Japarov Urges Calm Over Historical Provocation Aimed at Kyrgyz-Kazakh Ties

Sadyr Japarov called on citizens not to give in to provocations “that are trying to sow discord between Kazakhs and Kyrgyz,” Orda.kz reports.

The President of Kyrgyzstan was responding to a video posted on YouTube portraying 19th-century events related to the Kazakh Khan Kenesary’s campaign on Kyrgyz land.

Japarov called it a “dangerous provocation” and emphasized the longstanding brotherhood between the two nations.

This video has appeared on the Internet, which sows discord between the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples. This is our historical destiny: the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples have long been brothers, close in spirit. Our ancestors expressed their centuries-old historical closeness in just one line, but with deep meaning: 'Kazakh and Kyrgyz are related peoples,'
Sadyr Japarov noted in his address published on Facebook. 

He acknowledged historical conflicts, noting that while Kenesary Kasymov fought colonial forces, he also invaded Kyrgyz territory, prompting resistance from Ormon Khan and other Kyrgyz leaders.

Japarov stressed that the past should not be used as a tool for division.

Japarov said he is well-versed in this period of history, drawing on the work of Kyrgyz researchers and the stories of his father, historian-sanzhyrachi Nurgozho azhy.

He asserted that the Kyrgyz response was self-defense and rooted in their traditional state structure:

Kenesary also attacked Russian garrisons in Omba (now Omsk), so the delegation arrived with a request: 'Give us the body for examination, we will take it to Omsk.' So Kenesary's head was taken first to Omsk, and then to St. Petersburg. Now this is history. We should only learn lessons from it. However, it is sad that provocateurs who seek to sow discord still cannot come to their senses. A force has appeared that is deliberately trying to set two peoples against each other, to cause mutual hostility. 

He also highlighted his personal ties to the Kazakh people.

We need to strengthen our statehood and maintain brotherhood. My great-great-grandfather Soltonkul's wife was a Kazakh woman named Noocha, which means that I am, to some extent, a nephew of the Kazakh people. In turn, there are many of our nephews among the Kazakhs,
added the leader of Kyrgyzstan. 

Japarov concluded with a call for both nations to resist provocations and preserve fraternal relations.

Kenesary Kasymov was the last Kazakh khan. The controversy surrounding his remains continues, and their exact location is unknown.

Original Author: Aliya Askarova