Biys held an important position in the political life of the Kazakh Khanate. These renowned figures were distinguished public leaders, thinkers, diplomats, eloquent speakers, and respected advocates of justice. They made a significant contribution to uniting the three Kazakh zhuzes and strengthening the Kazakh Khanate. They also helped organize battles against the Dzungars. Under the leadership of Khan Tauke, they participated in compiling Zheti Zhargy (“Seven Charters”), a collection of laws. During the reign of Az-Tauke, these prominent leaders played a vital role in preserving the state during a difficult period in its history.
Tole Bi Alibekuly (1663–1756) was a Kazakh public figure, orator, and chief biy of the Senior Zhuz. With the support of Kazybek Bi and Aiteke Bi, he was elected the chief biy representing all three zhuzes. Tole Bi was born in 1663 in the Shu River region, in what is now Zhambyl Region. He belonged to the Zhanys clan of the Dulat tribe of the Senior Zhuz.
From childhood, Tole Bi accompanied his father, learned about the life of the people, and studied the traditions of Kazakh poetry and oratory. At the age of fifteen, he began taking part in public affairs and became known for his wisdom, fair judgments, and eloquence. He was a prominent statesman who devoted himself to preserving the unity and integrity of the Kazakh Khanate. From an early age, he absorbed the traditions of Kazakh oral poetry and developed into an educated and thoughtful individual. Between the ages of fifteen and twenty, he began attending gatherings of biys and gradually gained recognition for his fairness and exceptional speaking skills.
Tole Bi governed Tashkent for twelve years and was buried beside his ancestor, Yunus Khan.
Kazybek Bi Keldibekuly (1659–1765) was a famous Kazakh biy. Seeking to organize the administration of the three zhuzes, Khan Tauke appointed Tole Bi as the biy of the Senior Zhuz, Aiteke Bi as the biy of the Junior Zhuz, and Kazybek Bi as the biy of the Middle Zhuz.
According to legends preserved in Kazakh oral tradition and certain archival records, Kazybek Bi Keldibekuly participated in the preparation of Khan Tauke’s collection of laws. During the reigns of Khans Tauke, Sameke, Abulmambet, and Abylai, he actively participated in state affairs and influenced decisions concerning domestic and foreign policy.
Kazybek Bi was one of the organizers of the liberation struggle against the Dzungar invaders. In the 1740s, when Khan Abylai was captured by the Dzungars, Kazybek Bi played an active role in efforts to secure his release.
In the 1760s, the Qing Empire sent envoys bearing numerous valuable gifts in an attempt to win Kazybek Bi’s support. However, he opposed closer relations with China and urged Abylai not to establish ties with the Qing Empire. Among the people, he became known as “Kaz Dauysty Kazybek,” meaning “Kazybek of the Goose-like Voice,” a title reflecting his distinctive and powerful oratory.
Aiteke Bi Baibekuly (1682–1766) was one of the three great biys who made a significant contribution to strengthening the unity of the Kazakh people. He was a prominent statesman from the Tortkara clan of the Alimuly tribal association. He was a fifth-generation descendant of Oraz Qazhy, the chief adviser to Amir Timur. Before Khan Abulkhair came to power, Aiteke Bi represented the interests of the Junior Zhuz. He was also a close relative of Zhalantos Batyr, who governed Samarkand during the reign of Khan Yesim.
At the age of five, Aiteke Bi began studying under a mullah and learned to read and write. He later became an official adviser to the khan and actively participated in efforts to establish a unified, centralized Kazakh Khanate.
From the age of twenty-five, Aiteke Bi regularly attended annual assemblies of leaders and influential representatives of the three zhuzes. These gatherings were first held at Ordabasy and later at Kultobe and Ulytau. Established as a tradition during the reign of Khan Tauke, the assemblies addressed matters of national unity and resolved disputes arising between the zhuzes and individual clans.
Aiteke Bi was buried near the villages of Kaunshy and Shynaz, approximately 75 kilometres from Tashkent.
