New unique photograph of Shakarim

Semey, April 11, 2009 (Khabar) - In Semey, scientists from the research centre for the study of Shakarim’s life have found a previously unknown photograph of the poet. During the repressions, many works of Shakarim, including his books and photographs were burnt. The photograph which was found recently, depicts Shakarim on the Eastern slope of the Shyngyztau mountain. Shakarim Kudayberdiyev was invited to join the expedition, which was also creating an irrigation system. Scientists believe that when all the papers connected with the famous poet were destroyed, this photo was kept in a collection which was connected neither with politics, nor literature, and so it survived. It is the third photograph, which has been found since his rehabilitation. The first photograph depicts the poet in 1905 before his departure to Mecca. This photo was owned by a man called Orazgali Abduliuly. The second photo, which is dated to 1927 and depicts Shakarim with a golden eagle, was kept by the folklore specialist from St. Petersburg, Fyodor Fiyelstrup.

Yerlan Sydykov, chancellor of Shakarim State University in Semei:
- It is no mere chance that Shakarim was invited to participate in the expedition. At that time, the officials of the regional administration of water management involved the famous director Zhumat Shanin, who probably recommended the expedition for Shakarim.