Qozheke Nazaruly and Archival Sources

Abstract

The article is devoted to the activities of Qozheke Nazaruly, one of the leaders of the Qazaq national liberation uprising against the Russian colonial policy in Zhetysu (Semirechye). The formation of Qozheke Nazaruly as a bright socio-political figure, defending the interests of the Qazaqs, took place in his childhood in the conditions of the changing political situation in Zhetysu in the 1840-50s. His versatile activity, participation in the organization and leadership of the Qazaqs, military command and creative mastery were manifested early in his life under the influence of his father Nazar. He proved to be a skillful organizer and ruler, a brave batyr, a skilled composer and performer of kyuys (kyushi). Qozheke Nazaruly was one of the prominent representatives of the Zhetysu school of kyushi, who participated in its formation. In the article the biography and activities of Qozheke Nazaruly, his childhood, and his struggle with the colonial policy of the Russian Empire are examined on the basis of new and little-known archival documents. The sources being introduced to academy show the reasons that forced Qozheke Nazaruly to continue the struggle from outside his homeland and to retreat to China in 1862, among them the capture of Zhetysu by Russian troops at the beginning of the second half of the 19^th century, the strengthening of colonial oppression, persecution against the Qazaqs and against Qozheke personally. His activity in Aitbozymskaya volost of Kulja region is studied. While in China, Qozheke also suffered political persecution. In 1884, he was arrested on false charges of robbing a caravan. For about a year, the Chinese authorities tortured him, seeking his confession. Between interrogations and torture in prison, he created his famous kyuys “Türmedegı qinau” (“Torture in prison”) and “Tas kömır şoğymen qinau” (“Torture with burning coals”), showing the tragedy of his fate. In the autumn of 1885 Qozheke Nazaruly died under torture in a Chinese prison. New archival documents reveal the life path and activities of Qozheke Nazaruly.