At the end of September, on the historically significant land of Kazakhstan, in the village of Maishukur, Korgalzhyn district, Akmola region, on the shores of the Ashikol and Tushikol lakes — the “Dudarai” monument will be unveiled.

The majestic 6.5-meter-high composition will embody in sculpture the famous love story of the Kazakh young man Duisen and the Russian girl Maria. A story cherished not only locally, but also recognized far beyond Kazakhstan.

On the eve of the monument’s installation, DimashNews spoke with the author of the idea, Zhumash Mukishev.

“I have listened to this song since childhood and grew up with its melody. Over time, it became a true hymn of love in the Akmola region. I believe every Kazakh knows ‘Dudarai,’ which is why it has always been considered a folk song.

I myself am from the Korgalzhyn district of Akmola region. I worked here for many years and was one of the first organizers of the ‘Dudarai’ ensemble.

When I was nearing my eighties, the idea came to me to create this monument – to give new life and fresh energy to my homeland. An important incentive was the ‘100 Steps’ program of the Korgalzhyn district akimat, which encourages entrepreneurs to support rural development through their own resources.

When I showed the sketch to my son Nurlan (of Beska LLP), he supported me, and the ‘Dudarai’ project was born. Construction of the monument began on July 5 and has now been fully completed. Its unveiling is scheduled for the end of September,” shared Mr. Zhumash.

The Story

Mariam Zhagorkyzy (Rekina Maria Yegorovna) was born in the Korgalzhyn district. Her father Yegor (Zhagor) fished in the Ashikol and Tushikol lakes. She grew up among Kazakhs, spoke the language fluently, sang at celebrations, played the dombra, and even took part in aitys.

Aitys – an improvised poetic contest between two akyns (singer-poets), a form of oral folk art in Kazakhstan.

Her artistry captivated people, and Duisen, son of Uken, in turn was renowned among his peers for his courage and talent.

The young couple fell in love, but opposition from their families forced them to run away with their child and hide in the thick reeds by Lake Tushikol.

In time, the clan elders gave permission for Dudar to marry Mariam. She accepted Islam, and the couple wed. Until the end of her life, Mariam lived by the principle of teaching her descendants to respect the Kazakh language, culture, and art.

The Song

The author of the song was Ulebai Anetov, a poet celebrated in the Korgalzhyn region for his literary gift, singing, and sal-serilik artistry. Witnessing the love of the Kazakh youth Duisen for the Russian girl Maria, he created the legendary song “Dudarai.”

Sal-serilik — the art of composing and performing poetry with music, embodying the traditions of a singer, storyteller, and cultural figure.

Inspired by the song, poet Kalizhan Bekhozhin wrote a poem, while composer Evgeny Brusilovsky created an opera, staged at the Abay Kazakh National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. The famous singer Amre Kashaubaev performed “Dudarai” in Paris at Expo 1925.

People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Dimash Qudaibergen has also contributed to the global recognition of this song.

He has performed “Dudarai” a cappella on numerous occasions: at the press conference of the Singer project in China (2017), at the opening of the XIII Eurasia International Film Festival in Astana (2017), and on the Super Vocal show in China (2019), where one of the contestants performed “Dudarai” in Chinese, and Dimash, as a jury member, gave a masterclass in Kazakh. On CCTV’s Universal Show, Dimash and another jury member drew great attention with their impromptu rendition of the song.

In 2023, a fragment of “Dudarai” was also presented at the China International Intelligent Communication Forum. At a fan meeting in Spain, Dimash sang it a cappella together with a fan from Vietnam.

On October 5, 2023, for CCTV1’s project “美美与共 // Beauty and Harmony”, Dimash prepared a new interpretation of the beloved song, presenting it not only in its traditional form but also in a jazz-funk arrangement.