Our People > Duisenali Alimakyn

Duisenali Alimakyn is a Kazakh journalist, translator, and researcher covering literature, culture, and science. His research, including at the George Washington University, has a strong focus on Western narratives about Central Asia over the centuries.

Articles

History

A British Scholar’s Glimpse into Kazakh Life a Century Ago

A century ago, in 1925, British historian, writer, and revolutionary Ralph Fox published People of the Steppes, a compelling account of his travels offering rare insights into the life and culture of the Kazakh people. Fox (1900–1936) was no ordinary observer. A journalist, Marxist, and author of biographies on Lenin and Genghis Khan, he traveled through Soviet Central Asia in the early 1920s and spent his final years working at the Marx-Engels Institute in Moscow, where he wrote his last major tome. In the foreword to People of the Steppes, Fox states that his aim was not political propaganda but to record what he had witnessed. His observations, written as he journeyed through the steppe from the Orenburg region to the Aral Sea, provide a vivid portrait of nomadic life. As the train carried him across Turkestan, Fox was struck by the sights outside his window: “For the first time I see, through the train windows, the round black tents of the nomads, shaped like broad beehives, and I whisper to myself that under just such a tent was Chingiz Khan born… Sometimes there passes a family on the march, the elders and children perched above their household goods on the beautiful shaggy Bactrian camels, the youths on horseback, small, sturdy ponies. It is all strange to me and I feel a beauty of slowness and order in their movements, the eternal rhythm of a wandering shepherd's life.” Fox shortly visited a nomadic camp, recording his impressions in the sub-section “The Tents of the Kazakhs”. “We sat on some empty crates and watched the hens scutter across the floor," he wrote, "while his wife, a quiet, kindly woman, brought us a bowl of Kummis (Mare’s milk) to drink." The hospitality of the Kazakhs left a lasting impression: “ They roused me when the meal was ready. ‘The Kazaks, men and women, sat round the pot in the dim tent, for smoke filled all the upper part now, and the sun had set. Brown arms were thrust into the mess, or painted wooden spoons, while we dainty whites were given wooden bowls. ‘The meat was tough and greasy, and to me only the little cakes of dough were palatable, though they were gritty with sand, so I did not eat much… It was all fantastic around that evil-smelling fire.” The next day, Fox encountered a group of Lesser Horde Kazakhs migrating from Siberia along the Syr Darya River. He noted that some had already settled in Torgai, while others aimed to reach the Urals. “ Once there, they would willingly sell off their surplus stock to buy their necessities on the bazaars to last them through the following year, at Kazalinsk, at Jussali, at Perovsk and ‘Turkestan, the great bazaars of the Syr Daria.” Fox also explored the broader historical and cultural context of the Kazakhs, noting that their nomadic lifestyle limited the development of written literature but fostered rich oral traditions and epic poetry: “It is hard to unravel their...

1 year ago

Cultural Heritage

The Photographs of Prokudin-Gorsky: A Glimpse of a Lost World

Using the emerging technology of color photography, Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky (1863–1944) undertook several photographic expeditions to capture images of the Russian Empire. Most of his work took place between 1909 and 1915, though some photographs date as early as 1905. At the time, the Russian Empire stretched roughly 7,000 miles east to west and 3,000 miles north to south. It encompassed one-sixth of the Earth’s land surface, making it the largest empire in history, spanning what are now eleven time zones. [caption id="attachment_32008" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Abutment for a dam and house belonging to the government. [Kuzminskoe] Prokudin-Gorsky, Sergey Mikhaylovich, 1912[/caption]Tsar Nicholas II supported Prokudin-Gorsky’s ambitious endeavor by granting him travel permits and access to various modes of transportation, including trains, boats, and automobiles. His journeys are preserved in photographic albums that include the original negatives. One album also features miscellaneous images, including scenes from other parts of Europe. The photographs capture a broad array of subjects: religious architecture and shrines (churches, cathedrals, mosques, and monasteries); religious and secular artifacts (such as vestments, icons, and items linked to saints, former Tsars, and the Napoleonic Wars); infrastructure and public works (railroads, bridges, dams, and roads); a variety of industries (including mining, textile production, and street vending); agricultural scenes (like tea plantations and field work); portraits, which often showed people in traditional dress, as well as cityscapes, villages, natural landscapes, and blooming plants. Besides being a photographer, Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky was a chemist who is renowned for his pioneering contributions to color photography in the early 20th century. In 1901, he traveled to Berlin to study photochemistry before returning to Russia, where he outfitted a railroad car as a mobile darkroom with the support of Tsar Nicholas II. As he traveled across the Russian Empire, he documented its people and landscapes, eventually earning recognition in Russia, Germany, and France. In 1906, he was appointed head of the photography section of Fotograf-Liubitel, Russia’s leading photography journal. One of his most famous works is a color portrait of Leo Tolstoy, taken in 1908. “By capturing the result of artistic inspiration in the full richness of its colors on the light-sensitive photographic plate, we pass the priceless document to future generations,” wrote Prokudin-Gorsky. As a nobleman, inventor, professor, and pioneer of color photography in Russia, Prokudin-Gorsky had a deep sense of national identity and heritage. Although he was unable to complete his grand project due to the outbreak of World War I and increasing social unrest across the Russian Empire, he still managed to capture photographs in regions such as the Urals, Siberia, Crimea, Dagestan, Finland, and Central Asia, as well as along the Volga and Oka rivers. Unfortunately, much of his photographic archive was lost in the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution. Prokudin-Gorsky created unique black-and-white negatives using a triple-frame method, taking three separate exposures through blue, green, and red filters. This technique allowed the images to be printed or projected in color, often for magic lantern slide presentations. The complete collection of 1,902 triple-frame glass...

1 year ago

History

Marking Victory Day: When Kazakh WWII Snipers Made the News in Australia

When we speak of the Second World War, Kazakhstan has never wavered in honoring the bravery of those who went to the front lines eight decades ago. Historical records show that more than 1.2 million people from the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic took part in the war. Over 500 of them were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Among these valiant fighters was Kazakh lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev, one of the first soldiers to raise the Soviet flag over the Reichstag in Berlin. On the home front, Kazakhstan played a vital role in supplying the war effort with food, clothing, and military equipment. But this article sheds light on a lesser-known chapter: how newspapers in far-off Australia once reported on Kazakhs fighting on the Eastern Front. The Two Snipers On October 19, 1943, a brief story appeared in The Mirror, a Sydney-based newspaper, highlighting Kazakh snipers serving in the Red Army. The article titled Red Snipers’ Grim Harvest reads: "Grim-faced sniper, Siyazbekov, a Kazakh, kills four to five fascists every day. This photograph, taken during actual fighting scenes on the Russian front, shows Siyazbekov (right) well-hidden in a snow-covered Russian field, with Red Army man Djakeyev, who is also a sniper." Curious after reading this, we searched online for more information about these Kazakh marksmen. Unfortunately, the trail runs cold, suggesting this may be a topic worthy of deeper historical research. The newspaper’s accompanying image shows the two soldiers locked in focus behind their sniper rifles, stern, battle-hardened, and fearless. Behind Enemy Lines Another mention of a Kazakh soldier appeared in an Australian daily published in Adelaide, dated May 21, 1943. The story, found on page three, spotlighted a reconnaissance scout: "One of the Red Army’s ace scouts is Kazakh Abu Temerbaev, shown here. His job is to bring in news of enemy movements. He works on the central front, where big-scale fighting is expected again any day." Once again, we attempted to uncover more about this soldier. Yet, aside from this single article and one wartime photo showing him in winter camouflage, history offers no further trace. These brief mentions in Australian newspapers, now yellowed with age, hint at a vast and mostly forgotten archive of Kazakh valor. Their stories, still waiting to be told, echo across continents and urge us not to forget.

1 year ago

History

Twentieth Century Travelogue Documents British Women’s Experiences in Central Asia

Interpreting English-language sources accurately for Kazakh readers can be quite challenging. It often requires drawing on the richness, expressiveness, and natural rhythm of the Kazakh language. I came to appreciate this during an internship in the United States. Each evening, on the first floor of our home in Arlington, Virginia, I would spend about three hours in the study, poring over old library books containing historical records about Kazakhs. A quote often came to mind during those long nights: “A person with a good book is never truly alone.” It became both a source of inspiration and motivation. One day, I discovered a remarkable book, published in 1927 in both Boston and New York, titled Through the Jade Gate and Central Asia. Written by Mildred Cable and Francesca French, the book recounts their travels as British female missionaries across northwestern China and Central Asia. It offers a vivid portrayal of life in the region a century ago. The authors journeyed through Gansu, Xinjiang, the Gobi Desert, and visited Mongol and Tibetan settlements. In 1923, Cable, French, and their companion, Evangeline French, traveled more than 2,400 kilometers through Central Asia. They set out from Huozhou, spreading Christianity along the way. During their travels, they opened a mission school, distributed religious literature, and tried to learn local languages, such as Uyghur, to better communicate with Muslim women. However, conversions among local women were rare. The group crossed the desert five times, traversed the Tibetan plains, and eventually reached Zaysan via Shauyeshek. In Zaysan they met with Kazakh families and documented their encounters. For example, one Kazakh man asked if they knew how to operate a sewing machine, likely one he had purchased from Russians. They also met a Nogai man with two wives and a son, one wife being Kazakh and the other from another Turkic group. Throughout the book, the authors include photographs and descriptions of the people they met along the way. Their journey continued along the Irtysh River, where they were moved by a boatman’s song. Upon reaching Semey, they then traveled by train to Novosibirsk and Omsk. On a boat from Omsk, they observed a Kazakh family and were struck by their blend of nomadic tradition and Western education. The family’s Western-style clothing, musical abilities, and refined manners stood out. One Kazakh man even played traditional music on the piano for his child, a moment that so impressed the authors that they included the musical notation in their book. The book also records a striking demographic insight: “We were told the Kazakh population exceeds seven million.” The travelers were clearly impressed by the Kazakhs’ adaptability, modesty, and political awareness, suggesting these qualities would soon position them for greater influence. They were especially taken by the poise and beauty of a Kazakh nurse, who left a lasting impression. In the end, every foreign source that offers insight into our history is an asset. This travelogue stands out as a vivid and respectful portrayal of our ancestors and as...

1 year ago

Historic Photo

Photograph of a Kazakh Female Harvester Preserved in a U.S. Library

In the 1940s, British researchers William and Zelda Coates traveled to Kazakhstan and later published a book titled Soviets in Central Asia. The book included a previously unpublished photograph of a Kazakh female combine operator. The English caption identified her as "A typical Kazakh collective farm woman – Kudyash Avnimasova, of the 'Red Kombine' farm." The book also offers detailed insights into Kazakhstan’s agriculture and industry during the Soviet era. The authors highlight the significant progress made in food production over the previous decade, noting the establishment of numerous factories in southern Kazakhstan. They report that the country had five sugar factories, four distilleries, ten canneries, and three starch factories. Additionally, they emphasize the impact of large-scale industrialization, pointing out that Kazakhstan’s industrial workforce grew dramatically from just 20,000 in 1920 to nearly one million by early 1945. The Coates focus not only on economic and industrial developments but also on the aspirations, perspectives, and reform-driven mindset of smaller nations. The inclusion of the Kazakh female combine operator’s photograph is intentional; it complements the broader discussion on production and labor in the region. The authors present data showing that in 1938, Kazakhstan had 191 state farms, 363 machine and tractor stations, 25,646 tractors, and 9,522 combines. By 1947, those numbers had grown to 254 state farms and 670 collective farms, with 12,000 combines and tens of thousands of tractors operating in the fields. There is a common saying: 'History is a mirror.' Indeed, recorded history does not fade; rather, its significance deepens over time. The image of this female combine operator, preserved in the British scholars’ book housed in the Gelman Library at George Washington University, serves as a powerful representation of the resilience, determination, and vitality of Kazakh women in the 20th century.

1 year ago

Art and Culture

Kazakh Theatrical Performance Breaks Annual Record

The play Gauhartas, directed by Kazakhstani theater artist Askhat Maemirov, has been staged over 250 times within a year, marking a record achievement in Kazakhstan’s theater industry. This widely acclaimed production is an adaptation of a work by esteemed Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov. His story depicts the life of a Kazakh family during the Soviet period, shedding light on the struggles of ethnic minorities under an authoritarian regime. In 1975, the Kazakhfilm studio produced a movie based on this work. With every show selling out, the play has already drawn nearly 75,000 spectators. It has been performed in several major cities across Kazakhstan, including Aktau, Atyrau, Oral, Taldykorgan, and Almaty. Plans are now in place to present the production on an international stage. “In this production, we emphasize the significance of family and cultural values in Kazakh society,” said the director of the musical drama. “We examine the roles of mothers and fathers, questioning their responsibilities and influence. By portraying the life of an ordinary Kazakh family, we aim to reflect deeper human emotions. At its core, the play conveys the importance of safeguarding love and happiness within the home.” Though Gauhartas was first introduced to readers fifty years ago, its themes remain highly relevant today. The dynamics of family life and the bond between parents and children continue to be timeless subjects in literature and theater, and currently, many young people in Kazakhstan are coming to watch this play. [caption id="attachment_29683" align="aligncenter" width="1023"] Image: TCA, Duisenali Alimakyn[/caption] This work was written by the recently deceased Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov, when he was 25 years old while serving in the military near Moscow. Depicting Kazakh society, including one family’s internal resistance to the system and the impact of Soviet society on people, this work became one of the author’s timeless creations. The play offers a fresh perspective to Kazakh audiences by addressing the issue of women’s equality. It delves into the fractured relationship between society, a father, and a son, highlighting their inability to connect and understand one another, ultimately leading to tragedy. In essence, this work looks back at the past, aligns with the present, and paves the way for a hopeful future.

2 years ago

Art and Literature

The Journeys of Kazakh Fairy Tales to the United States

The Kazakh people have always been dedicated to preserving and advancing their culture and literature and sharing them with the world. Over the thirty-plus years since independence, the Kazakh state has actively sought valuable historical records and archival materials about its people. It is remarkable to discover that during the Soviet era, numerous Western travelers explored Kazakhstan’s territory, documenting their observations on traditions, daily life, religion, and political perspectives in books that were later published in English. In the fall of 2023, with funding from the Bolashak program, I started a project to research the history of the Kazakh people and steppe based on the English-language accounts of Western travelers who visited the steppe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although I started this project when I was working as a newspaper reporter in Kazakhstan, there was no way to access the database of large libraries abroad. Nineteen Kazakh Fairy Tales and Mary Lou Masey Kazakh-American relations did not begin solely after the collapse of the Soviet Union but can be traced back to the late 19th century. This is evident from old books written in English and printed by major American publishers, which I discovered in archival collections. While exploring the catalogs at George Washington University’s Gelman Library, I came across an intriguing book titled Stories of the Steppes, retold by Mary Lou Masey and illustrated by Helen Basilevsky. Published in 1968 by the David McKay Company, Inc. in New York, this book reflects Masey’s fascination with Central Asian culture. Having traveled to the region with her husband, Jack, she introduced American readers to its rich heritage through this collection. The book features 19 folktales from Russian sources, not as literal translations but as engaging retellings that remain faithful to the original plotlines. [caption id="attachment_29332" align="aligncenter" width="207"] The cover of Stories of the Steppes, retold by Mary Lou Masey [/caption] In this work, Masey presents traditional Kazakh folktales, including fairy tales, satirical stories about daily life, humorous tales and stories about animal, as well as narratives about both wise and foolish individuals. In the preface, she notes that while some reflect Russian cultural influence and others share common elements with global folklore, the collection remains distinctly Kazakh. It captures a unique way of life and showcases the remarkable artistry of the wandering storytellers who passed these tales down through the generations. [caption id="attachment_29333" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Illustration of the fairy tale "The One-Eyed Giant" from the book by Mary Lou Masey, 1968[/caption] As I flipped through the pages of this book, I became curious about its author. A writer and researcher with a background in International Studies, Masey earned her B.A. from Ohio State University with a major in Russian. She authored four children’s books published by David McKay: Branislav the Dragon (1967), Stories of the Steppes (1968), The Picture Story of the Soviet Union (1971), and Teddy and the Moon (1972). In adapting Kazakh folktales for Western readers, particularly children, Masey prioritized preserving the essence and richness...

2 years ago

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