Based on the new archival data revealed by the North Kazakhstan State Archive the article describes the life and activities of Magzhan Zhumabayev, an outstanding poet, publicist, leader of Alash Horde.
From his first steps in poetry Magzhan showed a bright distinctive talent. He became widely known after his first poetry collection “Sholpan” published in Kazan in 1912.
After the revolution of 1917 Zhumabayev, who had already been known as a poet in the circles of Kazakh intelligentsia, became a member of Akmola Regional Kazakh Committee, a leader of Alash Horde. His famous poem “Men zhastarha senemin!” was first published in “Zhas Azamat” in 1918.
Magzhan was an editor of “Bostandyk tui” (“Freedom Banner”) published in Omsk and then from 1921 in Petropavlovsk.
Famine of 1921-1922 in North Kazakhstan was one of the greatest tragedies. Magzhan became actively involved with the work as a deputy director of Akmola Committee for Famine Relief. He visited parishes to monitor the situation there, organized fund-raising for starving people.
In 1923-1926 Magzhan studied in Moscow Literary and Art Institute headed by V.Brusov who appreciated the Kazakh poet’s talent. At the same time he worked in Moscow East Publishing House. There he published his translations of V.Lenin’s, M.Gorky’s, V.Ivanov’s and other works.
The North Kazakhstan State Archive stores unique documents: Magzhan’s original manuscript about Famine of 1922 and his teacher profile in Teacher Training College.
The 125th Anniversary of M.Zhumabayev was celebrated by the countries of TURKSOY (International Organization of Turkic Culture).