Museum “Dombra National Spirit”
The museum “Dombra - The National Spirit” is a structural subdivision of the West Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore. It was officially opened on July 1, 2024, in honor of the National Dombra Day. The primary goal of the museum is to promote the historical path and cultural significance of the Kazakh national instrument - the dombra - as well as to introduce visitors to the creative legacy of renowned kyushi (traditional instrumentalists) from the region.
The museum is housed in a historical building constructed in the style of ancient Eastern Moorish architecture and consists of four exhibition halls:
1. The Hall “History of the Dombra” - This hall features ancient samples of the dombra of archaeological significance. A central exhibit is a model of the abyz-dombra dated to the 5th century, from the era of ancient Turkic culture, discovered in a cave in the Altai region. The exhibition also includes illustrations depicting mythological and legendary themes associated with the kyu art, as well as a collection of 19th-20th-century dombras. The hall vividly demonstrates the deep historical and cultural roots of Kazakh musical traditions.
2. The Hall named after Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly - This exhibit is dedicated to the life and creative work of the great kyushi Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly. On display for the first time is his chainmail shirt, donated to the museum in 1962. Also featured are a dombra and portrait of the poet and warrior Makhambet Utemisuly, a replica of Kurmangazy's dombra, a portrait of Dauletkerei Shygaiuly, founder of the töre kyu genre, a dombra and chapan (traditional robe) of Dina Nurpeisova, an image of kyushi Seytek Orazalyuly, and a model of a Kazakh yurt.
3. The Hall “Kurmangazy Orchestra” - This hall is dedicated to the history of the National Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments named after Kurmangazy. It features photographs of the orchestra’s founders - Akhmet Zhubanov, Yevgeny Brusilovsky, Lukpan Mukhitov, Kambar Medetov, Makhambet and Nausha Bukeykhanov. The exhibition also includes dombras of master performers Kali Zhantileuov, Okap Kabigozhin, Tuyakberdi Shamelov, a stage costume of Shamgon Kazhgaliyev, and various musical instruments and costumes used in the orchestra.
4. The Hall “Dombrists of the Western Region” - This hall introduces visitors to representatives of the dombra and vocal schools of Western Kazakhstan. It displays photographs, dombras, and stage costumes of artists such as Mamen Yergaliev, Mendygali Suleimenov, Yergali Yeszhanov, Makar Zhaparov, and Mukhit Bitenov. The exhibition also includes costumes of traditional singer Kalamkas Orasheva and the celebrated performer Garifolla Kurmangaliev. Photographs of Zhaksylyk Sarsengaliev, Kalampyr Rakhimova, and other prominent cultural figures are also displayed. Particular attention is drawn to the first folk instrument orchestras formed in the region and their dombras. A unique exhibit is a replica of the kobyz belonging to the legendary Ykylas Dukenuly. This valuable instrument was officially donated to the museum by Akmar Tattybaikyzy - soloist of the Dina Nurpeisova Academic Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments, Candidate of Art History, Honored Cultural Worker, and descendant of Ykylas.
The museum “Dombra - The National Spirit” is a significant scientific and cultural center aimed at preserving and promoting national musical heritage, traditional performance art, and the spiritual and cultural legacy of outstanding historical figures. The museum’s materials hold high ethnographic, historical, and musical value and serve as an important source for academic research.