Domalaq Ana (Nurila) is a respected wise mother in Kazakh history who left a deep mark in the collective memory of the people. Her real name was Nurila, and she was the granddaughter of the well-known Turkestan saint Makhtym Aghzam Khoja.
According to historical data, Nurila was born in 1378 in the city of Turkestan. Later, she became the wife of biy Baidibek and took an important place in Kazakh genealogy. In народ tradition, her name is associated not only with motherhood but also with a wise woman who contributed to the unity of the people.
The first mausoleum of Domalaq Ana was built in 1456 as a four-walled domed structure. Over time, it was rebuilt many times, so its original form has not been preserved. The modern appearance of the mausoleum was created after restoration in 1996 based on the project of architect S. Toktamyss. During construction, white stone brought from Mangystau was used, and an eight-sided dome was placed above the main structure.
At the entrance of the mausoleum there is an inscription in Kazakh: “A monument built in honor of the mother of Babyzhar, daughter of Aksultan.” Today, this place has become a sacred site visited by pilgrims and descendants.
According to legend, Nurila married Baidibek biy at the age of 19 (in 1397). When Baidibek often visited the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, a fortune-teller predicted that he would meet a girl with a special gift and a bright destiny. Thus, Nurila became known among the people as Domalaq Ana.
However, her life was not easy. Legends say that she suffered from jealousy and hardship caused by senior wives, but through wisdom, patience, and kindness she gained the respect and love of the people. In some sources, she is described as “a mother with a golden womb,” who continued the lineage of Baidibek.
There is a legend that she once received a dream prophecy saying that the first person to hold her hands with both hands would become her destined husband. Another story says that Baidibek saved her when she fell into a well, and from that moment their destinies became connected.
A special place in folk stories is given to her wisdom. According to one legend, when enemies attacked the land and Baidibek was preparing for battle, Nurila warned him, saying that the stolen horses would return home on their own under the protection of a sacred stallion. However, he did not listen and went to war. Later, as she had predicted, all the stolen herds returned home. This event is considered proof of her foresight.
Domalaq Ana was buried on the plain near the confluence of the Kos Bogen River. In her honor, descendants built a mausoleum at this site. According to legend, there are two sacred stones inside the mausoleum, and only a person with pure intentions can pass between them.
Today, the Domalaq Ana Mausoleum is a sacred pilgrimage site visited by people from all over Kazakhstan. It symbolizes maternal wisdom, spiritual purity, and народ memory, preserving an important part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
Source: qazir.kz