Ybray Zhakaev Museum of Rice Cultivation History

The Ybyray Zhakayev Museum of Rice Growing History is a unique museum institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of the history of traditional agriculture and agrarian labor culture in Kazakhstan. The museum originally functioned as the Shieli District branch of the Kyzylorda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore from 1978 to 1982. By Resolution No. 150-r of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR dated April 30, 1982, it was granted the status of an independent museum. Since February 2019, in accordance with Decree No. 1301 of the Akim (Governor) of Kyzylorda Region dated December 28, 2018, the museum once again became a branch of the Kyzylorda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore. In 2016, a new museum building was constructed in the village named after Ybyray Zhakayev. The building was commissioned with a complete re-exhibition carried out in accordance with modern museum standards. The total area of the museum is 340 square meters. Currently, the museum’s collection includes 10,983 material and documentary artifacts.

The museum’s exhibition is housed in three halls, which comprehensively reflect the history of rice cultivation and the regional characteristics of this agricultural sector:

1. Hall of Rice Growing History - This hall presents archaeological and historical data indicating that rice cultivation in Central Asia and Kazakhstan began as early as the 3rd-1st centuries BCE. It also demonstrates that in the late 19th century, systematic rice farming began in the Shieli District and later spread to the Shirkeli and Kuandarya areas. The exhibit illustrates all stages of rice farming-from soil preparation and irrigation to harvesting and storage - highlighting not only the physical labor involved but also the harsh tax burdens imposed by the feudal system.

2. Hall Dedicated to the Life and Work of Ybyray Zhakayev - This section details the life journey of the legendary rice grower and two-time Hero of Socialist Labor, Ybyray Zhakayev, including his public activities, international trips, and continued labor until the end of his life. A significant focus is given to his famous Appeal to the Youth of the Region from 1964, which sparked the beginning of the "Zhakayevite Movement," documented through a variety of archival materials.

3. Hall of the Zhakayevite Movement and Its Followers - This hall showcases the achievements of Y. Zhakayev's successors-outstanding agricultural workers from different settlements within the district. The exhibit emphasizes the contribution of young Zhakayevites to the development of agriculture, the adoption 

of advanced technologies, and the rise of labor competitions.

The Ybyray Zhakayev Museum of Rice Growing History is not only a chronicle of agricultural labor but also an important spiritual and historical center that reflects the heroism and moral-cultural values of rural workers. Its exhibition content and structure support the scholarly and educational understanding of peasant culture in Kazakhstan and help pass this legacy on to future generations.