ABULKHAIR KHAN

ABILKHAIR (ABULKHAIR) KHAN, ABILKHAIR MUKHAMBET GAZI BAKHADUR KHAN (1693-1748) is a khan of Small Juz ( 1710-1748), great commander, politician and diplomat. Being a boy Abulkhair took an active part in military campaigns and raids of khans and sultans. At the age of 17 he became one of the commanders of theKazakh levy en masse headed by Bogenbay Batyr. He also took part in the battle for Tashkent, Turkestan and Sairam. In 1718 Abulkhair was elected Khan of Small Juz. As a head of 30thousand he acted against Jungars and fought a battle on the River Ayaguz. Despite his young age Abilkhair became famous for his bravery, military and organizational skills.

Kazakh joint levy en masse headed by Abulkhair Khan defeated jungars twice: in Anyrakaisk battle in 1729 and in ?It Ishpes Alakol? battle in 1730. Despite certain success khan Abilhair understood that Kazakh people could not resist Jungar Khanate and he began negotiations with the Siberian administration of Russia regarding military alliance against Oirats and it was a right decision to save the people and give them a peaceful life. On September, 1930 he sent his representatives to Moscow with the request to accept Kazakh people into Russian allegiance. On February, 19, 1731 Empress Anna Ioannovna signed a document on voluntary entry of Small Juz as a part of Russia. The session of leaders of Small and Middle Juzes took place on October, 10, in 1731. Abilkhair Khan, famous Batyrs Bogenbay, Yesset and Khudainazar Myrza and 27 powerful governors pledged allegiance to the Russian Empress. This event laid foundation to joining of Kazakh lands to Russia. Captainship (art of commander) and gift of diplomat conjoined in Abulkhair Khan. Being representative of his time he was one of the brightest examples of a man observing traditions and customs, ideas on aristocrat?s dignity as well as an unwritten code of honor of the governor-chingizid. Abilkhair Khan died on August, 1748 from the hand of Barak Sultan. He was burried in ?Khan Molassy? cemetery located on the territory of modern Aiteke Bi District, Aktobe region in 4 km to the West from Olkeyak and Kabyrga rivers. The monument to Abulkhair Khan was erected in Aktobe in 2000 in front of the building of the regional akimat. Reference: Kazakhstan, National Encyclopedia, volume 1.