# Raiymbek Batyr

Mu'izz id-Din Mūhammed Rahim-Bek Bahadur (Kazakh: Муиззиддин Мұхаммед Рахим-Бек Баһадүр, معز الدين محمد رحيم بك بهادر, romanized: Muizziddin Mūhammed Rahim-Bek Bahadür),also spelled as Raiymbek Batyr, was a famous Kazakh warrior from the 18th century. The term Bahadur is an honorific term meaning "hero" in the Kazakh language, meaning that Rahim-Bek Bahadur's given name was simply Muizziddin Muhammed Rahim-Bek.
He actively resisted the Dzungar invasion of Kazakh territories and played a major role in maintaining Kazakh freedom and independence. Rahim-Bek saw the Kazakh Khanate as a hub of Muslim culture and felt that it was necessary to maintain its sovereignty at all costs. Thus, he came to view the Kazakh-Dzungar Wars as a jihad in defending the land that is now the Muslim nation of Kazakhstan.
Rahim-Bek was the grandson of a Kazakh diplomat, and prevailed on the Russian czarina Anna Ivanovna asking for protection from the Dzungars, one of the Oirat (West Mongolian) tribes that were the last remnants of the Mongol horse archer empire. He was instrumental in bringing the senior juz into a closer relationship with Russia in exchange for protection from the Dzungars. This was a move that Kazakh rulers Abu'l Khair Khan and Abu'l-Mansur Khan worked to establish in the latter years of the Kazakh Khanate.
He is the subject of a two-volume historical novel bearing his name. His name is commonly given to public features in Kazakhstan such as streets and mosques.

## Youth of Raiymbek Batyr

In Almaty, Raiymbek Batyr, who struck fear into his enemies with his roaring voice from a young age, was born in 1705.By the age of 15, he had mastered archery, sword fighting, and wrestling—skills essential for a warrior. He soon began participating in campaigns against the Dzungars. His comrades quickly noticed the young warrior’s bravery and strategic mind. His main principle was to achieve victory with minimal losses. This strategy was first successfully implemented in the battle along the Ili River. Captives held by the Dzungar people were freed, while many enemy soldiers were taken prisoner. Raiymbek liberated Sögeti, Oyrantöbe, and Jalaǵash from Dzungar Khanate control. As the enemy fled in terror, the Dzungars lamented: "Oyrantöbe is ruined, Sekер and Barak are destroyed. Raiymbek came and cut through necks like apples." After this victory, Raiymbek continued his campaigns, freeing Zhinishke, Taushilik, Karabulak, Ush Merke, Kengsu, and Karkara.

## Raiymbek Batyr’s Aid to the Middle Jüz

One of Raiymbek Batyr’s significant campaigns was his mission to assist the Middle Jüz. Upon receiving a proposal from Qabanbai Batyr to block the area between Tarbagatai and Tacheng, preventing the enemy from regrouping, Raiymbek immediately set out on horseback. He played a key role in liberating Sarytau and Üygentas, then followed the Ili River back toward Qorghas. Historian Mambet Koigeldiev notes that this fact is also documented in the research of Zeinolla Sanik in Xinjiang. Raiymbek, who came from the Alzhan clan of the Alban tribe, inherited the warrior spirit of his ancestor, the fearless Hangeldi Batyr. Recognizing his fiery determination, Jalairs Oraq Batyr gifted him a swift horse and a fine steel sword. From a young age, Raiymbek showed exceptional bravery, calling his own name in battle as he raced forward. This indomitable spirit later became a sharp blade against the Dzungar Khanate. At 17, mounted on his steed Kököinag, he became a terror to the enemy. One of his most famous feats took place at Oyrantöbe, now marked at the 167th kilometer of the Almaty-Narynkol highway, where he challenged Dzungar warriors to single combat, throwing them into chaos like wolves among sheep. Many have heard of the Badam River, but few know that it is named after Badam-Bakhadur, a Dzungar noble who was defeated by Raiymbek. Similarly, the place name Kegen is believed to originate from the Dzungar prince Gengen, though some sources claim "Gengen" was a religious title. In 1729, Raiymbek fought alongside legendary Kazakh warriors such as Nauryzbai Batyr, Ötegen, Qabanbai, and Bogenbay Batyr at the Battle of Añyraqai, crushing the army of Sary Myngzhan. Later, at the Itempes River, he led his forces to destroy the army of Shona Doba.