Monument to Chokan Valikhanov and Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Moscow-based sculptor Dmitriy Elbakidze (1923-1979) created two monuments in Semey, Kazakhstan.

The first monument is dedicated to great Abai whose 7m-tall monument was unveiled in Semey back in 1972.

Afterwards the sculptor was asked to create a monument to Fyodor Dostoyevsky who resided in Semey between 1864 and 1859.

The sculptor got his inspiration from an old photograph depicting two friends Chokan Valikhanov and Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

The new monument was solemnly unveiled in 1977 in Semey. In the photograph the sculptor is posing next to his creation.