Listing Family Lineage: The Kyzylorda Family's Approach to Maintaining Their Ancestral Names and Family Tree
In the heart of Kazakhstan, Maxwell Jaisanbaev's large house echoes with the laughter of his children and grandchildren. The family, renowned in their city, placed second in the 2024 city-level national contest 'Merei Family.' This success is not just a testament to their achievements, but also to the rich genealogy that adorns the walls of their home.
At the centre of the hall, a grand display showcases the Jaisanbaev family genealogy, a testament to the past that binds them together. Maxwell's grandmother, Kunsu Kune, played a pivotal role in compiling this family history, passing down stories from generation to generation.
The importance of genealogy in Kazakh society cannot be overstated. It forms a crucial part of their social structure, determining one's affiliation to a specific tribe or clan. This, in turn, impacts an individual's status and position in society.
Genealogy is not just a means of tracing lineage, but a way of preserving family values and traditions. Knowledge of ancestors, their achievements, and experiences is passed down, fostering intergenerational bonds. This is evident in the Jaisanbaev family, where Maxwell has known about his ancestors since childhood.
The Kazakh language boasts over 90 terms for subjects that denote familial relationships, from father and son to seventh-generation grandson. The term 'jien' and its derivative 'jienşar' are particularly significant, denoting a descendant of 'jien.'
Knowing one's genealogy helps an individual understand their place in a larger community and strengthens their sense of belonging to their nation. This is particularly relevant in today's globalized and migratory world, where many nations lose touch with their roots.
In Kazakh society, family ties are maintained not only through the paternal line but also through the maternal line. Children of married daughters and sisters are called 'jien,' and their mother's relatives are called 'nağashy.' Close-kin marriages are discouraged, and knowing one's ancestors helps prevent incest.
For those who may not have older relatives to guide them, genealogical societies, archives, historical documents, and digital libraries like the Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek or genealogical associations like CompGen in Germany, provide step-by-step research guidance.
The proverbs of the Kazakh people underscore the importance of knowing one's ancestors: 'A son who doesn't know his ancestors up to the seventh generation is useless and empty,' and 'A nation that doesn't know its past has no future.' In the case of the Jaisanbaev family, their rich genealogy serves as a beacon, guiding them through the present and into the future.
In a world where connections can sometimes feel tenuous, the Jaisanbaev family stands as a testament to the power of knowing one's roots. The legacy of Kunsu Kune, passed down through generations, continues to unite and inspire them, a testament to the enduring importance of genealogy in Kazakh society.
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