The music of the steppes, embodied in bronze -
Monuments to outstanding cultural figures of Kazakhstan -
Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly monument is one of the most expressive and spiritual monuments of Almaty, dedicated to the great Kazakh kuishi and composer of the 19th century. His work became the voice of the people, a symbol of freedom and the strength of the spirit of the Kazakh steppe.
The monument is located in Almaly district, on the eastern side of Abylai Khan Avenue, between Bogenbai Batyr and Kabanbai Batyr streets, just 70 meters west of the Yerkegali Rakhmadiev Grand Concert Hall (88 Abylai Khan Avenue). Located at an altitude of 824 meters above sea level, the monument is visible from afar, as if continuing the sound of the steppe dombra facing the city.
The place was chosen for a reason – the cultural heart of Almaty is beating here, where music schools, the Zhambyl Philharmonic and concert halls are located nearby. All this creates a special atmosphere around the monument, as if Kurmangazy himself still sounds in this city. Astana Square (old square), the monument to Alia Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova, and the Temirbek Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts are also nearby.
The history of the monument's creation
The monument was opened on April 18, 2012 at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Akimat of Almaty. The author of the sculpture was the talented Kazakhstani sculptor Tleuberdi Binashev, whose works are known for their attention to national tradition and spiritual symbols.
The idea of the creation belonged to the famous musician and dombrist Karshiga Akhmedyarov, who inspired the project and provided great moral support during its development. For him, it was not just an initiative – it was an act of respect for the teacher, whose music determined the development of the entire Kazakh musical culture.
The monument was erected as a sign of gratitude and recognition of the greatness of Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, a man who left a legacy that lives in every string of the dombra.
Architecture and composition
The monument is a bust of Kurmangaza, made of bronze and mounted on a massive granite pedestal. The sculptor depicted the composer in a moment of concentration – with a dombra in his hands, a symbol of his spiritual and creative path.
The shape of the pedestal is strict, concise, but powerful – it emphasizes the inner strength of the hero, and the bronze texture gives a sense of eternity. Kurmangazy is depicted not as an idealized image, but as a living person, whose inspiration was born in the simplicity, freedom and depth of the national soul.
The installation of the monument in front of the country's main musical educational institution underlines the continuity of generations – young musicians pass through here every day, drawing inspiration from the image of the great master.
Kurmangazy – the man who became the voice of the steppe
Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly (circa 1823-1896) was a genius of Kazakh folk music, kuishi, whose works became part of the cultural code of Kazakhstan. He was born in Western Kazakhstan, showed early talent for playing the dombra and devoted his whole life to music, which carried the strength, pain and joy of the people.
His kuis – "Saryarka", "Adai", "Balbirauyn", "Kishkentai" – have become living legends, in which you can feel the breath of the steppe, the running of horses, the rustle of the wind and the eternal call of freedom. Kurmangazy was not just a musician – he became a chronicler of the era, a man whose melodies reflected the spirit of the people and their desire for independence.
His work had a huge impact on the formation of Kazakh professional music and inspired many composers, including Ahmed Zhubanov, Latif Hamidi, Dauletkerei and others.
Cultural significance of the monument
The Kurmangazi Monument is a symbol of eternal music connecting the past and the present. He recalls the role of art in preserving national identity and the fact that real culture does not die, but lives in the hearts of people.
This place has become popular not only among musicians and students, but also among tourists. People come here to sit next to the bust, listen to live dombra playing, and take keepsake photos. Sometimes small musical evenings and performances are held near the monument, where Kurmangazy's own kuis sound.
In the evening, the bronze silhouette is beautifully illuminated by street lamps, and it seems that the great Kuishi is still among us, listening to how his music continues to live in the hands of young dombrists.
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How to get there and visit
The Kurmangazy monument is located in Almaty at 88 Ablay Khan Avenue, corner of Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaly district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'06"N 76°56'32"E
It is very easy to get to the Kurmangazy monument. Take buses 12 or 98, or trolleybuses 5 or 6. If you take the metro, get off at Almaly station and walk only 500 meters. It's also not difficult to get there by car or taxi.
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Kurmangazy Monument – the sound of eternity
This monument is not just a bronze image of a great man. This is the material embodiment of the Kazakh soul, in which music, freedom and memory live. Looking at the figure of Kurmangaza, you feel that his kuis are still sounding – in the wind, in the hearts of people, in the rhythm of the city itself.
He reminds us that music can overcome time, unite generations and preserve what makes us a people.
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