Editing Kurmangazy Sagyrbaev (section)

== Biography ==
Kurmangazy was born and raised in the [[Bukey Horde]], in what is now [[Zhanakala District]], [[West Kazakhstan Region]], in a place called Zhideli. His final resting place is in [[Astrakhan Oblast]], at a site formerly known as "Shaitani Bataga", which is now called "Kurmangazy Hill" in his honor. 

Kurmangazy Sagyrbaiuly's origins trace back to the "Kishi Zhuz" (Junior Horde) of the Kazakh people, specifically to the "Sultansiyk" branch of the "Baibakty" clan within the "Baiuly" tribe. His maternal lineage comes from the "Berish" clan, known for its legendary warriors and influential figures. Kurmangazy's seventh-generation ancestor, "Ershi," was renowned for his sharp wit and eloquence. A famous saying about him still exists: ''"Before debating Ershi's men, try arguing with his women first."'' His fifth-generation ancestor, "Baltabai," and his family were known for their mastery of the "dombyra" passing down a deep musical tradition. His father, "Sagyrbai" (reportedly also known as "Duysenbai"), was a simple laborer with no inclination toward the arts. However, his mother, "Alka," was a free-spirited and bold woman from the "Berish" clan, embodying the warrior-like traditions of her people. She was known for her lively presence at celebrations and gatherings. Later, when Kurmangazy married "Aues," the daughter of "Igilik," the "Berish" clan also became his in-laws, further intertwining his life with this historically significant lineage.

Since childhood, Kurmangazy's most expressive and sensitive language was the language of music that came from the strings of the dombra. That is why, when he first saw and listened to Sokyr Eszhan, the renowned kuishi of the steppe, he immediately understood the language and essence of his dombra, listening in deep admiration. Likewise, he passionately played the pieces of his contemporaries, such as Sherkesh, Baizhuma, and Balamaisan, grasping the most truthful essence of time through their music. However, Kurmangazy's true mentor was Uzakh.

In 1830, Kurmangazy was present during the peasants' uprising against Zhangir Khan, led by Isatai Taimanuly from the Berish tribe and his close friend, the fervent poet and masterful composer Makhambet Otemisuly. During those years, he composed the piece ''"Kishkentai"'' (Little One).

In 1857, Kurmangazy was imprisoned. He managed to escape just before being exiled to Siberia. Later, he was arrested again and sent to Orenburg prison, but was freed with the support of Governor-General Perovsky. Inspired by his prison experiences, he composed several pieces, including ''"Kairan Shekem" (My Dear Mother), "Erten Ketem" (I Leave Tomorrow), "Kisen Ashkan" (Breaking the Shackles), "Turmeden Kashkan" (Escaped from Prison), "Arba Sokkan" (The Wagon’s Rattle), "Perovsky Marshy" (Perovsky’s March), "Ne Krichi, Ne Shumi" (Don’t Shout, Don’t Make Noise),'' and ''"Mashina" (The Machine).''

In 1880, he moved to the Sakmar settlement near [[Astrakhan]]. Highly respected within the community, Kurmangazy gathered his disciples, including Dina Kenjeqyzy Nurpeisova, Yergali Yeszhanov, and Mendigali Suleimenov. During that era, renowned dombra masters such as Kokbala, Menetai, Menqara, Sugirali, Torghaibai, and Shora also regarded Kurmangazy as their mentor.

Kurmangazy was a great and renowned kyuyshi (composer and dombra player) of the steppe. He learned from the esteemed master Soqyr Yeszhan, exchanged musical insights with the distinguished kyuyshi Dauletkerey, and was influenced by the artistry of Sherkesh, Baizhuma, and Balamaisan.