Monument to Aiteke Bi

Historical Background: Baibekuly Aiteke Bi was an outstanding statesman, public figure, famous biy, orator and supreme biy of the Junior Zhuz. He made a major contribution to strengthening the unity of the Kazakh people. He lived in 1644–1700 and holds a special place in the history of Kazakh traditional legal culture.

Aiteke Bi was a member of the Council of Biys under Tauke Khan and took part in resolving issues of unity, justice, public order and legal responsibility. Together with Tole Bi and Kazybek Bi, he is widely known as one of the three great biys of the Kazakh people.

In historical tradition, Aiteke Bi’s name is associated with the formation of the “Zhety Zhargy” code of laws. For this reason, his image is closely connected with the legal foundations of Kazakh statehood, the tradition of fair judgment and the preservation of social harmony.

Description of the Monument: The monument to Aiteke Bi was installed in 2008 in Aktobe, on T. Akhtanov Street, in front of the city akimat building. The bronze sculpture depicts Aiteke Bi wearing a spacious traditional Kazakh robe and a fur hat.

In his right hand, he holds the text of the “Zhety Zhargy” laws from the era of Tauke Khan. This artistic detail emphasises his role in the legal tradition and presents Aiteke Bi not only as a historical figure, but also as a symbol of justice and the rule of law.

The sculpture is 4.25 m high. It is mounted on a four-tiered pedestal faced with pink granite and placed on a foundation with four steps. The total height of the pedestal is 4.0 m. The solemn and expressive composition highlights Aiteke Bi’s authority, wisdom and historical significance.

Historical and Cultural Significance: The monument to Aiteke Bi is an important work of monumental art dedicated to the tradition of fair judgment, oratory and the legal culture of Kazakh society. In the historical and cultural space of Aktobe, it has become a symbolic place that recalls unity, law and justice.

This monument helps visitors understand the importance of the institution of biys in the history of Kazakhstan. Biys were not only judges in disputes, but also guardians of public harmony, regulators of customary law and representatives of the people’s interests.

The location of the monument in front of the city akimat building also carries special meaning. It connects the image of Aiteke Bi with the ideas of just governance, public responsibility and service to the people.

Did You Know?

Aiteke Bi is one of the three great biys of the Kazakh people, together with Tole Bi and Kazybek Bi. The images of the three biys have become symbols of justice, wisdom and national unity.

Aiteke Bi’s name is closely linked with the “Zhety Zhargy” code of laws. This system of legal norms regulated land disputes, family relations, public responsibility, social order and other important aspects of Kazakh society.

The monument to Aiteke Bi in Aktobe is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance. This confirms its value within the cultural heritage and historical memory of the city.

Read More

1. Adilet Legal Information System of the Republic of Kazakhstan. State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance of the Aktobe Region
2. e-history.kz. Historical note on Aiteke Bi
3. Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology. Material on Aiteke Bi Baibekuly