Makhambet Otemisuly

Otemisuly, Makhambet
2002 Kazakhstan stamp commemorating Makhambet
Born	1804
Died	(1846-10-20)October 20, 1846
Occupation	Poet

Makhambet Otemisuly (Kazakh: Махамбет Өтемісұлы, Mahambet Ótemisuly; Russian: Махамбет Утемисов; 1804 – 1846) was a Kazakh poet and political figure. He is best known for his activity as a leader (with friend Isatay Taymanuly) of rebellions against Russian colonialism. This activity is believed to have resulted in his murder in 1846. His first rebellions took place against Zhangir-Kerey Khan of the Bukey Horde. Because the rebellion was badly defeated and a bounty was placed on Utemisov, he had to flee the region.

Makhambet's early education took place at a Russian language school in Orenburg. However, his poetry was more closely tied to Kazakh culture and literary tradition. The major themes of his poetry were of two types: political criticism of Russia or the khan, or more general poetry devoted to themes about human existence and life.

Bibliography

Ereuwil atqa er salmay: Olengder, edited by Qabibolla Sydyzov. Almaty, Kazakhstan: Zhazuushy. 1989

Sources

• Encyclopedic Biography of Makhambet Otemisuly
• Kazakhstan Pravda Discussion on Makhambet's possible birthdates