Historical sights of Zhetysu region -
Monuments to outstanding people of Kazakhstan -
The monument to Chokan Walikhanov is located in the central part of the village of Shanghay in the Zhetysu region. The monument was erected in 1979 in honor of Shokan Shyngysuly Walikhanov, whose name is forever associated with the history and culture of Kazakhstan, and whose works have made a huge contribution to the study of Central Asia, ethnography and geography. The monument is a sculptural composition installed in the center of the village, near schools and public buildings, to remind the younger generation of the importance of knowledge and science. Chokan is depicted in full-length, his figure embodies the desire for light, truth and new discoveries. The monument's sculptor is architect Nikolai Milovidov from Russia. A monumental staircase leads to the monument, the monument is located on a hill at an altitude of 1213 meters above sea level, offering a picturesque view of the surroundings of Shanghai village. The Altyn-Emel Museum is located next to the monument.
How to get there and visit -
The monument to Chokan Valikhanov is located in the village of Shanghai, Kerbulak district, Zhetysu region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 44°14'38"N 78°14'41"E
Information -
Shokan Ualikhanov, whose name is known far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan, was born in 1835 and during his short but eventful life managed to make a huge contribution to the ethnography, history and geography of Central Asia. He was not only a brilliant scientist, but also an officer of the Russian army, a traveler, a scout and a keeper of the traditions of his people. His research on Kazakh society, customs, language and history is still considered fundamental. The monument was erected in the village of Shanghai for a reason – this is the territory of Zhetysu, closely connected with the history of the Ualikhanov family, with the ancestors of Shokan, with those steppes and gorges where the life of Kazakh biys and khans took place.
Shanghay village, where the monument to Chokan Valikhanov is located, is a small populated place located near the natural resources of Zhetysu. Therefore, the monument becomes not only a cultural object, but also a symbolic bridge between the history, science and nature of the native land. The monument can be visited during cultural and ethnographic tours of Zhetys. This is usually combined with trips to nearby natural parks, mountain routes of the Dzungarian Alatau and historical monuments of the region. For tourists, this is an opportunity not only to touch the beauty of nature, but also to better understand the spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan.
Who was Shokan Ualikhanov -
Chokan Valikhanov was a brilliant researcher, officer, orientalist and historian. He was born in the village of Kushmurun, descended from the Genghisid family. After receiving his education in the Omsk Cadet Corps, Shokan became one of the most educated people of his time. His expeditions to Kashgaria, Semirechye, Tien Shan and East Turkestan brought him worldwide fame. The scientist was the first Kazakh to enter the scientific circles of St. Petersburg, communicating with F.M. Dostoevsky and other famous figures of the 19th century. His works on ethnography, history, and geography are still considered valuable sources.
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