The Legend of Ulba and Irtysh

In ancient times, the rich Khan Adilbek lived in Eastern Kazakhstan. And he had his only daughter Ulba. There was no more beautiful person in the world. Khan took care of his daughter more than his heart, and did not let her go anywhere.

Ulba once saw the shepherd Irtysh and they fell in love at first sight. But the khan wanted his only daughter to marry a rich neighbor.

And then Ulba decided to run away to her beloved Irtysh.

One late night she left the yurt and ran. At this time, her father woke up and went in pursuit of her. A fierce storm arose, the sky turned black, and the animals scattered in fear throughout the steppe. The birds flew higher towards the sun, only the wind frolicked across the vast expanses of the steppe.

Ulba ran to the mountain and saw that the Irtysh was waiting for her across the cliff on another mountain. The girl had no choice 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.