During my one-year research internship at George Washington University in the United States during 2023-2004 years, I studied the topic «Data on Kazakhs in American Archives.» As a result, I discovered a large number of records related to the Kazakh people.
Today, we turn our attention to a rare photograph of Mirjaqip Duwlatuli, a distinguished poet and one of the key figures of the Alash movement. This image was published in the 1967 academic volume «Central Asia Under Russian Rule», which was released simultaneously in New York and London. The collection, edited by American historian Edward Allworth, explores critical topics including the social, linguistic, and cultural realities of Central Asian peoples during the colonial era.
One of the articles in the book, titled Shifting Intelligentsia and Literary Literacy, contains a notable observation: «Ahmet Baitursynuly, a founding member of the Alashorda party of Kazakh nationalists and the Kazakh Commissioner of Education, emerged as a significant political leader, and Mirjaqip Duwlatuli looked up to him as a mentor in many respects.»
This acknowledgement highlights the strong camaraderie and exceptional capabilities of Kazakh intellectuals, and it stands as a fair and insightful appraisal.
The article also includes a previously unseen photo of Mirjaqyp Dulatuly. Its caption reads:
«Mirjaqip Duwlatuli (left), Kazakh reformer, clasps hand of close friend AkhmedVali Ibrahim-oghli (Menger), Petropavlovsk, 1906. Photo collection of Azamat Altay.»
In the photo, the two thinkers sit atop a carpet decorated with traditional Kazakh patterns, offering a candid portrayal of Central Asia’s early 20th-century intellectuals. At just twenty-one, Mirjaqip’s expression captures a sense of determination, clarity, and unwavering hope – marking him as someone deeply committed to his nation’s future.
Western academics, particularly those from the United States, have long shown a keen interest in uncovering the origins of global civilizations, often exploring the lineage of ancient peoples and tribes. Many have authored comprehensive volumes and conducted significant research on these topics. The book in question serves as another example, presenting a thorough analysis of the cultural and societal conditions of Turkic peoples living under Russian rule.
Further chapters of the book include discussions on other notable Kazakh figures, such as Alihan Bökeykhanuly, as well as references to the Dala Ualayaty newspaper and poet Shortanbai Qanayuly. The work also examines Mirjaqip Duwlatuli’s poem Kazakh Land, offering an English translation to its readers.
What makes this publication especially meaningful for us is that it features a unique photograph capturing a youthful Duwlatuli – an individual who dedicated his life to his people – within the pages of a respected Western scholarly source. It brings to mind the words of English thinker John Ruskin:
«Great nations write their history not only with words, but with deeds and art.»
Though the colonial system may have sought to suppress the flames of resistance, that flame continued to burn – in the minds, hearts, and spirits of many. The names of those who stood up for their people may have been silenced by oppressive policies, yet their intellect, vision, and courage ultimately became the foundation for their nation’s progress.
The fact that such a historically significant artifact related to Mirjaqip has been found across the ocean is both uplifting and inspiring. History, after all, preserves what it witnesses – and time decides what endures. What remains becomes part of a nation’s timeless legacy.
