First auto collision in Almaty and initial Kazakh explorer to circumnavigate the globe
In 1915, the city of Almaty, then known as Vernyi, was home to just two operational vehicles, with a total of 20 cars across the entire Turkestan region. Local historians argue that the first automobile to grace the city was a Berliet truck, which arrived in 1908, while other sources claim it was a Mercedes-Benz that debuted in 1915. The year also saw the first recorded traffic accident in Almaty, on the road to Medeu, as two vehicles were unable to pass each other.
Alijan Jangildin, a revolutionary figure and the first Kazakh Bolshevik, led an armed uprising against the tsarist government alongside Amanjol Imankulov. Less well-known is his life as a globetrotter, serving as an early Kazakh equivalent of Marco Polo. His passion for exploration began at the tender age of ten, when he ran away from home.
After obtaining an education, Jangildin embarked on a journey to experience diverse cultures around the world. In 1908, at the age of 24, he left for foreign lands, making a living as an immigrant without means under the name Nikolai Stepanov. His passport identified him as "Nikolai Stepanov, also known as Ali-Bey Jangildin."
During his travels, Jangildin walked through Poland, Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Palestine, Africa, Egypt, Abyssinia. He earned a living selling photographs of the places he visited. In five years, he covered a distance of 12,000 versts, as recounted in his autobiography.
Advisor Aliibi Jangildin's biographer, Izgilik Dabaev, writes in his book "20th Century - Portraits of Outstanding Figures" that he worked with and befriended prominent figures like Abylkhan Kasteev, Zhambyl Zhabayev, Ahmet Zubanov, Zhumabay Shayahmetov, and Kemei Tokaev.
Tune in this Sunday to the program "Almaty Stories" with Noel Shaikhmetov as he delves into the life of Aliibi Jangildin, a remarkable individual whose name adorns schools and streets in multiple cities across Kazakhstan and Russia.
Prepared by Victor Glutsenko.
- As a globetrotter, Alijan Jangildin, during his travels, explored various industry and lifestyle sectors, including transportation, as he travelled through countries with diverse modes of travel.
- In his pursuit of diverse experiences, Jangildin's career took him to various parts of the world, where he engaged with the finance sector, perhaps funding his travels by selling photographs of his journeys.
- Upon his return from his extensive travel, Jangildin's experiences likely shaped his perspective on the world, potentially influencing his views on city planning, urban development, and travel for leisure or work.
