Historical and memorial museum of Alibi Zhangeldin

The Ali-bi Zhangeldin Historical and Memorial Museum is one of the significant historical and cultural heritage sites of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The museum was officially opened on October 6, 1984, in the village of Torgai, Zhangeldin District, Kostanay Region, by a special decree of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR. It was established to scientifically study and promote the life and socio-political activities of Älibi Tazhyghuly Zhangeldin - a prominent statesman and public figure of the early 20th century, leader of the revolutionary movement in Kazakhstan, traveler, ethnographer, and publicist.

The museum's exhibition space consists of seven main halls, each dedicated to a particular period of Zhangeldin's life and historical mission:

1. “Childhood” Hall - Contains materials illustrating Zhangeldin’s family background, early education, and the ethnographic features of the Torgai region where he was born.

2. “The Journey of 1910-1912” Hall - Dedicated to his scientific-ethnographic expedition through Russia, Western Europe, and the Muslim East. Exhibits include personal notes, photographs, travel accessories, and a map of his route.

3. “The National Liberation Uprising of 1916” Hall - Highlights Zhangeldin’s involvement in the struggle against the colonial policies of the Tsarist regime. Displayed items include rebel weapons, archival documents, protocols, and photographs.

4. “The Red Caravan” Hall - Depicts Zhangeldin’s role in the agitational-educational expedition organized by the government of Kazakhstan to deliver aid to the southern and western regions of the republic. A map of the caravan route is presented.

5. “Front and Rear” Hall - Dedicated to the heroism of Kazakhstani people during World War II. It includes a historic letter from Zhangeldin to Joseph Stalin requesting to be sent to the front, as well as veterans’ military awards, personal items, and wartime photographs.

6. Ethnographic Hall - Showcases household items of the Kazakh people from the 19th-20th centuries: yurts, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and horse tack.

7. “The Past and Present of Torgai” Hall - Chronicles the socio-economic and cultural development of the region. Materials about prominent natives - writers, scientists, cultural and art figures - are also featured.

The museum’s collection includes over a thousand items. Among the most valuable exhibits are the original certificates received by Zhangeldin from educational institutions in Orenburg, Kazan, and Moscow; a published announcement of his journey in the Morning of Russia newspaper (Moscow, 1916); his credentials as an Extraordinary Military Commissioner; personal belongings, writing tools, photographs; samples of applied art and archaeological finds.

In addition to exhibitions, the museum staff also carry out research, educational, and patriotic activities. Guided tours for schoolchildren and youth are regularly held, along with public lectures, exhibitions, themed literary evenings, and “Open House” days. Based on the museum's materials, scientific articles and collections are published in regional and national journals.