Kasym Tynystanov
A prominent Kyrgyz linguist, politician and poet
Kasym Tynystanov (1901–1938) was a key figure in Kyrgyz history, particularly in education and language development. Born in the Issyk-Kul region, he began his education under a local mullah, where he learned Arabic, before progressing to Russian school in Karakol. In 1916, he and his family fled to China during the Urkun uprising, returning to Kyrgyzstan in 1918. Tynystanov’s studies continued at Tashkent’s Enlightenment Institute, and he eventually developed the first Kyrgyz alphabet and textbooks, which greatly advanced Kyrgyz literacy and education. His political and linguistic contributions were tragically interrupted by his execution during Stalin’s purges in 1938, but his impact endures in Kyrgyz education and culture.
Development of the Kyrgyz alphabet
Kasym Tynystanov was an influential scholar, educator, and cultural figure in early 20th-century Kyrgyzstan. In his early career, he developed the first Kyrgyz alphabet while studying in Tashkent, which later became instrumental in creating Kyrgyz textbooks and scripts for educational and literary purposes. His early works were popular among students and helped standardize the written language.
By 1924, Tynystanov’s alphabet was officially recognized, and he co-founded Erkin Too, the first Kyrgyz Communist newspaper, marking the establishment of the written Kyrgyz language. He led the Scientific Commission that advocated for adopting a Latin-based alphabet, which was more suited to Kyrgyz phonetics than the previous Arabic-based system. This change was formalized after he presented his case to a government convention in 1925, and he established the Society of Supporters of the New Alphabet to promote this script.
His research on Kyrgyz dialects and grammar shaped foundational aspects of Kyrgyz linguistics, creating a lasting terminology and grammar framework still used today. He also co-founded the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Regional Studies and was deeply involved in creating terminological dictionaries across various fields.
Publications
Tynystanov’s work extended beyond the alphabet; he was pivotal in publishing the first Kyrgyz scientific journal, Jangy Madaniyat Jolunda, alongside notable intellectuals like Torokul Aytmatov. Kasym is the author of several significant works, including “Okuu Kitabi,” “Chondor Uchun Alipbe,” “Ene Til,” “Social-Economic Dictionary,” “Morphology of the Kyrgyz Language,” and “Syntax of the Kyrgyz Language.”
He dedicated much of his life to state and scientific affairs, while also contributing greatly to literature. His poem “Ala-Too” was published in 1922, and he wrote several works, including “Maria and the Lakeside.” He played a crucial role in collecting Kyrgyz oral literature, particularly the “Manas” epic, and was a pioneer in translating significant works into Kyrgyz.
Kasym Tynystanov's Family
In his youth, Tynystanov suffered from tuberculosis, and after recovering, he faced accusations of being an “enemy of the people.” This stemmed from his play “Academic Evenings,” which was performed at the time. In early 1933, writer Aaly Tokombaev published critical articles in “Kyzyl Kyrgyzstan,” accusing Tynystanov of nationalism and aligning with historical elites, as well as being associated with the “Alash Orda” movement that emerged in Kazakhstan and northern Kyrgyzstan between 1917 and 1920.
On November 5, 1938, Tynystanov was found guilty at a closed session of the Supreme Military Court of the USSR and sentenced to death. His sentence was executed two days later, on November 7. Despite his tragic end, Tynystanov’s contributions to Kyrgyz literature and education continue to be celebrated. He is remembered for his efforts in developing the Kyrgyz language, as well as his dedication to preserving and promoting the country’s rich oral heritage.
Persecution and Execution of Kasym Tynystanov
Kasym Tynystanov and his wife Turdububu raised two sons and two daughters, naming them to reflect ideals of unity and freedom. Their children were Tendig, Erkindik, Biridik, and Kishimzhan. Their eldest son, Tendig, was bright and determined, similar to his father. He joined the army during World War II but returned injured and later passed away in 1947 despite aspirations of becoming a doctor. Erkindik, their second son, fulfilled this dream by becoming a surgeon and achieving recognition as a candidate of medical sciences and associate professor.
Other prominent people of Kyrgyzstan
Chyngyz Aitmatov
Chyngyz Aitmatov was a Kyrgyz, Soviet, Central Asian author, translator, journalist and diplomat, best known as a major figure in Turkic and Russian literature. He expressed the ideas of humanism and great love for all living things: for people, wild and domestic animals, plants, and for the entire planet Earth.
Kurmanzhan Datka
“Alai Queen”, “The Queen of the South”, “Mother of the Nation” or “Queen of the Mountains” are the many names she is called. In the 19th century, Kurmanjan Datka united the Kyrgyz tribes and made a peace with the Russian Empire, saving countless of lives. She had the title of Datka in the Kokand Khanate and the Bukhara Emirate.
Page updated 3.11.2024
