Exploration into the Ancestry of Joshy, Eldest Son of Genghis Khan, Revealed in New Kazakh Publication
Unveiling the Legacy of Genghis Khan's Forgotten Heir: Maya Bekbayeva's Journey with Joshy Khan
Hailed as the eldest son of Genghis Khan, the mighty conqueror, Joshy Khan's life and contributions to the formation of Kazakh statehood are brought to light in Maya Bekbayeva's new book, "Joshy Khan. Ruler of the Great Ulus."
Maya Bekbayeva, a renowned Kazakh journalist and documentary producer, delves into the thrilling account of Joshy Khan, a historical figure whose legend has been overshadowed by his father's reign. In an interview with The Astana Times, Bekbayeva shares her insights about Joshy Khan, her role as Kazakhstan's Goodwill Ambassador, and the untold stories of Kazakh history that deserve more attention.
The Remarkable Life of Joshy Khan
With President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev regularly marking and celebrating his legacy, Bekbayeva emphasizes the importance of understanding Joshy Khan's story, as many people remain unaware of his life and impact. She highlights his role in the formation of the Golden Horde, a flourishing empire that spanned from the mid-13th to the late 14th century, named after Joshy Khan himself.
Joshy Khan was a tolerant leader who ruled with remarkable patience and fairness, embracing the diversity of his subjects. His legacy left a deep impression on Bekbayeva, as his tolerance and open-minded approach were instrumental in establishing the foundations of the Kazakh identity.
The Golden Horde: Kazakhstan's Ancestral Empire
All Kazakh khans were direct descendants of Genghis Khan, making them Genghisids. This fact underscores the importance of understanding the Golden Horde's legacy, as it resonates deeply with Kazakh statehood and mentality. Bekbayeva's book sheds light on various aspects of Joshy Khan's personality, using archival sources and interviews with historians.
The Enigmatic End: Death of a Legend
Joshy Khan's cause of death remains uncertain, with multiple theories surrounding his demise. Some suggest he died on a hunting expedition, while others propose he was killed by his father, Genghis Khan, due to certain disagreements over his more tolerant approach to ruling. Bekbayeva's research delves into these mysteries, providing readers with a comprehensive view of this historical enigma.
A Legacy of Tolerance
The lessons of tolerance that one can learn from Joshy Khan are timeless. Bekbayeva emphasizes that Kazakhstan is home to diverse ethnic groups, each freely preserving and promoting their culture and language. She believes that this history is important, not only for the Kazakh people but for the world at large.
Committing to History: Future Projects
Following the release of "Joshy Khan. Ruler of the Great Ulus," Bekbayeva plans to publish a book on Kazakhstan's contribution to the victory in World War II and later on the leaders of Alash, a Kazakh intelligentsia movement. She is also working on a six-series documentary drama produced by Karga Seven Pictures and supported by Kazakhstan's Dara Foundation of Presidential Initiatives, featuring Joshy Khan's story at its core.
Raising Awareness: Sharing the Untold Kazakh Story
"There are very few countries in this world that have gone through what our people have gone through and still survived," said Bekbayeva. She emphasizes the role of journalists and historians in uncovering and sharing these stories, especially in an era of moral values stagnation.
Embracing the Goodwill Ambassador Role
Last year, Bekbayeva was named a goodwill ambassador of Kazakhstan, a title which honors prominent figures who advance the country's image abroad through cultural, scientific, and humanitarian contributions. Bekbayeva sees this role as an extension of her work, allowing her to tell Kazakhstan's story on a much broader scale and share the rich tapestry of Kazakh history with a global audience.
- Bekbayeva's forthcoming book will delve into the diverse aspects of entertainment, blending historical accounts with modern storytelling, as she plans to produce a six-series documentary drama featuring Joshy Khan's life.
- In her Goodwill Ambassador role, Bekbayeva is dedicated to promoting books that reveal untold stories of Kazakh history, ensuring that the legacy of historical figures like Joshy Khan remains alive and accessible to a global audience.
