Togolok Moldo
Kyrgyz poet, writer, and folk storyteller
Togolok Moldo, also known by his real name Bayymbet Abdyrakhmanov, was a prominent Kyrgyz poet, writer, and folk storyteller. Born in 1860 in the Naryn region, he became one of the most influential figures in Kyrgyz literature. His pseudonym, “Togolok Moldo,” meaning “round-faced Moldo,” reflects his physical appearance and his scholarly background, as “Moldo” was a term for educated individuals.
Togolok Moldo, born Bayymbet Abdyrakhmanov in 1860 in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, experienced a childhood shaped by the traditional Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle. Growing up in a family with limited resources, he had minimal access to formal education. However, his early exposure to the oral storytelling traditions of Kyrgyzstan, along with folk music and poetry, deeply influenced him. His interest in poetry and storytelling was sparked at a young age, which led him to learn from local scholars and folk poets, eventually nurturing his talent for preserving Kyrgyz culture through his own works.
Togolok Moldo’s legacy is significant in Kyrgyz culture, his contributions to preserving and promoting Kyrgyz oral literature are invaluable, as he enriched the tradition with his unique poetic style and engaging storytelling. His works often reflect the struggles and values of the Kyrgyz people, making him a cultural icon. Today, he is remembered not only for his artistic achievements but also for his role in fostering national identity and pride through literature.
Fight for Freedom
Togolok Moldo’s literary career was deeply rooted in the oral traditions of Kyrgyzstan. As a poet and storyteller, he skillfully preserved and shared the Kyrgyz people’s history, values, and beliefs through epic poems, tales, and verse. His works often conveyed themes of social justice, wisdom, and Kyrgyz culture, cementing his legacy as a voice for his people. He played a key role in compiling and recording parts of the Kyrgyz epic, Manas, contributing significantly to the preservation of this cultural treasure.
Togolok Moldo faced various challenges throughout his life, including political and social upheaval during Tsarist and Soviet rule. He navigated a time of transformation for Kyrgyz society, as traditional values clashed with modernization and Soviet policies. His works occasionally faced censorship or criticism from Soviet authorities, who saw some of his themes as contrary to their ideologies.
Before the revolution, Togolok Moldo faced persecution from authorities and had to leave his homeland in 1916 due to oppression from local feudal lords. He settled in Kol-Boor, where he became a voice for the revolution after the October Revolution of 1917, composing poems that celebrated freedom and change. Despite experiencing multiple attempts on his life and losing his wife to bandits, he remained steadfast in his political beliefs and joined a collective farm upon his return to Kurтka in 1923. Togolok Moldo passed away on January 4, 1942, and was buried in his native village.
Family and last days
Togolok Moldo came from a modest family, and despite limited formal education, his family’s influence on him was strong, as they passed down oral traditions that inspired his lifelong passion for storytelling. He married and had children, instilling in them an appreciation for the Kyrgyz language, culture, and values that he championed in his work.
Togolok Moldo passed away in 1942, leaving behind a legacy of Kyrgyz oral and written literature. His contributions have continued to inspire generations, making him an enduring symbol of Kyrgyz cultural identity. His works remain celebrated in Kyrgyzstan and among the broader Turkic world, commemorating his dedication to preserving and promoting the Kyrgyz spirit through literature.
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Page updated 4.11.2024
