A. Baitursynov and M. Dulatov’s Literary Museum
The Literary Museum of Akhmet Baitursynov and Myrzakhyp Dulatov is a scientific and cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kazakhstan's national history and cultural heritage. The museum was opened in 1991 in the city of Kostanay. It is devoted to the life and work of the prominent Kazakh educator, linguist, poet, publicist, teacher, and national leader Akhmet Baitursynuly, as well as his close associate-political figure, writer, poet, publicist, and educator Myrzakhyp Dulatov.
A. Baitursynov and M. Dulatov were leading representatives of the Kazakh intelligentsia at the beginning of the 20th century, leaders of the national revival movement, and founders of the Alash party and the Alash Orda autonomy. They played a significant role in resisting colonial policy, preserving the Kazakh language and culture, and advancing education and science. This museum holds a special place in transmitting the ideas and values of the Alash movement to future generations.
The total area of the museum building is 315 square meters. It contains eight exhibition halls, each dedicated to a specific historical and cultural theme, offering visitors comprehensive information about the life, political and public activities, and creative legacy of A. Baitursynov and M. Dulatov.
The exhibition halls feature materials such as: Akhmet Baitursynov’s reformed Arabic script and the first Kazakh alphabet; his works on linguistics, literary theory, textbooks, and academic studies; Myrzakhyp Dulatov’s novel “Oyan, Qazaq!” (“Awaken, Kazakh!”), “Baqytsyz Jamal” (“Unfortunate Jamal”), as well as his publicist and political writings. The museum also presents historical documents and photographs related to the Alash movement, personal belongings, original manuscripts, household items, and examples of traditional Kazakh decorative arts.
Beyond organizing exhibitions, the museum actively engages in research work. Its activities include collecting historical materials, searching for archival documents related to the legacy of Alash, holding academic conferences and round tables, and cooperating with schools and higher education institutions. The museum’s collection comprises several hundred exhibits connected with the lives and creative work of Alash movement figures. These include photographs, manuscripts, printed publications, letters, archival documents, and rare printed materials.
The Literary Museum of Akhmet Baitursynov and Myrzakhyp Dulatov is an important cultural and educational center that plays a vital role in shaping national historical consciousness and passing on the spiritual heritage of Alash ideals to future generations. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the life and struggle of the Kazakh intelligentsia in the early 20th century.