(text provided by the East Kazakhstan Regional
Museum of Local Lore)
In ancient times, a rich khan Adilbek lived in the East Kazakhstan. And he had an only daughter, Ulba. She was the most beautiful woman in the world. Ulba once saw a shepherd Irtysh and fell in love with him with all her heart. And the Irtysh is hers. But Khan wanted his only daughter to marry a rich neighbor. And then Ulba decided to run away to her beloved Irtysh. Late one night she came out of the yurt and ran. At this time, her father woke up and went after her in pursuit. A fierce storm arose, the sky turned black, the animals fled in fear across the steppe. Ulba ran to the mountain, looks, and through the cliff on another mountain, the Irtysh is waiting for her. There was nothing left for the girl but to throw herself off the mountain. She jumped and turned into a river. And the Irtysh rushed after her and also turned into a river. That’s how they met each other. And to this day they carry their waters together.
