Monument to Zhambyl Zhabayev

A striking monument dedicated to the esteemed Kazakh poet, Zhambyl Zhabayev (known in Russian as Dzhambul Dzhabayev), graces the central square across from the Akimat of Zhambyl Region in Taraz, a major city in southern Kazakhstan. Revered as one of the most influential voices in Kazakh folk literature, Zhambyl’s legacy is a source of national pride and cultural heritage.

During the Soviet era, Zhambyl’s name was pronounced “Dzhambul,” a designation that spread across the USSR, with numerous streets and towns named in his honor, even outside Kazakhstan. Taraz itself bore the name Dzhambul from 1938 until 1993. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, places named after Zhambyl underwent a renaming process to restore the Kazakh spelling “Zhambyl.” In 1997, the city reclaimed its historical name, Taraz, though the surrounding region still bears Zhambyl’s name.

The monument’s story reflects both the poet’s influence and Kazakhstan’s broader cultural shifts. Originally erected in 1961 to celebrate Zhambyl’s 115th birthday, the monument stood in front of Taraz’s central market on Zhambyl Square. Crafted by architect V. Sashenko and sculpted by Hakhimzhan Nauryzbayev, a renowned Kazakh artist who pioneered national monumental art, the sculpture was cast in bronze in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) before being transported to Kazakhstan. The statue portrays Zhambyl in traditional Kazakh attire—a flowing chapan and fur hat—holding a dombra in his left hand, while his right hand gestures outward. Standing four meters tall, the statue originally rested on a rectangular granite pedestal adorned with pink granite slabs. The pedestal featured an inscription reading “Dzhambul Dzhabayev, 1846–1945,” and included a relief of the sun rising over mountains on its front side.

Over time, the pedestal underwent modifications. In the post-Soviet period, it was replaced with a simpler gray granite structure bearing symmetrical ornamentation on all four sides, with the name “Zhambyl” inscribed in Kazakh.

In October 2018, a new chapter began for the monument when city authorities decided to relocate and revitalize it, placing it on the square in front of the Zhambyl Region Akimat. This latest rendition includes a six-meter-high polygonal pedestal inscribed with “Jambyl” in Latin script, highlighting Kazakhstan’s shift to Latinized Kazakh writing. Although many residents expressed mixed feelings about relocating the statue, noting differences between the current monument and its previous form on Zhambyl Square, the relocation reflects a tribute to the poet’s enduring legacy.

Zhambyl Zhabayev (1846–1945) was born into a nomadic family in the Moyinkum district of today’s Zhambyl Region. From a young age, he mastered the dombra and decided to pursue life as an akyn (folk poet and singer), performing traditional Kazakh songs accompanied by the dombra. Skilled in tolgau (a recitative style) and improvisation, Zhambyl’s performances were solely in Kazakh, though translations are available today. He became renowned for his victories in aitys, public poetic duels between folk poets.

Zhambyl’s artistic career spanned two eras: before and after the October Revolution of 1917. In pre-revolutionary times, he was a wandering akyn, gathering epic tales and performing folk songs, often with a satirical edge. However, after the revolution, his work became closely associated with Soviet ideals. Zhambyl gained nationwide recognition, emerging as a “people’s poet” who celebrated patriotism, praised Soviet heroes (batyrs), and extolled themes of friendship among nations and love for his homeland.

The poet’s legacy bridges folk oral tradition and Soviet literature, combining epic simplicity with profound wisdom passed down through generations. His verses and songs, now integral to Kazakh literary heritage, capture both lyrical poetry and folk storytelling, reflecting a vibrant page in Soviet-era Kazakh literature.

Zhambyl lived a long and celebrated life, passing away in 1945, just months shy of his 100th birthday. Today, streets across former Soviet territories still bear his name, honoring his memory. Monuments dedicated to Zhambyl stand not only in Taraz but also in Saint Petersburg and Almaty, attesting to his influence beyond Kazakhstan’s borders.