two children – Batyrbek and Inkar and from Buzulyk transports to Turgay region. Here for the first time Ahmet’s first-born son Batyrbek crosses the threshold of a rural school.

After the February, October revolutions and civil war, the state of the country deteriorated, jute and famine became a severe blow to rural people. So his wife Gulzhauhar, with the children were transported to the district center to the city of Torgay.

The national liberation uprising of 1916 has a special significance in the history of Kazakhstan. Kazakhs of Turgay region showed mass resistance to the «Decree of June 25» of the Tsar of Russia, thus, Torgay district of Turgay region became the main center of the uprising. Ahmet Birimzhanov together with the leaders of the Alash to support the country: “Without fear, without threats, we will return to the peasant lands, we will have time to collect all the crops and all the rest of the economy.” Nevertheless, the uprising led to the death of people and livestock, according to 1916 only from the Turgay region 10175 people were forced to be taken to the menial work of the front [8].

Among the Kazakh intelligentsia, who headed the Kazakh people and provided care to those who were on defense works on the front fields, was Ahmet Birimzhanov`s brother Azimbek Birimzhanov.

In 1916, on the Kunbatys front, among those who performed menial work, as well as learning to take care of their brothers and sons were: A. Kenzhin, B. Suleev, Y. Galymzhanov, E. Omarov, R. Makataev, H. Bolganbaev, T. Shahuleev, S. Zhienbayev, B. Zhankadamov, Sandibekov, Borankulov and Azimbek Birimzhanov [9].

As you know, in 1916, starting with Abdigapar Khan and Ospan Khan, supporters of Amangeldy and Kasym Khan expressed their protest in the third part of the Turgay region against the strict regulations of the Tsar of Russia. In this regard, a special decree of Tsar Nicholas the Second was issued on December 21, 1916. It marks the transition to military discipline in Turgay, Irgiz and Kustanay counties. 

According to the decree of the White king, the district police of Kustanay abandoned the constructive approach to law enforcement and used the punitive method. Thus, it lost its credibility among the population. Before the Tsar’s decree on December 4, 1916, the 359th report letter of the General staff of the Russian army was published. It approved Kustanay punitive detachment led by Lieutenant Colonel Kislenko in the composition of the 5th Orenburg Cossack army, 109th rifle regiment, 9th machine gun and 2nd rifle regiment. The aim was: careful and strict control on all sides of the Kustanay and Turgay regions. Signatures were put by General Sandetsky, Lieutenant-General, chief of temporary staff Dobrynin.

At this time, the head of the punitive group, Lieutenant Colonel Kislenko, according to his chosen course, uses extreme methods of violence against the common people, who were participants and supporters of the national liberation uprising. The Deputy of the state Duma of Russia Alikhan Bukeikhanov, the leader of the Kazakh nationality, expressed the protest against it. Soon A. Bukeikhanov was appointed Commissioner of the Provisional government of Turgay region. It was March of 1917. That is, through the establishment of relations with Colonel Kislenko in Kustanay district and the maintenance of impunity course in April of this year, the regional Commissioner Alikhan Bukeikhanov, with perseverance, and by all means, appointed Birimzhanov Ahmet Korganbekovich to the Commissioner of Kustanay County police, formerly the Samara court of justice Buguruslan County.

In April 1917, the Commissioner of the Turgay region A. Bukeikhanov sent an operative letter to the Minister of justice of the provisional government Kerensky for the appointment of A. Birimzhanov as Commissioner of the Kustanay district police, who served in the Kustanay district Samara court of Russia. It states: «I ask to send, according to the order, the former Deputy of the Russian State Duma of the 1st and 2nd convocations, the employee of the 2nd site of the Samara court of buguruslansky district Birimzhanov A. in connection with a call to a position of the Kostanay district Commissioner of militia» [10].

On the basis of this telegram on April 28, 1917 the letter from East Kazakhstan region with the signature of the Commissioner of Turgay region S. Bukeikhanov arrived. The provisional government, in accordance with the order of the Minister of internal Affairs, issued service identification number 5453 to the temporarily appointed County Commissioner A. K. Birimzhanov.

Thus, in April 1917, Ahmet Korganbekovich Birimzhanov formed the Kustanai County militia in Kustanai County, and the militia in Kustanay County of the Provisional government of Russia operated until January 1918.

The militia structure (formed on April 17, 1917) moved to a new level on August 26, 1918, retaining the previous structure. During this period, the time for the Commissioner of the Kustanai district police was not in vain. Because, A. Birimzhanov contributed to the work of the police, the purpose of which was to provide support to ordinary people. About it in the Kustanaysky district newspaper «New way» concrete proofs in the 34th number from September 5, 1918 are resulted. The announcement of the newspaper says: «The Chief of Kostanay district police A. Birimzhanov, as a professional lawyer, appeals to the chief of the district police, their assistant and ordinary police officers, as well as to the district police Department with a request to attract personnel to work on a personal typewriter».

In this message, you can notice the following. At this time in militia in structure of the government there was a sufficient number of the district employees supporting the honest people. Therefore, there was a need to involve the necessary people who support the idea of Alash in the plots. At the same time, under the guidance of a professional lawyer Ahmet Birimzhanov, investigative and search departments were established. They were entrusted with such serious tasks as lawsuits, theft and robbery, identification of criminals, set out in the Criminal procedure direction.

In this time, emerges document, confirming facts, from 90th journal Kustanay urban Duma Kustanay County, written 19 August, 1917. The reason for the recording of this document was: in Kostanay a citizen Karataev M., in a state of alcoholic intoxication, insulted and entered into a fight with passers-by. M. Karataev was not engaged in any kind of activity, for repeated hooliganism was imprisoned. This is clearly stated in a special statement (complaint) of ordinary policeman Baturin, who detained M. Karatayev, and presented to the judge of the Kostanay district court Milko.

However, the judge Milko, limited M. Karataev only a fine of 5 rubles. Baturin regarding this decision expressed his disagreement. After the entry into force of the court decision, M. Karataev was released from custody. The Commissioner of the Kustanay district police Ahmet Birimzhanov commented on this decision: «There should be no objection to the court’s decision. If you are not satisfied with the decision, then go to a higher court». At the same time about the operating law reported also to the ordinary militiaman Baturin. This law was implemented by the Chairman of the Provisional government of Russia A. F. Kerensky. Then in Kustanay district after the proclamation of the Soviet government, the structure of the provisional police will be abolished. This requires the consent of the Executive Committee of deputies. Long after the White Guard officers began to dominate, on June 28, 1918, in Kostanay, the deputies of the Executive Committee and the Bolsheviks were arrested one after another. The new administration of the city radically transformed the entire structure that led to the life of the Bolsheviks, and rebuilt the County system of government. Their goal was to form a monarchist movement.

At the same time, the entire structure of the government of Turgay region was referred to the Committee of the expanded meeting. At the same time, the Provisional government pays special attention to the structure of the militia of April 17, 1917, which on August 26, 1918 went on a new path, and retaining the former positions. 

During this period, the time for the Commissioner of the Kustanay district police was not in vain. Because, A. Birimzhanov contributed to the work of the police, the purpose of which was to provide support to ordinary people. About it in the Kustanay district newspaper «New way» concrete proofs in the 34th number from September 5, 1918 are resulted. The announcement of the newspaper says: «The Chief of Kostanay district police A. Birimzhanov, as a professional lawyer, appeals to the chief of the district police, their assistant and ordinary police officers, as well as to the district police Department with a request to attract personnel to work on a personal typewriter».

In this message, you can notice the following. At this time in militia in structure of the government there was a sufficient number of the district employees supporting the honest people. Therefore, there was a need to involve the necessary people who support the idea of Alash in the plots. At the same time, under the guidance of a professional lawyer Ahmet Birimzhanov, investigative and search departments were established. They were entrusted with such serious tasks as lawsuits, theft and robbery, identification of criminals, set out in the Criminal procedure direction. 

Although the Kustanay County militia, created by the Provisional government, was born in the vicinity of Aktau, it was the beginning of history. So the first County Commissioner of militia of Kustanay County militia Ahmet Birimzhanov began the activity since April, 1917.

In this regard, it should be noted that the movement of Alash-Horde in the fight against Soviet power was on the side of the Provisional government. History testifies to the fact that they are in order of defense has used diplomatic approaches.

From history it is known that two persons named Ahmet, who took an active part in the movement of Alash Orda. The first of them – educator Ahmet Baitursynov, the second was lawyer Ahmet Birimzhanov.

When in Kazakhstan there was a process of establishment of the Soviet power, in the newspaper «Kazakh» of November 21, 1917 in number 25 the program of party Alash is published. This program was prepared by A. Bukeikhanov, A. Baitursynov, E. Gumarov, E. Turmukhanbetov, V. Zhundubaev, A. Birimzhanov [12]. This program provides for the following issues that are relevant to the Kazakh people: the state, local freedom, basic law, religion, government and the court, taxes on the protection of the country, workers, science and education, land problems.

In early March, after the victory in the February revolution of 1917, the news of the fall of the tsarist regime spread to the entire Kazakh steppe. After the February revolution of 1917, local bodies of the Provisional government were established in Kazakhstan. After the February revolution, Ahmet Birimzhanov was engaged in the creation of national socio-political organizations, the development of programs of socio-economic reforms under the leadership of Turgay regional Commissioner Alikhan Bukeikhanov. Since then, under the leadership of the newspaper «Kazakh», the Kazakh intelligentsia convened the Kazakh kurultai, where national problems were discussed. First, in the regional centers, congresses of representatives of two or three regions are held, then in July the first all-Kazakhstan Congress is convened in Orenburg. About it in the newspaper «Kazakh» from July 31 it was written: «Since changes, each area having called Congress, held meetings on creation of conventions. After each region agreed to one resolution, all forces were directed to «Alash», in order not to register their group for the opening of the Constituent Assembly, it was necessary to hold an all-Kazakh Congress».

The 1st all-Kazakhstan Congress, held on July 21-26 in Orenburg, was attended by more than 20 delegates from all Kazakh regions. But, despite the small number of delegates, today it is impossible to deny the great historical importance of the issues considered at the Congress and the resolution adopted for the common good of the nation. At this Congress Alash-Horde from today acquired the power of the Kyrgyz-Kazakh people. 15 people were elected to the national liberation Council of Alash-Horde. Ahmet Birimzhanov was elected to the membership of this Council as a representative of Turgay region.

The Congress was attended by representatives of Akmola, Semipalatinsk, Turgay, Ural, Semirechensk, Syr Darya, Fergana regions and Bukeev Horde. Khalel Dosmukhamedov was elected Chairman of the Congress. A. Baitursynov and A. Kotibarov were elected as assistants to the Chairman. In addition, M. Dulatov and A. Seitov were elected to the Secretariat of this Congress.

In accordance with the resolution of the all-Kazakh Congress, which operated from 21 to 26 July in Orenburg, «Deputies elected from the Kazakh regions were identified as deputies and candidates for deputies» from each region. On the basis of this resolution were invited Kurultai: from Akmola region –11 people, Semipalatinsk region – 8 people, Turgay region – 7 people, Ural region – 7 people, Semirechensk region – 11 people, Syr Darya region – 14 people, Fergana region – 15 people, Amu Darya region – 3 people, Bukeev Orda – 3 people.

According to this resolution from Turgay region Ahmet Birimzhanov together with A. Baitursynov, M. Dulatov, E. Turmukhamedov, E. Omarov, T. Zhamanmurynov, S. Kadirbayev were included in the list of the Kazakh intelligentsia. The contemporaries of Ahmet Birimzhanov, a civil servant, a prominent lawyer and a representative of the national intelligentsia, highly appreciated him. Alikhan Bokeikhanov, the leader of the nation, in his article «Deputies of Kazakhstan», published in 1917 in the newspaper «Kazakh», indicates that the nomination of Ahmet Birimzhanov to the fifth place among 43 people considered worthy of the «Deputy Council», is fair and that Ahmet is a prominent figure of the Kazakh intelligentsia.

In 1917, in the 250th issue of the newspaper “Kazakh” from the party «Alash» in the first list of elected deputies from Turgay region were: 1. Ahmet Baitursynov, 2. Ahmet Birimzhanov, 3. Sagyndyk Doszhanov, 4. Abdullah Temirov, 5. Tel Zhamanmurynov, 6. Yerzhan Orazov, 7. Alikhan Bukeikhanov. Ahmet, like Bukeikhanov, Baitursynov, were entered into this list of Turgay region, which indicates his great authority among the Kazakh public.

At this Kurultai, a part of the Alash Оrdа were elected as follows: from Bukey Оrdа – Ualithan Tanashov, from Ural – Khalel Dosmukhambetov from Torgay – Ahmet Birimzhanov, from Akmola – Aidarkhan Turlybaev, from Semey – Call Gappasov, from Semirechye – Sadyk Amanzholov, from the Syr Darya – Mustafa Chokaev. The leadership of the government of Alash Horde – Alikhan Bukeikhanov [13].

The choice of Ahmet Birimzhanov as a member of the government of Alash Horde, his education, organizational skills and assessment of his political activity as a major political figure, politically past as a Deputy of the former Duma is justified. Prominent Kazakh historian Kenes Nurpeisov wrote about the formation of Ahmet Birimzhanov’s political outlook: «During the first Russian revolution, Kazakh intelligentsia appeared in Kazakhstan, which confidently acts in the liberal stream. In Kostanay, Ahmet Birimzhanov stood in the same position. He was supported by the body of the cadet party Zhanaidar Seidalin, who published his articles in the newspaper «Speech». In Aktobe active participation of E. Turmagambetov from among the cadets».

After the February revolution of 1917, local bodies of the Provisional government were established in Kazakhstan. Since the February revolution, Ahmet Birimzhanov has been engaged in the creation of national socio-political organizations, the development of programs of socio-economic reforms. At the same time, it is assigned to the management of the creation of rural civic committees. Along with Kydyraliev, Ahmet Birimzhanov carried out very important things. In accordance with the decision of the Turgay regional Kazakh Congress, a special group (Commission) was sent to organize rural civil committees consisting of: Aktobe County – 9 people, Irgiz County – 9 people, Kustanay County – 12 people, Turgay County – 6 people. In the organization of this work, that is, in the creation of civil committees in the counties, Akihmet Birimzhanov showed business activity.

On October 14-17, 1918, under the leadership of Ahmet Birimzhanov, 39 delegates attended the extraordinary County Congress in Kostanay, organized by A. Aldiyarov and Omarov, and then their number reached 69 people.

The delegates of the Congress recognized Alash Оrdа as the Supreme government and declared the territory of Kustanay County as an integral part of the Kazakh autonomy. Delegates of the Congress discussed many important issues. Also, the delegates of the Congress in Kostanay noted the need to create a County police and defined its tasks. In the period from the second half of 1919 to the beginning of 1920 Karevkom repeatedly considered the issue of pardoning members of the Alash Horde. As a result of negotiations between alashordintsy and the Soviet government, the decision of the Kazrevkom of March 5, 1920 was abolished Alash-Horde. In the case of the leaders and members of the Alash-Horde, political apologies followed, but the active workers of the Alas-Horde were still not presented to the membership of the committee and to another responsible officer. This decision also concerned Ahmet Birimzhanov, who was an active figure of Alash-Horde.

After the October revolution of 1917, the political situation in the Turgay region worsened. The leaders of the Alash movement failed to achieve their goals. In 1923, Ahmet Birimzhanov and his family moved from Torgay to Orenburg. From 1923 to 1926, Ahmet Birimzhanov worked as head of the legal Department of the People’s Commissariat of justice.

In 1925, when the capital of the Kazakh ASSR became the city of Kyzylorda, Ahmet Birimzhanov with dignity occupied the previous job. In those years, he was a member of the Board of the Commissariat of justice of the Kazakh ASSR, a member of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan. In 1925, a list was compiled of employees who were sent to work in the new capital in the Commissariat of justice. This list includes Ahmet Birimzhanov, Deputy Prosecutor of the Republic Murzagul Ataniyazov, Prosecutor Salimgerei Nurlykhanov, investigator for particularly important cases of the Prosecutor’s office Gabbas Seidalin, head of the Department for control of the judicial structure of the Commissariat Seydazim Kadyrbayev, this list was approved by the people’s Commissar of justice and Prosecutor of the Republic Kanay Boranbayev [14].

In 1924-1925, as the head of the Department, Ahmet Birimzhanov comprehensively showed great organizational ability during the re-election of the court in all provinces of Kazakhstan. With the participation of Ahmet, before this election campaign, recommendations were prepared aimed at the activities of the local competent authorities of the court of the Republic. In this document special attention was paid to the issues of local law and management:

– the main condition is a high culture of judges who are closely connected with the public;

– at the Institute of trainees to conduct an audit for the selection of employees who have been tested in the composition of the investigation bodies, for practice, if necessary, use the best trainees who have passed this program for the position of reserve jury (judge);

– the use of existing opportunities for broad involvement of women in judicial activities, the use of the experience of the Institute of trainees for the inclusion of women in the people’s councillors, etc.

Thus, since the end of 1924, after preliminary preparation, at the beginning of 1925, under the leadership of the Commissariat of justice, regular elections were held as part of the Republican courts. During the transition to the capital of the Kazakh state in Kyzylorda, Ahmet Birimzhanov worked together with the people’s Commissar of justice Kanai Boranbayev and then appointed to this position Saduakas Mambeyev. During these years, under the leadership of Kanay Boranbayev, reference information was prepared on the work of notary offices, judicial-investigative, prosecutorial control and legal assistance to the population of the Republic at the V all-Union Congress of Soviets, held in 1925, with the participation of Ahmet Birimzhanov and other employees of the People’s Commissariat of justice of the Kazakh ASSR. This background information was published in Orenburg under the title «Report of the government of the Kyrgyz ASSR to the 5th all-Kyrgyz Congress of Soviets».

Legal service of Ahmet Birimzhanov in Orenburg and Kyzylorda was closely connected with the preparation and adoption of the Constitution of the Kazakh ASSR. On August 26, 1920, the historical decree of V.I. Lenin and M. I. Kalinin «On the establishment of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Socialist Republic» was signed. This time on October 4 in Orenburg at organizational Congress of Councils of Kazakhstan the «Declaration of the rights of workers of the Kyrgyz (Kazakh) ASSR» having historical special value was accepted. This Declaration proclaimed that in the new history of Kazakhstan a National state was formed in the form of Soviet autonomy.

In 1922, the formation of the USSR was adopted by the Constitution of the USSR. In this regard, in the period from January 5-10, 1924, the VI Congress of Soviets of the Kazakh ASSR was held, at which the draft Constitution of the Kazakh ASSR was considered. The first Constitution of the Kazakh Soviet Autonomous Socialist Republic was adopted on February 18, 1926 by the resolution of the Central Executive Committee of the Kazakh ASSR.

An experienced lawyer, Deputy of the former Russian Duma, head of the Department of the Commissariat of justice of the Republic of Birimzhanov Ahmet Korganbekovich took an active part in the preparation of the draft Constitution of the Kazakh ASSR, in the discussion of its main conclusions and adoption of the Constitution of the country. From the leadership of the Republic and the Commissariat of justice – Ahmet Korganbekovich as a member of the group for the preparation of the most important sections and concepts of the draft Constitution. This Constitution reflects the political, economic and cultural achievements of Kazakhstan.

The Soviet authorities didn’t need the Alash Horde activists, representing the interests of the Kazakh nation. Therefore, Ahmet Korganbekovich was dismissed from office. And influenced by the fact that he did not serve according to his professional knowledge and experience. After a long illness, Ahmet Korganbekovich Birimzhanov died on January 5, 1927 in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) and was buried at the Novo-Volkhov Muslim cemetery. The death of Ahmet Korganbekovich turned into a tragedy not only for his family and relatives, but also for the entire Alash community. The death of Ahmet Birimzhanov was known to the great Kazakh people, so on January 9, 1927 Myrzhakyp Dulatov, Alash activist in the Kazakh newspaper «Enbekshi Kazakh» writes the following: «In 1908 in Irgiz Ahmet Birimzhanov married Seidalina Gulzhauhar. In 1919, Ahmed and Gulzhaukhar had 4 children. The first daughter Rayhan died in childhood. In 1910 Batyrbek the first son in the young family was born, in 1915 – daughter Inkar, in 1919 – son Murat. Children of Ahmet Korganbekovich Birimzhanov fully justified their upbringing, received from the father Ahmet and mother Gulzhauhar, became not only children of one family, but also citizens of the country. Thus, they fully justified the hopes of their parents, their native people and became an example for their descendants». 

Not only Alash leaders headed by Alikhan Bukeikhanov, but also students headed by M. Auezov, A. Margulan and B. Birimzhanov’s son took part in conducting Ahmet Birimzhanov on his last time.

Memory

In order to promote Ahmet Birimzhanov, articles were published in the following Newspapers: «Sakshy» of the Ministry of internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, national «Kazakh», Kostanay region «Kostanay tany», «Info-Tses» and «In the service of the law» of the Kostanay ODIHR.

One of the streets in Shymkent is named after Akhmet Birimzhanov.

References:

1 Beisenbaiuly J. Kazakh chronicle. Almaty, 1994. – 35 p.

2 Yusupuly A. Batyr Zhanibek saksak // Kostanay-agro, 2000, July 25.

3 G. Dulatova. The essence of the immortal star // Zhuldyz, 2003, № 3. – 124-125 p.

4 Sultangazy G. Life and work of A. Berezhanov // «Valikhanv readings – 7». Materials of the International scientific-practical conference. – T.1. – Kokshetau: KSU named after S. Ualikhanova, 2002 .– 286 p. – S. 203.5. Squirly S. Shakshak Zhanibek afsana // Zhuldyz, 1994. – №. 12. – 125 p.

6. Osganbai O.  The Russian State Duma and Kazakhstan. 1905-1917. – Almaty, 2006. –147 p.

7 Golubyatnikov S., Goryachev A. Kudinov V. At the origins of the Communist party of Kazakhstan. Part 1. – 218 p.

8 Kovalev P. A. Rear workers of Turkestan during the first world war. Tashkent, 1957. – 118 p.

9 Koigeldiev M. Alash Movement. Almaty: Sanat, 1994. – 420 p.

10 Seifullin S. Works. A thorny path. – Vol. 1. – Astana: Foliant, 2013. – 336 p.  

11 Nurpeisov K. Alash and Alash Orda. Almaty: Atatek, 1995. – 178 p.

12 Kostanay region State archive. F. 1010. Op. 1. D. 17. L. 20.

13 Kostanay region State archive. F. 1010. Op. 1. D. 17. L. 27. 

14 Kostanay region State archive. F. 1010. Op. 1. D. 17. L. 29.

Author: Ibraeva A.G., Doctor of Historical Sciences