Abstract
Introduction. The constellation of Kazakh public activists from the imperial period is distinguished by the outstanding scientist, traveler, and commissioned officer of the Russian Empire Chokan (Muhammed Qanafiya) Valikhanov. However, another Valikhanov — Gazi — was also substantially involved in important historical events of that period. One can trace quite a number of parallels between the two figures — family ties, tragic destinies. Still, due to some circumstances the latter’s name is not that widely known. Goals. The article aims to explore genealogical backgrounds, professional and personal life of the prominent Kazakh public figure — the most honored representative of the Horde, a regular officer of pre-revolutionary Russia’s army, General and Sultan Gazi Bulatovich Valikhanov. Materials and methods. Comparative insights into documentary sources and available historiography serve to consistently trace key milestones in the biography of Gazi Valikhanov, determine his role in the history of Kazakhstan, comprehend the events and circumstances that influenced the shaping of his personality and fate. Results. The amazing intertwining of Chokan Valikhanov and Gazi Valikhanov’s destinies has led to several historical inaccuracies and preconceived assumptions. But the examined materials attest to that assumptions about somewhat complicated, hostile relationships between the two Kazakh sultans have no serious grounds. In his lifetime Sultan Gazi Valikhanov did a lot: he built a brilliant military career and was simultaneously engaged in research activities as a member of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, attended the Amu Darya Expedition, was an initiator and co-founder of the Muslim Charitable Society in St. Petersburg, and also assisted some prominent educators and figures of that time, in particular, I. Gasprinsky. Gazi Valikhanov is a worthy ethnic Kazakh of the 19th–20th centuries. His name has been revived from oblivion. However, his life and results of sociopolitical, research activities need further investigation.