Zhambyl Zhabayev Historical House

Zhambyl Zhabaev (1846-1945) was an outstanding Kazakh akyn (folk improvisational poet) who lived for almost 100 years and became a symbol of Kazakh oral poetry. He was a continuer of the tradition of zhyrau (steppe storytellers) and went down in history as one of the most famous performers of aytys (poetic competitions). Zhambyl was born near modern Taraz (the city was formerly called Aulie-Ata) and devoted his entire life to glorifying his native land, folk wisdom and heroism.  

The ancient house of Zhambyl Zhabaev is located in Zhambyl settlement (Almaty region, Kazakhstan). This place is of great historical importance, as it was here that the akyn lived the last decades of his life. Today, Zhambyl's house-museum keeps his personal belongings, manuscripts, musical instruments and household items of that time. The museum conveys the atmosphere of a traditional Kazakh dwelling in which Zhambyl composed his famous poems that sang of freedom, friendship of peoples and the Soviet era.  The Zhambyl Zhabaev House-Museum is a popular tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site for lovers of Kazakh culture and literature.