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Preserve and respect the memory of your forefathers
I was born in Kazakhstan, studied in Russia, live in St. Petersburg and travel the world a lot. But wherever I go, I feel some kind of connection with my roots, with real nomads, batyrs /heroes/. Reading lectures for young entrepreneurs and students in the regions, I understand how important it is for me to make my country prosper. And the point here is not in nostalgia or business issues, the matter is that a person is tightly bound to the place where he was born and to the history of his people. Recently my relatives restored the entire history of our family and we visited the places where our family tree originates.
In July I was outside the city Orsk (former Urpiya village, currently Krylovka) in the Orenburg region, my great-grandfather Derbisali Berkimbayev was born and raised there. My great-grandfather devoted his life to solution of complex issues arising from mutual relations of the Russian Empire with Kazakhstan, because in those years they had to find a consensus between the powerful neighbors and keep their borders which were regained by our ancestors. He was a man due great respect among his fellows - Kazakhs in the North of the country in our former capital Orenburg; and he dedicated himself to preservation of peace between the two peoples. Due to his reputation and wisdom, Kazakhstan and Russia have managed to achieve many positive milestones in their relationship.
In many respects, knowledge of the Russian language and culture allowed him to conduct successful negotiations with Russia. My great-grandfather managed to attract a large number of Russian scientists and teachers to eradicate illiteracy and improve the level of education of his compatriots. It sounds as if it is in our blood to learn and share knowledge constantly. My great-grandfather was the only Kazakh who was invited to celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty, it points to the high recognition he deserved among the Russian intelligentsia.
They built a Mosque in Orsk in his honor and named a school after him, and the Mausoleum Derbisali Berkimbayev was built in his patrimonial home. In honor of him volleyball tournaments are held in the city.
This visit allowed me with a new force to feel a sense of pride for being part of the life of this Great Man. I once again realized how important it is to remember our roots, save and accumulate experience of the past generations, respect and preserve our family history. I had a lot of inspiration through visiting those places and finding a trace of a man whose offspring I am.
I want to address everyone, dear friends. Preserve and respect the memory of your forefathers – there are good grounds for saying that the Kazakhs usually have to know their genealogical tree back to the seventh generation. This makes you feel the solid ground under your feet, believe in your strengths and your dreams, and just stay a good person at least out of respect for your ancestors.
Photos are here.
