Khafiz Sarsekeev, the forgotten co-author of the first Kyrgyz printed book ABC for high-speed learning to read (1911)

Abstract

This paper presents newly discovered biographical information about the Kazakh educator Khafiz Sarsekeev (1886-1929), the co-author with Eshenaaly Arabaev (1882-1933) of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh children’s abecedary ABC for high-speed learning to read [Алип-бээ жаки төтө окуу]. Published in Ufa by Shark Publishing in 1911, the abecedary was the very first book ever printed in Kyrgyz. As the inaugural publication in a native language, it holds undeniable historical significance. Eshenaaly Arabaev, one of the authors of the aforementioned abecedary, as well as a well-known educator and author of textbooks, head of the Kyrgyz Scientific Commission and political figure in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, is familiar to historians and the general population. However, until recently, practically nothing but his name was known about Khafiz Sarsekeyev (1882/83-1926/27), the co-author of the primer. This paper presents information on his education and teaching activities in Jadid medreses, as well as his social and political activities. This newly discovered information is the result of researching articles written by Sarsekeev and other authors in Kazakh-language newspapers and magazines published between 1913 and 1924. A few previously unpublished documents and photographs from the Sarsekeev family archive supplement the information found in the newspapers. The findings presented in this article provide a portrait of the Jadid educator who became also a public and political figure. We can trace similarities in the fates of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh educators of the early twentieth century.