Zhoshy Khan: A Historical Drama on 800 Years of Statehood
The “Zhoshy Khan” Historical Drama Draws Full House in Astana
On Jan. 11, the Kuanyshbaev Kazakh State Academic Musical and Drama Theater in Astana hosted a full house for the historical drama “Zhoshy Khan,” commemorating the establishment of Zhoshy Khan’s rule eight centuries ago.
The play takes audiences back to ancient Kazakh history, specifically highlighting the medieval multinational state known as the Zhoshy Ulus, Ulug Ulus, or the Kipchak Khanate, which emerged in the 13th century and serves as a historical precursor to the Kazakh Khanate.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised the play for shedding light on this crucial period in Kazakh history and the nation’s prominent figures, emphasizing the significance of celebrating historical and cultural values among the people.
Directed by Bolat Uzakov, the play depicts the early stages of Kazakh statehood, emphasizing the role of the Golden Horde, the Zhoshy Ulus, and Zhoshy Khan in shaping the history of the Kazakh people.
The drama presents a vivid panorama of 13th-century Kazakh lands, showcasing the life of Zhoshy as a warrior who embodies military heroism and compassion for the nations he conquered. The character is portrayed by talented young artist Kaiyrzhan Sadykov, who skillfully brings to life Zhoshy’s commanding presence as a just ruler and his softer dimensions as a compassionate father and leader.
The play’s first part depicts the confrontation between Shagatai, Genghis Khan’s second son, and Zhoshy, while the subsequent part shows Zhoshy uniting his Turkish progeny under a single banner, promoting peace and national unity.
Zhoshy’s ultimate decision to loosen absolute authority in favor of a collective jury of bis (noble judges) initially raised doubts among the leaders of various tribes. However, their act of jointly lifting the new ruler, Zhoshy, on the carpet is a momentous tribute to the power of collective action.
Overall, “Zhoshy Khan” offers a captivating glimpse into an important period of Kazakh history, celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of its historical figures.
