300th anniversary of Yer-Zhanibek

Almaty, September 28, 2009, Khabar - East Kazakhstan has celebrated the 300th anniversary of Zhanibek Berdauletuly, who in the time of the Djungarian invasion was fighting shoulder to shoulder with Abylai khan and Kabanbai batyr. In order to avoid confusing him with Shakshak Zhanibek, people called him Kerei Zhanibek. As part of the celebrations, attendees participated in a conference involving guests from Russia, China and Mongolia. Also the region’s residents witnessed the unveiling of the monument to the batyr. The place, where Zhanibek batyr was buried saw the installation of the memorial complex. A 45 metre minaret was made according to the project of Shaimurat Otepbayev. Near the minaret there is a batyr, holding a 6 metre spear and two wolfs. The legend says that these wolfs were protecting him. Shaimurat Otepbayev said that he faced with some difficulties, while recreating the appearance of the hero, since there only one his portrait survived. Zhanibek was named after the outstanding commander Shakshak Zhanibek, who had been training the future hero. When he was only 18 years old, he became famous for his intrepidity. During the battle Zhanibek gave his horse to Abylai khan and said that in case of the death of Ablai people will lose their leader, but in case of death of Zhanibek, they can replace him by another hero.
According to historical documents, Zhanibek was born in 1714 and died in 1792 on the shore of Shar-Kyzylsu river. Many years ago this place saw the installation of the gravestone but now, near the village of Ortabulak people can see sky-rocket stele.