Celebrating 380 Years of Judge Aiteke Bi: Honoring His Legacy in Kazakh Legal Tradition
Kazakhstan Celebrates 380 Years of Aiteke Bi, a Revered Kazakh Judge and Master of the Word
Astana—Kazakhstan is celebrating the 380th anniversary of Aiteke Bi, a revered Kazakh judge and a master of the word. Aiteke Bi, whose name means “noble judge,” played a crucial role in uniting the nomadic Kazakhs and putting an end to years of bloodshed with his legal norms introduced to the Kazakh code of law.
Born in 1644 in what is now the village of Kyzylsha in Uzbekistan, Aiteke Bi spent most of his life in the southern regions between the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. Coming from a well-respected family lineage in the Kazakh steppe, he was mentored by renowned bis and studied at the prestigious Ulugh Beg madrasah, where he mastered several languages.
Aiteke Bi’s sharp intellect and fairness earned him fame and respect, leading to his appointment as the chief bi of the small zhuz, one of the three Kazakh tribal alliances. He later represented the small zhuz in the Council of Khans and participated in annual gatherings of Kazakh rulers and influential figures from all three zhuzes.
One of Aiteke Bi’s most significant contributions was to the Zheti Zhargy (Seven Charters) code of laws enacted in 1684 under Tauke Khan’s leadership. This legal code, which combined local customary practices and Islamic law, played a crucial role in fostering national unity within Kazakh society and introducing just punishment systems to stop bloody vendettas between tribes.
Aiteke Bi’s mausoleum is located 75 kilometers from Tashkent, in the Navoi Region of Uzbekistan. In 2009, a mausoleum was constructed at his burial site, commissioned by Kazakhstan’s former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. The mausoleum complex now spans six hectares and includes a mosque, a hotel, and a park, attracting visitors who honor his legacy.
This year, a large-scale event commemorating the 380th anniversary of Aiteke Bi took place at his mausoleum in Uzbekistan, organized with the support of the Navoi Region’s administration. With the Aiteke Bi mausoleum attracting thousands of visitors annually, this year witnessed a significant increase in the number of visitors, showcasing the enduring legacy of this revered Kazakh judge and master of the word.
