Tole-be Poet Country: Kazakhstan

1. Biography of Tole-Bi
2. Rule of Tashkent
3. Contribution to the Seven Commandments
4. Initiator of Diplomatic Missions
5. Advocate for Justice and Unity

Biography of Tole-Bi

Tole-Bi, a poet, prominent social activist, and senior judge of the Elder Zhuz, was born in 1663 in the Zhaissan tract of the Zhambyl region. He belonged to the Dulatov clan, descending from Kudayberdy, who was known for having nine sons. Before Tole-Bi, his clan, which belonged to the common people, did not have any heroes or judges. Tole-Bi passed away in 1756 in Akburkhan-Orda, Lenger district of Shymkent region.

Rule of Tashkent

After the death of the ruler of the Elder Zhuz, Zholbarys, Tole-Bi ruled over Tashkent for six years (1743-1749). In a poem dedicated to the childhood of Khan Ablai, Bokhar-Zhyrau reminds him that in difficult times, he worked for Abilmambet and herded camels for Uisyn, who was Tole-Bi. In the poem "Sabalak," Bokhar portrays a conversation between Tole-Bi and a young shepherd boy wearing torn clothes, an old sheepskin coat, with disheveled hair, a yellowish-tan complexion, and sharp hawk-like eyes. Tole-Bi addresses the boy, saying, "I notice something special in you, you look like a person of noble origin, like a proud falcon." The boy responds, "I am without lineage and tribe, I have nothing to boast about, I have no father, mother, ancestral home, or people, call me whatever you like." And so, they called him Sabalak, referring to his overgrown hair, tattered cap, and unkempt appearance. He herded sheep, always with a bag, serious and never smiling. It was evident that Tole-Bi understood people well, as he noticed him. After all, they say that noble breed is evident at first sight. Tole-Bi's resourcefulness, wisdom, and sound judgment were recognized during his lifetime by Bokhar, Kazybek, and Aiteke. The expression "A good thought has a source, its author has a spiritual father, Maiky" refers to Tole-Bi, implying that he absorbed the spirit of Maiky-Bi. The Sinyr-Zhyrau, Asan Kaigy, and Zhirenshe considered Tole-Bi a support for the rulers and praised his eloquence and care for the needs of ordinary people.

Contribution to the Seven Commandments

Tole-Bi played a crucial role in writing and implementing the "Seven Commandments" of Tauke Khan, which became ingrained in the consciousness of the people. His authority increased when he called on the people to engage in agriculture, transition from nomadism to sedentary life, combine livestock breeding with the principles of urban life, and learn from the good examples of neighboring nations to ensure the well-being of future generations. Tole-Bi said, "Whoever has seen a father will learn to shoot, whoever has seen a mother will learn to sew a fur coat." M.Zh. Kopeev, a recognized judge and advisor to Tauke Khan, praised Tole-Bi as an unparalleled advocate for the creation of a centralized Kazakh state. His political merit lay in promoting consolidation and unity among the people. According to legend, when people began hastily leaving their settled places, Tole-Bi did not dismantle his dwelling. When asked why he was not leaving, he replied, "This year, a swallow settled on top of the yurt. It is a legendary bird that saved Noah's Ark during the flood. I cannot destroy its nest and harm its chicks." The Kalmyk military commander said, "Indeed, this is a sacred act," and did not disturb Tole-Bi and his entourage. In the vicinity of Tashkent and Shymkent, it is customary not to directly mention Tole-Bi's name but to refer to him as the "Sacred Swallow."

Initiator of Diplomatic Missions

In 1733, Tole-Bi, along with a group of sultans and judges, initiated a letter to Empress Anna Ioannovna following the acceptance of Russian citizenship by Abulkhair in 1731. According to the decree of June 10, 1734, the Elder Zhuz was accepted as a subject of Russia, although it remained only on paper. In August 1749, Tole-Bi wrote a personal letter about the Elder Zhuz's acceptance of Russian patronage and sent his son, Aitpala, and warrior Zholdas for personal negotiations with Governor Nepluev. Tole-Bi was a proponent of gender equality. He told his bride, Danagul, "Do not avoid your father-in-law. It is an outdated custom."

Advocate for Justice and Unity

Tole-Bi not only relayed the main principles of Tauke Khan's commandments but also took action to implement them, particularly in land disputes, theft, compensation for wrongdoing, education of children, defense of the homeland, and disputes involving widows. He cultivated the role of the family in a person's life. He emphasized that the family, as one will, as one grindstone, should stand together, and those who do not comply with this will face difficult conditions. Tole-Bi called on the people to be patient and persistent. Many were eloquent and considered themselves leaders, Tole-Bi said, but they failed to unite the Kazakhs. That is why they suffer from external violence, estrange each other, and even lose to small enemies. If the people are united and show fraternal solidarity, they will become an example for future generations. And the spirit of the warriors will inspire victory. A leader will justify his purpose with thoughts of the welfare and unity of the people, while a self-centered warrior, no matter how he praises himself, will only be known within the village and will betray his friend for personal gain.

Tole-Bi took pride in being close to the messengers of justice, Aiteke and Kazybek, during the glorious time of Tauke Khan. M.Zh. Kopeev wrote, "There is no more glorified warrior than Kabanbai, no judge who surpassed Tole-Bi." Tole-Bi's life can be characterized in his own words, "For the people, happiness lies not in wealthy individuals but in wise ones."