The fate of Kabdesh Zhumadilov is a mirror of the history of the Kazakh people in the 20th century. Born and raised in Xinjiang, the writer was persecuted for studying in his ancestral homeland, but even when sent to hard labor, he held his head high. The main feat of his life was the great exodus of 1962.
'At that time, in agreement with Moscow, five border checkpoints were opened. For 20 days, convoys of horses, camels, and carts flowed non-stop. If the border had remained open for another month, a million Kazakhs would have crossed,' the writer recalled during his lifetime. This feat remained a lifelong pride for him.
The Zhumadilov phenomenon in Kazakh literature
According to scholar Gulnar Obayeva, Zhumadilov is a representative of a unique cohort that continued the work of Alash figures and raised national interests as a banner. He not only described the history of the people who crossed the border but also, through the story 'Swans Trapped in a Snare,' revived the fates of the wives of Alash leaders — Aziza Ryskulova, Gulbahram Seifullina, relying on archival data.
The writer's novel 'Destiny' won a state prize and was hailed as a new phenomenon in Kazakh prose. His language is rich, infused with folklore, and every sentence exudes historical truth.
Kabdesh Zhumadilov is a prolific artist who left behind 10 novels and over 70 works. His creations are a spiritual treasure that every Kazakh child should read.
