The Council of Elders in the Akmolinsk Region
Respect Your Elders
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And nowhere is this adage more true than for the past, a time so removed from our own, for which a single image can have a huge impact. In this section, the editors at Qalam seek to do more than merely showcase documentary photographs from various eras—we want to tell the real stories behind these images and bring history to life. Each photograph here captures a moment that has shaped our world, and the accompanying narrative highlights its significance and context, giving us a nuanced insight into the events they depict. After all, understanding these stories can only help us appreciate the complexities of history better.
This time, let’s take a look at the council of elders, known as aqsaqals in Kazakh, a traditional form of governance in village and tribal relations.
In Kazakh society, the council of aqsaqals, literally meaning ‘white-bearded men’, traditionally served as an important pillar of the social and political life of an aul, or a tribal community, fulfilling both administrative and judicial functions. To a certain extent, these councils were the foundation of local self-governance during the period of Russian colonization, and were also deeply involved in the social life of the aul. The council of elders also resolved interpersonal and intertribal disputes, taking an active part in conflict resolution. They also had an important role in organizing elections, including selecting chief judges and sultans. Thus, their work helped maintain order and ensure the smooth functioning of the community during a time of significant change.
These photographs were taken in 1895 in the Akmolinsk Oblast by Jules de Cuverville, the future chief of staff of the French Navy, during his travels through Siberia and Central Asia.
