Makhambet Utemisov

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Makhambet Utemisov (1803 or 1804 - 1846) was a Kazakh poet and political figure. He is best known for his activity as a leader of rebellions against Russian colonialism. This activity is believed to have resulted in his murder in 1846. His first rebellions took place aginst Zhangir, the khan of the Inner Horde. Because the rebellion was badly defeated and a bounty was placed on Utemisov, he had to flee the region.

Utemisov's early education took place at a Russian language school in Orenburg. At any rate, his poetry was more closely tied to Kazakh culture and literary tradition. The major themes of his poetry were of two types: political criticism of Russia or the khan, or more general poetry devoted to themes about human existence and life.