Raiymbek Batyr
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rahim-Bek Batyr | |
|---|---|
 Cover of the novel Raiymbek Batyr by Zh. Turlybaiuly | |
| Native name | Рахим-Бек Батыр |
| Born | 1705 |
| Died | 1785 (aged 79–80) |
| Allegiance | Kazakh Khanate |
| Rank | Commander |
| Conflicts | |
Mu'izz id-Din Mūhammed Rahim-Bek Bahadur (Kazakh: Муиззиддин Мұхаммед Рахим-Бек Баһадүр, معز الدين محمد رحيم بك بهادر, romanized: Muizziddin Mūhammed Rahim-Bek Bahadür), also spelled as Raiymbek Batyr, was a famous Kazakh warrior from the 18th century. The term Bahadur is an honorific term meaning 'hero' in the Kazakh language, meaning that Rahim-Bek Bahadur's given name was simply Muizziddin Muhammed Rahim-Bek.
He actively resisted the Dzungar invasion of Kazakh territories and played a major role in maintaining Kazakh freedom and independence.[citation needed] Rahim-Bek saw the Kazakh Khanate as a hub of Muslim culture and felt that it was necessary to maintain its sovereignty at all costs. Thus, he came to view the Kazakh–Dzungar Wars as a jihad in defending the land that is now the Muslim nation of Kazakhstan.[1][unreliable source?]
Rahim-Bek was the grandson of a Kazakh diplomat, and prevailed on the Russian czarina Anna Ivanovna asking for protection from the Dzungars, one of the Oirat (West Mongolian) tribes that were the last remnants of the Mongol horse archer empire. He was instrumental in bringing the Senior Jüz into a closer relationship with Russia in exchange for protection from the Dzungars. This was a move that Kazakh rulers Abu'l Khair Khan and Abu'l-Mansur Khan worked to establish in the latter years of the Kazakh Khanate.[citation needed]
He is the subject of a two-volume historical novel bearing his name.[2] His name is commonly given to public features in Kazakhstan such as streets and mosques.[3]
In Almaty, Raiymbek Batyr, who struck fear into his enemies with his roaring voice from a young age, was born in 1705. By the age of 15, he had mastered archery, sword fighting, and wrestling—skills essential for a warrior.[citation needed] He soon began participating in campaigns against the Dzungars.[citation needed] His comrades quickly noticed the young warrior's bravery and strategic mind. His main principle was to achieve victory with minimal losses.[citation needed] This strategy was first successfully implemented in the battle along the Ili River. Captives held by the Dzungar people were freed, while many enemy soldiers were taken prisoner. Raiymbek liberated Sögeti, Oyrantöbe, and Jalaǵash from Dzungar Khanate control.[citation needed] As the enemy fled in terror, the Dzungars lamented: "Oyrantöbe is ruined, Sekер and Barak are destroyed. Raiymbek came and cut through necks like apples."[This quote needs a citation] After this victory, Raiymbek continued his campaigns, freeing Zhinishke, Taushilik, Karabulak, Ush Merke, Kengsu, and Karkara.[citation needed]
