In 1726, a general assembly of the Kazakh people was held at the foot of Ordabasy Hill, on the banks of the Badam River. Organised at the initiative of Kazybek Bi, the gathering aimed to unite the Kazakh forces against the Dzungar invasions. At the assembly, Abulkhair Khan, the ruler of the Junior Zhuz, was elected commander-in-chief of the Kazakh forces in the struggle against the Dzungars.
Following the unification of the Kazakh forces, the Battles of Bulanty in 1728 and Anyrakay in 1730 were organised. The hill known as “Ordabasy Tөbesi,” or Ordabasy Hill, remains a reminder of this historic assembly.
Martobe
The Martobe complex is located in the Karatau District of Shymkent, on the left-hand side of the road leading from the Sairam residential area towards the village of Karamurt.
According to local tradition, the three renowned Kazakh biys — Tole Bi, Kazybek Bi and Aiteke Bi — agreed upon the provisions of Zheti Zhargy, the traditional code of steppe laws, at Martobe. Tauke Khan is said to have ratified the code with his seal.
The hill is also renowned as a place where one of the early national assemblies, or kurultais, was held during the reign of Tauke Khan. Such gatherings took place annually. They determined the main routes of seasonal migration, established arrangements for the shared use of pastures, discussed international relations, reviewed the principles of steppe governance and adopted new laws.
The elders of clans and tribes settled disputes between different clan groups. Historical accounts also associate Martobe with discussions on the unification of the Kazakh people following the death of Abulkhair Khan.
