Kogabay SARSEKEYEV
THE YEAR OF THIRTY-SEVEN
1937 жыл
A story
Almaty, 1998
Қоғабай Сорсекеев – оқушы қауымға кеңінен таныс жазушы. Қаламгердің
“37-ші жыл” деп аталатын бүл әңгімесі жеке кітап болып қазақ, орыс және ағылшын тілінде түңғыш рет жарық коріп отыр.
Автор оқушы назарына үсынып отырған бүл кітабын азапты жылдар қүрбандарының асыл рухына бағыштайды. Олар: Әлихан Бокейханов, Ахмет Байтүрсынов,Міржақып Дулатов, Мағжан Жүмабаев, Жүсіпбек Аймауытов, Сәкен Ссйфуллин, Ілияс Жансүгіров, Бейімбет Майлин…
Бүл кітап сол қаралы – 1937 жылдың ащы шындығын айғақтайтын материалдар негізінде жазылған жазушының тол туындысы.
Когабай Сарсскссв – известный казахский писатель. Настоящая книга “37-ой год” издается впервые на казахском, русском и английском языках.
Свое произведение автор посвящает жертвам репрессии.Это: Алихан Буксйханов, Ахмет Байтурсынов, Мир- жакип Дулатов, Магжан Жумабасв, Жусипбск Аймауы- тов, Сакен Сейфуллин, Ильяс Жансугуров, Беймбет Майлин и многие другие, безвинно пострадавшие в годы репрессии и чьи имена сейчас свято хранятся в памяти народа.
Эта книга написана как свидетельство горькой правды нашей истории : 37-й год – год, который народ назвал годом НКВД.
IKogabay Sarsekeyev is a well-known Kazak writer. His book “The year of thirty-seven” is being published for the first time in Kazak, Russian and England.
The author is dedicating this book to the victims of repression. They include – Alikhan Bukeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynov, Mirshakip Dulatov, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Zhusipbek Aimauytov, Saken Seifullin, Ilias Zhansugurov, Beimbet Mailin and many others who unjustly suffered during the time of repression and whose names are being kept as sacred in the peoples memory.
This book is written as testimony to the truth of our harsh history – the year of 1937 is called “the year of terror“ by the people.
The Dzen Master said: If people wold remember their dead, and honor their ancestors, they will become people of virtue.
Confucius
The one who earnestly hides the past, Most likely have problems with the future.
A.T.Tvardovsky
Knowing the heaviness of crimes committed by Stalin, all the sufferings that he began in 30-s to inflict upon our nation, all his actions that was contrary to the interests of Communism, knowing this all, can we be silent about it? No, I think, on the contrary, we are obligated to write about it, we are obligated to record things accurately for the memory of future generations.
K.M.Simonov
NKVD* had been sizing Yesenei up lately. Last night he received a call-up paper with an «urgent» note. As soon as dawn came, Yesenei was ready to go. Only he as chairman had a car. People of the «Karabidai» kolkhoz[2] know well their one-and-a-half-ton truck. At the moment they heard the familiar sound, they ran out into the streets. On their way back from the fields, there is always one or two peasants who respectively look toward the moving truck.
As soon as the car passed Boktibay’s house and began to move down the hill, the neighborhoods became clearly visible. Before, he probably did not notice how the city had enlarged. The street was straight with accurate buildings that stay in a certain order, as if they were drawn
. Here is the building of NKVD. It is located in the upper part of the city-precise and strict under the durable roof which is very seldom and unusual for Torgai.
NKVD’s scrutiny of Yesenei became disturbing for him lately. Earlier he did not worry about it, because of the fact that he was an honest, clear and regular peasant. Now he began to fear. Endless information against each other: it was hard to find out who was right and who was wrong. Due to such unpleasant thoughts, his mind became heavy and empty.
— Hey, Taigara,— he called his driver as if he had awakened.
— Yes, Yeseke[1].
— Why are you so silent today?
— I wanted you to sleep a bit.
— You know what. Go to raikom[2] now. We’ll start our day from there.
— What about NKVD? Will we go there later? I am afraid they will be angry again if we’re late.
— Yea, you are right,—said Yesenei.— It is better not to argue with Galiev. Let’s go straight to him.
— But it is too early now. Urban people are only waking up at this time.
[1] Kazaks, when addressing a friend, use a shortened form of the name.
[2] Communist Party’s regional office.
‘Kazak village.
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somebody’s house?
— OK, but where?
— Beisenbay, he is a townsman now.
Here, at this bridge the city begins. Under it there is the river Torgai which reflecting the rays of the rising sun looks as if it were a shining road. Eventually, the truck making noise and smoking reached Beisenbay’s house.
The host came out momentarily as if he was waiting for them. A stumpy, bright and brawny fellow.
— Business or just for fun?— he wandered with some dignity keeping both his hands for greeting.—When did you leave from aul1?
— Today at dawn. Is everything all right in your house?
— Thank God, yes.
— As I see, you are still sleepy,— said Yesenei kindly pushing him. Being close relatives it was usual for them to make fun of each other.— Look Beiseke, don’t become as a townsman who sleeps till noon.
— It’s hard to sleep lately,— answered he with an unclear and heavy smile on his face. It seemed as if he felt some sort of internal pain.
— Well, come in. How are our aul people doing? Is everyone safe and sound?
everything is fine. What news do you have?
— What kind of news do you want to know? Still the same contusion.
— O-oh,— sadly said Yesenei.— Didn’t they calm down yet?
— No! Instead, they are losing their minds. The jail is overcrowded.
— You are saying overcrowded?— his heart became cold.— Where is raikom looking?
Beisenbay shook his shoulders.
— Well, Yeseke, I don’t know, you are like a child…
— Who is making enemies of our own Soviet people? Isn’t it a shame?— cried out Yesenei when Beisenbai warned him to be silent.
— Hush Yeseke, we don’t need unnecessary words.
Dametken, Beisenbay’s wife who was quietly serving a tea, also looked up anxiously.
— Yes, sir, there is nothing we can do. People burn for nothing. I beg you to be silent.
— But there is no outsider in your house. Who is going to report on you?
— It doesn’t matter! You know that Kazak words are long enough[1]…
— Stop it!— said Beisenbay to his wife.— Have you heard
[1] Kazak saying, same as «walls have ears, too».
manovsky? He was sent to Kostanai prison yesterday.
— It’s impossible.
— Are you serious?—wandered Taigara.
— Yes, I am.
— It’s very bad news.
Yesenei’s head now was full of unpleasant thoughts that pinched him as prickles. His brownish face now had a gray, sallow color.
— Why did you stay silent till now?
— I am telling you everything I’ve heard.
— But what was his fault?
— I don’t know.— Beisenbay moved his hands apart and, then, continued with his usual joking manner.— Today no one is watching somebody’s mouth[1]. If they catch you, you are done.
— Where have we come to?
Yesenei did not expect such a finale. It seemed wrong. After Aisa was arrested, Yeseney went to NKVD several times since they did not bother him at that time. «We don’t take innocent people, we will let him go after we investigate, just go in peace»,— they told him in the beginning. Later, the answer tone has changed notably. It became more harsh and strict: «he stumbled the collectivization process»,
[1] In other words, no one cares what a person says.
Soviets», «was doing acts of sabotage» and so on.
And now such a terrible finale. Yesenei deepened into sorrowful silence.
— Well, I have to go to work,— stood up Beisenbay.— The postal service is still feeding me. What if somebody will see you here… I wouldn’t want that… By the way, Yeseke, I heard NKVD received a paper on you… There is a saying that two eyes are watching each other. OK, I am going now.
— Are you afraid of me?— Yesenei looked at his relative.—Are you scared to get sick by my shadow? Thank you for your honesty. But I don’t feel hurt. I understand that in our troubled times we don’t need to feel hurt. Tell me please, what do you know about Omirbek’s sons Baiten and Myrzhakyp, and Kurbay? What happened with Abil Tonishevskiy? What about Buzhay? Is Baigustar back?
— Don’t know, Yeseke. I honestly don’t know. Please, don’t feel bad about me. You have to understand.
Beisenbay was ready to go.
— We are also leaving — said Yesenei. We have a new god now — Galiev — who doesn’t like it when people are late.
— Are we driving?— asked Taigara.
— No, probably, we’ll walk. Last time when he saw my car he called me a «big man». You, Taigara, sit here till I come
back so I won’t be looking throughout whole city for you.
When Yesenei reached NKVD, it was nine o’clock in the morning. A man on duty read a call-up paper and said that Galiev was in his office. He received him momentarily.
Yesenei knew Galiev for a long time. They met frequently at different meetings, conferences, raiispolkom[1] sessions and raikom’s bureaus which always lasted long into the night. They usually exchanged traditional questions about life and the like. Besides, Galiev sometimes visited his kolkhoz. Having all these in memory, Yesenei bravely entered the room.
Short, solidly built, round, Galiev stood up and coldly answered Yesenei’s greeting. It seemed that the yellow pupils of his owl-like eyes could penetrate anyone, and his chubby Ups began moving offensively.
— A-a, since you came so early, that means that you respect discipline. WeU, that’s good.
— We are used to being this way.
— Of course, if you aren’t then we’U teach you how to be. NKVD does not eat
people; if we call you, then you have to come. This is law, and don’t
[1] Regional administrative office.
play with it.
Yesenei didn’t like Galiev’s face. It was harsh and cruel. «What an ugly fa- ce»,— he thought. Both kept silent. A watchful silence took over them.
— Do you know, why we called you?— suddenly Galiev asked with gloating and indulgent intonation.— Do you have any guess?
— How can I know? You call; I come.
— But you don’t know why you’ve come?
— Zeke, I beg you not to tease me. Kill me with words but for God’s sake don’t drag my soul out, please. If there is any guilt…
— Any guilt, you say? Well, let’s start with it. We all are human beings with some weaknesses.
- Zeke?
— Comrade chairman, don’t forget that I am the head of regional NKVD. Lack of discipline and familiarity begin from such «Zeke-Meke» and I am a state clerk. Remember that from now on. And my name is Zeinelgabi, as long as I am in my office, you are to exclude any «Zeke- meke» out of your speech.
— Oh, Zeke, I just called you in such way because we used to do it in order to show our respect to each other. Please, excuse me if something is wrong.
done. From now on there should be no misunderstandings.
-OK.
— Now, if I am not mistaken you have a car in your kolkhoz.
— Yes, I do.
— How did you get it?
— Comrade Stalin presented it to me,— said Yesenei rather confused.
- What?!
— I said, comrade Stalin gave it to us.
— Are you kidding me?
— No, I am serious.
— Are you torturing me? You think that comrade Stalin is a toy for you?
— Why don’t you believe me? My kolkhoz is an advanced one. All our achievements and mistakes are visible. Not only in the region, but also throughout the province people know about our work. When we held a meeting, we won a car from a horse competition. Then Moscow sent it to us, with the knowledge of comrade Stalin. That is why I am telling you that comrade Stalin gave it to us. You know about it! Why are you asking? What about me, here I am — a geniunely poor man. Why are you trying to make me feel guilty?
— A-a, is this the way you choose to talk? According to you, I am making everything up. Please, remind me who was your friend? Who defended the public enemy Oimaut Dabylbayev? Who knew
Sultan Doszhanov? I am not going to tell
Doszhanov? I am not going to tell you about them. You yourself know them better than any NKVD. Do you remember how you were talking about TOZs — the first forms of working cooperation?
— What did I say? In general, I think that this is all a clear slander.
— A slander? What will you say about the following? Just listen to this.
Galiev found a thin folder and hastily pulled the braid. With satisfaction on his face he began to read: «Present chairman of our kolkhoz stood against TOZs. This person hides his true ugly face under the mask. He is a wolf which pretends to be a lamb. He keeps in touch with wreckers of the Soviet power. He joined all his relatives into our kolkhoz and turned it into a patrimonial economy…» Is it enough or shall I continue?
Yesenei felt hurt and unsettling at the same time.
— Who wrote this? It’s all false. Somebody is kidding you, sir.
— False? Then listen to this, it was signed by your aul people. «It’s terrible that Yesenei became our chairman. He did not prove the trust of kolkhozniks. He moved everyone closer who is from Dauletbike tribe. Almost all of kolkhoz «Karabidai» consists of representatives from the Dauletbike tribe. Moreover, he wants to change the name of our kolkhoz to the name of his tribe…»
— What is this?— Yesenei was restraining himself from laughting.—What rubbish! How can one believe all of this»?
— You think I made this all up?
— How do I know?
— OK, then answer me this question. Can you tell me your family tree?
— No, I am afraid not.
— Don’t hurry. Maybe you can remember it. We do have time.
— Listen, I think I told you clearly that I don’t know.
— Stay, don’t rush. Answer me! Who is Dosym?
— Which one?
— You all are considered to be Do- sym’s children.
— Why are you asking?
— I need to know.
— I have no idea. I am not strong in knowing my family tree.
— That’s bad. Then you need to remember that Dosym had four sons: Murat, Mambet, Kasym and Konakbay. Isn’t this true?
— Maybe, but what does this have to do with me?
— You’ll see, don’t rush me. I see how you are acting as an ignorant person. Whereas, this fact has direct connection with our conversation today. The oldest son Murat had a wife Dauletbike. She wasn’t lucky because he passed away early and she had to marry his brother Mambet 20-596
from whom she had four sons: Kenshim, Seriseg, Zhaubori and Kenzhebay. From the first son come Koikara, Koki and Zhylkaidar; from the second son— Zhaimashuak, Zhanysbay, Eszhan, Amirali, Baizak; from the third son— Sutemir, Aibazar, Kobegen, Kobek; and from the last one — Maitemir, Tai and Myrza. From all of them were
born many others who are now citizens of your kolkhoz. Am I right?
— I don’t care who is who. I only care about labor hands, first of all. Secondly, I didn’t call anyone from outside. Everyone is old. They built the kolkhoz. How can I send them away now?
— Stop! There are 49 kolkhozs in this region. Many auls: first, second, third, fourth… By the way, where is the second aul?
— If you didn’t know, it died out in a year of hunger — a rat year.
— Hey, you. Watch your mouth! What do you mean by «died out»? You, comrade chairman, have to use appropriate words. We never had hunger and nobody had ever died out in our history. This is a slander on Soviet power!
— I am telling only what I’ve seen with my own eyes. In the winter of 1932, the said aul — «Akkum»— all three hundred people decided to move to Tamka- mys, where there was located a place of aid for hungry people. Only eleven of
them came back in the spring and joined us. Till now they have lived with us.
— Whom are you talking about?
— Kitabans. Or Kobek’s generation.
— Go on.
— What else? That is the way the core of our kolkhoz was formed. The second aul became a victim of the great disaster.
— Enough! What are you telling me? Now I clearly see that you are a public enemy! Your true face has shown now! Yes, I see why people are talking about you. You admit that you formed the kolkhoz according to your family tree.
— You can’t be certain about that… Yesenei began to say before being interrupted by the NKVD’s boss who was inspired by the investigation.
— It’s better to admit, chairman. You are guilty under article 58 of our law. I am reminding you that everything is confirmed with signatures and written statements of witnesses.
— I repeat that this is provocation,— said Yesenei.— I am not admitting any guilt. Everything you’ve said is a lie. I will have to talk to the Party’s raikom.
— I am not scared, comrade. Raikom is nobody to me. Everyone is visible to NKVD. Are you seeking for the first secretary Bashaev’s help? Nobody can argue that this is a strong support. But don’t be in a hurry; we’ll see how strong the support will be. Secondly, last time
when I came to you, you greeted me greatly. Thanks a lot. What is the name of that fellow who was singing?
— Zhusipnazar. He is Baitursyn’s son.
— Yes-yes, Zhusipnazar. Baitursynov! What was the name of the song that he sang?
— Is it so important?
— If I am asking, then it is. He sang an enemy song which was about good old times and rich people — bays. I kept myself quiet at that moment so that you would not be thinking that I am an unthankful guest. But now with duty that I have, I want to clear everything up and take necessary measures. Not only was he missing the past but he was also criticizing the present.
My wounded heart is aching,
It’s like my thoughts are held in prison, My tongue is bound in lies,— That’s why my soul cries.
Life is meaningless, and the one Who looks behind will not be happy. Like a fairy tale, the past holds a secret, But there are no answers for my
questions.
— Isn’t it a direct running down of the Soviet power?!
— He didn’t think anything bad. Instead, he was showing you his respect through his singing.
— It wasn’t respect but provocation.
— How do we know?
— There is an ultimate climate in your kolkhoz for political demoralization, Mr. Chairman. Now I am not surprised that in your kolkhoz there are people who support public enemy Kanshim Bukar- bayev, who once was a first secretary of the Mendykarin regional Party branch. Presently arrested Ozhan Bayshokatov used to write him about how to overthrow the Soviets. This idea was also common to people that you know – Aisa, Umbetei Tileugabylov, Myrzagali Omarov who are now imprisoned in Kostanai. I guess their company will join your singer who sings anti-Soviet songs.
— No!— stood up Yesenei.— I beg you not to involve Zhusipnazar, he hasn’t done anything wrong!
— Don’t be afraid, Mr. Chairman. Sit down! You’d better think about yourself. One should care about oneself first.
— I don’t care about myself in times when innocent people are being imprisoned.
— No, Mr. Chairman, you are wrong. For the sake of the Soviet power we have to get rid of internal enemies first; we have to be ruthless to masked public enemies. We are to destroy from the very roots any manifests of political movements led by people like Ryskulov, Kozhakov, Sadvakasov and Mendeshev. Party empowered us with this task. We Bolsheviks will struggle against Kazak nationalism
and I, as a representative of the Party and NKVD, am not going to back up.
Galiev’s face, hot with «righteous» anger and Communist zeal, became distorted to one side.
Yesenei couldn’t control himself and he asked Galiev:
— Please, tell me, what happened to our justice?
— Which justice are you talking about?— Galiev interrupted him.— No kingdom or country has ever in history had justice! Never had and never will have! Justice is only a word, so you better forget about justice. I can see that you don’t understand the reality — there is only one justice in our time, it’s the comrade Stalin! And myself being a sodier of Stalin is justice too.
— Well, let’s finish now. We had a long talk. This is what I want to tell you at the end. NKVD’s lasso is long enough and nobody ever stayed safe from it. Secondly, forever remember that I am the lord and god here, there is no need to seek for anyone else. Thirdly, everything you know you have to report to me. Fourthly, I am letting you out now as we call it «to put somebody on probation». Although I have the order to arrest you, I myself decide whether to lock you in or let you out. But we, NKVD people, are human as you all are, and therefore, we have compassion, too. I know that you
are like an innocent baby. But namely people like you are easy to be taken by the enemy’s fire which turns you into ashes.
Yesenei had a headache. His inflamed brain sickly went through Galiev’s words again and again. What does it mean «on probation*? Does it mean that he will be called again to NKVD?
— You are now free to go,— said Galiev strictly.— I’ll call as I need.
-
- ★
Yesenei was lost in time. His mind was confused. How can such chaos be real? It seemed that the whole world turned upside down.
Maybe it is only hallucinations? What an insolent person —«the lord and god»? Prosecutor Autzhanov was arrested… Dabylbayev… such a good fellow! How could he lasso the second secretary of the party’s raikom?
Generally, the head of the region Sultan Doszhanov has the power over such NKVD, not the other way around. And namely Galiev who lost all conscience has to go first under article 58 of the law. Well, Sultan is guilty of the fact that only he had the best stallion in the region who won the horse competition. Most likely that fat NKVD man liked the staflion «Sultankok».
What a false world! To where is it going? To what sea of trouble?
Yesenei wanted to get first to Bei- senbay’s house and then to aul. To forget this terrible day in the city. The poet Akhmet-aga was truly right when he said once:
We sat in an old boat without oars The harsh sea awaitingly soars…
If the storm throws us into damnation, Where will our souls find salvation ?
For long we have been living without hope,
With thunder rolling and storms
around!
Still not able to look behind—
Fights, lies, hardened hearts
Will be your destruction, you poor fishermen.
Isn’t it about our true unsafe and chaos life? Oh dear Zhusipnazar! How deeply you’ve sang these words! There was so much sadness and sorrow in your singing and your voice reminded us of the desperate cry of a lonely swan in the sky… Please, forgive me that I invited you that day and let the devil in riding breeches see you. Now you too are on his black
list. Unwillingly, I remember the greyhaired Akhan’s words:
My sorrow does not spring from fact, That I might die — on the gallows or of bullet.
The scary thing is that our dogs Are biting me as if T was a stranger.
No, I have to go to the aul as soon as possible and warn Zhusipnazar, I need to save him. Galiev’s twaddle about family connections is not scary —«the dog barks, the caravan goes». To him, to NKVD, everything around is enemy. Here comes a question: Does comrade Stalin know anything about this lawlessness? Most likely no. He wouldn’t have allowed this. Such a confusing stream of condemning, unmasking, noisy newspaper articles — enemies, enemies, enemies… When is it going to be over?
With such heavy thoughts and feeling tired from the walk Yesenei came to Beisenbay’s house.
— How are you?— asked Taigara with a fearful face on his way in.
— How? You’d better give me some water.
Aul people noticed how sad and down their chairman returned. When he came
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in his wife Shalken started quietly making tea.
— Shalken, hey Shalken — called he for his wife.
— Yes,— with readiness she came.
— Please, make my bed ready, I have a headache and my heart is bothering me.
Yesenei got sick. The illness took over for a long time. It seemed that something broke down in this strong man; a fragile thread that connected him with life had torn.
In the meantime, NKVD had visited «Karakop» village and took away the singer, Baitursyn’s son. They turned his house upside down. Poor guy!
Later they took Yesenei too. As soon as he got up from bed he received the order to come. That day Taigara came back alone with no truck and no chairman.
Soon it became clear why Galiev had let him go the first time. Bashaev, the first secretary of Party’s raikom, was brave enough to speak against NKVD. He told that to arrest the head of an advanced kolkhoz is totally illegal. The bureau gave him its support, but later Bashaev was arrested during his trip to the province center. In this way, Yesenei was imprisoned under the charge of «Bashaev’s abettor» and «politically unreliable».
- *
There were a dozen persons in the prison cell, Yesenei was the thirteenth. Most of them were quiet and gloomy people. Well, why shouldn’t they be speechless?
Here is Buzhai, a hard worker. He used to be the head of a kolkhoz farm. But last year many cows were dry — no calves, no milk. Sabotage! Bulls remained untouched, whereas Buzhai was charged under article 58 of the law. Another fellow, Imankul, was assigned to organize the rabbit farm in places where even gophers were rare. In other words, he failed the state purchases, therefore, blasting the Soviet economy. Erden once made a joke that anyone who marries kolkhoz brides automatically becomes the son-in-law of the state purchases office. Somebody wasn’t so lazy to tell NKVD about such an «insulting announcement», adding that Erden had done the prohibited ritual of circumcising his son. Poor man was convicted under article 58 of the law for «insulting the Soviet entity». Amir was taken under article 58 only for being a younger brother of Akhmet Baitursynov. Their mother, by the way, was also imprisoned. She was sitting alone in the next cell. She became the first woman in this area to be introduced with the hardships of imprisonment. Other inhabi-
tants of this cell were arrested under the same article — for written relationships with public enemies, for «aiding and abetting» and so on.
Zhusipnazar was taken because of his talent to be a good singer and a musician. He was not only guilty for singing iliegal songs, but for keeping prohibited literature: poems of Akhmet Baitursynov, Myrzhakyp Dulatov, Magzhan Zhuma- bayev, Shakarim and most importantly the Koran. He was also reminded of his father who was deported to Siberia. In 1928 Baitursyn’s property was confiscated. That is why at that moment Stalin’s words that «the son is not guilty for his father had an empty meaning. Prisoners cheered themselves up by comforting each other. Zhusipnazar having wrapped his throat up with downy shawl, always sang. It wasn’t clear what his soul was singing about…
Today Zhusipnazar was called to questioning by the head of NKVD. At first glance, Galiev wasn’t a skillful questioner, but he had the ability to professionally turn things in such a way that eventually people seemed to be public enemies.
— How long have you been singing?
— What do you mean?— misunderstood Zhusipnazar.
— How long have you been doing it?
— I never considered singing as my job It has always been my… life
That’s great!
— Yes, it is so.
— In this case, let’s change the topic — said Galiev.— So, your father Baitursyn was arrested in 1928 and send in exile as feudal element, in other words he was bay, wasn’t he?
— How could he be a bay? That year many people had suffered for nothing.
— What did you say?— Galiev added some heaviness in his voice.—What do you mean by «suffering for nothing»? To you, all public enemies are innocent victims, aren’t they?
— I think so, because in other case you wouldn’t have kicked middle class out to the places where dogs usually pass away*.
— Well, well, I see. Do I understand that you are slandering the Soviet government? I warn you to choose your words rightly. The Soviet exile is not a place where dogs pass away. It is why you have to think properly before saying such words. Otherwise, you’ll worsen your situation.
1 Kazak saying, meaning remote and deserted place.
— What can be worse than arresting an innocent old man?
— Enough for now. Calm down. Let’s talk about your household. Tell me about your family and relatives.
— I don’t have any household. I have a wife and two children.
— What is the name of your wife?
Khadima.
— What about children?
— Shantibay, who is seven years old, and a baby Zhetkerim.
— Who else?
— That is it.
— What about brothers, sisters…?
— No brothers, two older sisters are married now — Marziya and Urziya.
— OK,— said Galiev, and having written it down sat in silence.
Zhusipnazar, already inpatient, interrupted the silence.
— Zeke, for God’s sake, tell me why you need to know about my family and my house?
— I’ll be using it sometimes, don’t worry.
Suddenly, his face became soft and smiling and he turned to Zhusipnazar.
— Can you do me a favor?
Zhusipnazar was motionless. What kind of favor is he asking for? How can I help such a big boss?
— You didn’t understand me, did you? Well, sit down here. We’ll talk. You know,
I too am a human being who is made of bones and meat as you all are. My soul is very sensible. I like songs very much. And you sing so great, nobody can argue it. Please, sing for me; delight my soul.
— What do you want me to sing?— asked Zhusipnazar, contused.—In order to sing, I have to be in a good mood. Besides, the environment should be pleasant. Otherwise, I can’t. Well, you yourself know what you want me to sing. So tell me.
— You think that I am weak in songs? I know a lot of them, but nowadays it is hard to sing good valuable songs.
— Please, excuse me, I can’t sing here. The environment is not good for me. Don’t judge me strictly.
— People say that you sing even in your cell.
— That’s my broken heart that sings.
— Who is the author of these words:
May the wicked person be cursed, He, who made innocent people suffer.
— Poet Margaska wrote the words and music.
— Where does he live? In which aul?
— He passed away a long time ago.
— Who is the author of the «humi- liation from the enemy»?
— Ancient poets.
— Sing «Neigh of the horses», which woke up the whole prison.
— Sir, dear, I’ve already told you that I can’t.
— No, you can. I’ll make you sing. Take the dombra! I told you, sing for me.
Zhusipnazar decided not to sing long. He took the dombra and began to run his fingers over the strings and to sing with his deep voice:
While nervious horses are neighing all around,
I’m saddling a dark, red-haired mare. The harness she has on is rich!
I start galloping in steppe…
I will stop at a riverbank, then I will Set up a tent on a green grass-plot, And then, a camp-fire shall burn
bright!
The time will come, and all the people of the steppe
Will follow after a faithful army.
Their path will be as straight as an arrow goes,
To the heights of Kulaty, through the sands of Betpak-dala.
The mighty warriors will lead us forward.
Deserted steppe and burned with heat, Can this become the road to life?
But lakes of bliss will sparkle everywhere,
And a proud song will be heard in our land.
We will settle to live by the foothills, And then celebrate a new feast. Let the youth show in full their energy! And as for keeping the order, let it do A judge who is seats on the honored place.
Gathering faithful young men around us, Having set up tents on the sunny hills, We generously would start feeding our guests And would keep a pot always on the fire.
People are everywhere, and everyone is served A dish that probably Ten people could hardly finish. The elders will sit in order.
And each of them is glad to receive an honor.
The warriors are breathless listening to their stories.
Their backs are like a line of hills. And their vigorous necks are like a bulls, And strong their hands and shoulders. They value much the work of jewellers, And men with bows that shoot the targets…
The blessed spring is coming to us hastily!
And lo, as a wounded swan is groaning, And like the ice of river breaking, rumbling,
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As Kairauyk crying over a dombra – Every soul is filled with prayer…
The song which was his true companion for life had timidly interrupted the silence in the prison. But as long as the voice became stronger and deeper, Zhusipnazar did not himself feel a prisoner anymore, but as free man who’s soul disappeared in the music. The song came out easily and freely, passing over the limits of his painful heart. And the dombra too was crying, sobbing and rising in revolt. It seemed that it too had an ancient power to resist the hard situation.
Galiev’s cold eyes suddenly met Zhusipnazar who was ready
to cry and he saw a hot fire which was burning in his tears. The singer began to cry from weakness and despair. What an old world! Galiev moved his look away. He felt uncomfortable because he too was a human. Suddenly, he was terrified when he noticed strangers and colleagues who were standing outside the windows and the door. How could he miss it? The damned voice was heard everywhere!
—Stop it! Enough!— cried Galiev with panic.
But Zhusipnazar wasn’t listening to him.
Galiev grabbed the hand-bell and the man on duty came in.
— Take him away, now! He has shown his enemy soul. This is an open provo-
cation! Article 58 of the law!— exclaimed Galiev in excitement.— His songs are totally feudal in meaning!
The song was interrupted. Zhusipnazar was strangely peaceful and slowly walked in front of the officer.
About a week later it was known that Zhusipnazar and Yesenei were imprisoned in Kostanai’s «Russian» prison. People knew later that both were convicted under article 58 of the law.
Article 58 was a sentence to be shot. People knew about it as something terrifying and confusing. They were told that there wasn’t enough space in prisons for criminals. That’s why a public school was transformed into another prison. People called the year of 1937 as the year of the NKVD.
This story is the true evidence of our harsh history.
About the author
The well-known Kazak writer Kogabay Satenovich Sarsekeyev was born on April 1, 1939 in Tor- gay village in Jangeldy area of Kostanay region. After graduating in 1963 from S.M. Kirov Kazak State University he began working in the publishing houses of Kazakstan. He worked as a correspondent for the «Kazakstan Pioneri» and ^Socialistic Kazakstan» newspapers, as a department’s head and later editor-in-chief of the « Kazak Adebieti» newspaper, as an editor- in-chief of the «Kitap Zharshysy — Droog Chitatelya» newspaper, and as an editor-in-chief of the «Zha- lyn» Republican Publishing House. Then he became a general director of the *Kazakkitap» Republican Book Trade Union, and later the President of the Book Distributors Associations of Kazakstan. Now Mr.Sarsekeyev is the President of the «SAK» Joint Stock Company- the *Prodoformleniye» Plant.
Kogabay Sarsekeyev is actively involved in the creative and publishing industry promoting the development of culture and literature in the Republic of Kazakstan. He majored in historical and modern informational issues. He has written many prosic books, attended many international conferences and seminars that were held in the
countries of former Soviet Union, Iran, China, Turkey, Israel, Thailand, UK, Poland and other countries. He is an active promoter of various book fairs and is doing significant work in the publishing industry.
The most noteworthy result of his many years of research and labor was a novel «Smuta» («Re- bellion»). It was dessigned as a large epic story about difficult and dramatic period of our history. The novel portraits the legendary national hero Amangeldy Imanov who was the leader of national liberation movement of Torgay steppe’s Kazaks. In 1979 and 1983 the first and second parts of the novel was published. It is a complex record of tremendous political and social changes in the lives of Kazak people. It covers the events that took place during the end of 19-th and beginning of 20-th centuries when Kazak society was going through major struggles within itself and when the progressive thought and the revolutionary movement was developing. In this context the author describes the youthfill years and rising of Amangelde Imanov, a fighter for social justice.
Kogabay Sarsekeyev is contributing significantly to promote the cultural level of the literature and to expand and widen book circu-
lation (especially books for children and youth) in Kazakstan. As a member of the Prosaic Counsel of Kazakstan Writers Union he is doing active organizational and creative work, and mentors young writers.
Mr.Sarsekeyev is an honorary citizen of the city of Kostanay. He is a winner of the Beimbet Maylin Prize, and an Academician of the International Academy of Informatization
MasMyHM
Coaepxaiiiie
Contents
37-h roa (ABTOpH3npoBaHHBiii ne-
peBoa IO. TapacoBa)………………… 61
The year of thirty-seven (translated by Gauhar K.Sarsekeyeva) 143