Zhandeli – The Warrior Maiden

(Recorded from the words of old residents during the local history expedition)

Zhandeli Esenqulqyzy, granddaughter of Kozhan from the Bayzhigit tribe’s Jumyk clan, was born around 1732 in the foothills of Mangyraq. She became legendary for her bravery during the Kazakh–Kalmyk war, particularly the Battle of Shorga in the 1750s.

At that time, a group of Kalmyks led by a warrior named Qonqa broke off from their main force and, seizing the opportunity while Kazakh warriors were far ahead, launched a surprise raid on the defenseless village nestled in the Mangyraq Mountains.

Zhandeli had already trained in horseback riding and swordsmanship. When she saw the raiders approaching, she quickly disguised herself in men’s armor, armed herself, rallied the few men left in the village, and charged into battle — letting out a battle cry that echoed through the valley.

She led her people fearlessly, driving the Kalmyks into a narrow gorge now known as Zhandeli Sai. They fought day and night, and the gorge ran red with blood. The Kalmyk force suffered heavy losses. In a last attempt, Qonqa challenged Zhandeli to single combat.

In their first duel with spears, Zhandeli knocked him from his horse. As she raised her sword to his chest, Qonqa pleaded for one more chance — a sword duel, vowing to accept defeat if he dropped his weapon. Zhandeli agreed.

Once again, her strength prevailed. She pinned his throat with her sword. But instead of killing him, she showed mercy — dropped her sword, and turned to walk away.

Shamed and enraged, Qonqa broke his vow. He grabbed the fallen sword and struck her from behind, severing her head. Her helmet flew off, and her long braided hair fell loose across the ground.

Stunned by the realization that his opponent had been a young maiden, Qonqa froze.

«Alas… She was a girl. I broke my promise.

How could such a warrior exist among the Kazakhs?

She hadn’t even blossomed yet.

I have doomed myself… I’ve spilled the blood of a sacred people.»

The villagers, heartbroken, gathered her remains and buried her where she fell, honoring her as a hero. From that day forward, the valley became known as Zhandeli Sai — The Gorge of Zhandeli.

According to legend, a spring began to flow from the head of the gorge — formed by the tears of the fallen maiden. For generations, people have revered this stream as sacred, calling it «Zhandeli’s Tear» and believing it carries her blessing.

Her story lives on – a symbol of unmatched bravery, sacrifice, and the deep respect a nation holds for its daughters.