The comic book featuring the founders of the Kazakh Khanate Kerei and Zhanibek was showcased in Astana. The book about famous historical figures is incredibly popular among young people, and this prompted the author, Ilyas Yussupzhanov, to present the new project in various cities of the country. The reason for the demand for such graphic stories lies in the accessibility of the format, which makes it easier for the younger generation to perceive information. The edition, illustrated with colorful pictures, was published in Kazakh and Russian with a print run of 4,000 copies.
“Firstly, the project is aimed at increasing
knowledge about Kazakhstan’s history among young people. I know this
from my own experience as I have studied it myself. Secondly, it aims to
develop and support new professionals, such as illustrators and designers, who
say they are supported abroad. Another aspect is, of course, supporting modern
literature, children’s literature, and creating domestic products. These are
the main principles of our project,” said Yussupzhanov.
Before embarking on creating the comic book,
the young writer thoroughly researched historical facts and archival data under
the guidance of domestic scholars. The accuracy of the data, combined
with the literary presentation, was highly commended by Zhaksylyk Sabitov, the head
of the Scientific Institute for the Study of Ulus Zhoshy.
“I’ve heard about some comic books, but this is
the first time I see a comic about Kerei and Zhanibek, and I’d like to get
acquainted with it. It’s also necessary to produce comics about other
periods of the history. I believe it’s important to use the comics made in
other Turkic-speaking countries as well. Scientists have written a 400-page
book about Zhoshy. But the problem is that ordinary people will not read it as
it is too complicated. One needs to have a very extensive background to
understand that book. That’s why such projects about the history of Kazakhstan
are very important,” Sabitov said.
In the near future, Ilyas Yussupzhanov plans to
create works about Burunduk Khan and Kassym Khan, as well as about other Kazakh
rulers. The storylines will be intense with valiant battles, heroic
deeds, and the defense of spiritual values, the author notes.
