The Central State Archive of Cinema, Photo Documents and Sound Recordings of the Republic of Kazakhstan has preserved the traditional kui “Estek” performed on the sybyzgy by Yskak Ualiev, as well as the renowned song “Zauresh” by Mukhit Meralyuly. This valuable heritage was discovered last year in the State Archive of Sound Recordings in Moscow as part of the implementation of the state program “Archive–2025.”

According to some sources, the rare recordings were made on tape in the 1930s–1940s during the Decade of Kazakh Literature and Art held in Moscow.

These historical recordings not only safeguarded the rich musical heritage of the Kazakh people but also testify to the fact that at that time national art was highly appreciated throughout the Union. In an article by N. Izgoev, published in Izvestia newspaper during those years, it was noted: “The Kazakhs brought such art that is close and understandable not only to the Kazakh people—it is understandable to everyone… In the drawn-out Kazakh songs we heard the voice of the feather grass steppes.”

In 2024, the historical recordings were officially included in the National Archival Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Press Service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan