A study of the life and work of Myrzagazy Espolov

Abstract

In Soviet historiography, there was a one-sided position regarding the Alash intelligentsia, who entered the historical arena at the beginning of the twentieth century and served national interests, and their work was considered from a narrow class perspective. Only after the collapse of the Soviet Union and our country’s independence did a comprehensive study of the life and work of the Alash intelligentsia begin. However, the history of the Turgai wing of the Alash movement and the activities of the figures involved in it have not yet been fully studied. Based on new historical sources, the article analyzes some aspects of the socio-political activities of the Turgai leader of the Alash movement, Myrzagazy Espolov. Based on a wide range of archival sources and rich factual material, the article examines the main stages of the life and work of a prominent representative of the Kazakh national intelligentsia, a major socio-political and statesman Myrzagazy Espolov. A historiographical review of the main works written on this topic has been made. The historiographical analysis allowed us to fully study the personality of M. Espolov, to determine his significance and role in the history of Kazakhstan. Based on archival sources, the period of Espolov’s activity as chairman of the military council of the Alash Horde and one of the organizers of the Alash army is revealed. An assessment of his activities as a member of the Turkestan Central Executive Committee is given, and his activities in the People’s Commissariat of Agriculture of the Turkestan ASSR are also investigated.