Sarybai Bi, the memorial complex

Sarybai Aidosuly (1821-1890) - Kazakh general, who became famous during the national liberation struggle of Kazakhs against the Kokand people. He came from a family of ekei of the Shapyrashty tribe of the Elder Zhuz. Very early, from the age of 15, he had to participate in clashes with the Kokandians, during which he gained military experience and developed his military art. Soon he was recognized as a Batyr and head of the militia forces to reflect the raids of the Kokand forces.

In the late 1850s, the Russian Empire, which set the task of conquering Central Asia and South Kazakhstan, began to pursue a policy of gradually replacing the Kokand viceroyalty with military action in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In 1860, Russian troops entered the Shu valley, then seized the fortresses of Aulie-Ata (now Taraz), Shymkent and Tashkent, which belonged to the Kokandians. Then the fortresses located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Tokmak and Pishpek were taken. Having repulsed the latter, the Kokandians launched an offensive on Verny in October 1860. By order of the head of the Alatau district and the bailiff of the Great Horde Major G.A. Kolpakovsky, Kazakhs-militia under the command of Sarybai were sent to meet them. In the Battle of Uzynagash (October 1860), which is an example of a brotherhood of Kazakhs and Russians against the Kokandians, the allies caused a decisive defeat to the superior enemy. For the skillful leadership of his troops in this battle, Sarybai received from the Russian Empire the title of Colonel of the Tsarist troops and the gold medal "Saint Anna". In addition, he was elected to a high position - the bi of Alatau Duvan.

In legends, Sarybai bi appears to be a just and restrained man, he is ascribed a saying: "Sabyr tubi - sary altyn" ("Silence - gold"). As a bi, he was fluent in the word and had the reputation of a beautiful orator. Sarybai's activity as a bi of the Alatau duvan, aimed at peaceful resolution of controversial issues and conflicts, gained respect of the municipal governors and neighboring Kyrgyz clans.

The memorial complex in honor of the famous bi has a low guardrail in the form of openwork fence. A bust is installed in the center, and next to it there is a pedestal with a granite book and words of prayer. The mausoleum itself has a fairly simple architectural form: four massive quadrangular columns-pilons, decorated with national Kazakh ornaments, supporting a low spherical dome.

The sacredness of the object is linked to the role played by Sarybai Bi in the fight against the Kokandians. The memorial complex is a monument of history and monumental art of local importance. The Sarybai Bi burial site is a pilgrimage site and a religious tourism site.