Kurmanjan Datka. 

(1811-1907) 

A portrait of Kurmanjan Datka, who occupies a prominent place in the history of the Kyrgyz people, is depicted on the front side of the banknote with denomination of 50 Som.  

Kurmanjan Datka is an example of moral leadership and self-control, prudence and courage, generosity and humility. Her great merit before the fatherland lies in the fact that in the troubled times of political strife, she wisely managed to prevent bloodshed between two nations and keep the peace in the land. The diplomacy of Kurmanjan Datka also played a huge role in the prosperity of the Great Silk Road.  

Biography of Kurmanjan is romantic in its own way. She was born in the family of a simple nomadic Kyrgyz of Mongush clan in Alai. She was given in marriage at the age of 18 years to a man older than her father, whom she saw for the first time on her wedding day. She did not like him, and she, contrary to tradition and religion, left her husband and stayed to live in her father’s yurt.  

In 1832, Kurmanjan became the wife of a large feudal lord, Alymbek, who received from the Kokand khan the title of Datka and the right to rule over all the Kyrgyz of Alai. Alymbek, soon to become the first vizier of the khanate, was often absent, and Kurmanjan had to carry the difficult burden of ruling Alai. In 1862, Alymbek as a result of court intrigues was killed and after her husband’s death she was recognized by Khudoyar Khan of Kokand and Emir Muzafar of Bukhara who conferred on her the honorary title of Datka. This was equivalent to the rank of general in the imperial army. In Russia and neighboring states Kurmanjan was known as “Tsarina of Alai” and enjoyed great authority among the Kokand khans.  

Kurmanjan Datka was a rare historical figure, she assumed the responsibility during very difficult period of ruling of the Kokand khanate, China and Russia. She was able to find a way out of any difficult situation, thus Russia and the Kokand khanate had to reckon with her.  

Russian political and military leaders who personally knew Kurmanjan noted her practical wisdom, despite her lack of literacy, and her extraordinary respect among compatriots. Kurmanjan Datka for many years maintained friendly relations, maintained a long correspondence, exchanged gifts and photos with Colonel M. Ionov, the first chief of Osh County.  

Kurmanjan Datka also became known in history as a poetess, who composed her poems under the literary pseudonym of Zyinat. Kurmanjan Zynat’s works are an appeal to all nations of the world, regardless of their nationality and religion, for global friendship and solidarity. Contemporaries valued Zynat as a poetess and put her on a par with the famous poets of Central Asia of the 19th century, Nadira, Dilshot and Mahzura. The tsarina composed in her native Kyrgyz language, as well as in Turkic and Farsi. Only a small part of her poetic heritage has survived.