Kokum-biy is a representative of the ruling elite of the Kazakh Khanate

Research Article

Abstract

This article examines the life of Kokumb-biy, a prominent member of the ruling elite of the Kazakh Khanate, who came from the Kyrgyz Karachoro tribe. Historiographic, ethnographic and genealogical evidence of Kokumb-biy’s activities is fragmentary and ambiguous, establishing his connections with various Kazakh khans. According to information recorded by Ch. Valikhanov, Kokumb-biy acted as an ally of the Kazakh Ishim Khan, supporting him in his confrontation with Tursun Khan. In honor of Kokumb-biy, according to Valikhanov, Ishim Khan erected a kumbez in Tashkent, known as “Kokemnin kok kumbezi”. Some researchers are inclined to identify this kumbez with the mausoleum of Kaldyrgach-biy, located on the territory of the Sheikhantaur cemetery. Another version connects Kokum-biy with Tauke-khan. M. Tynyshpaev points out that the Kyrgyz biy Kokym Karachorin exercised control over one of the "six alashes". This version, supported by an analysis of a wide range of sources, seems historically justified and deserves close attention.