THE HEROISM OF BAKYT BAIZHANOV MUST BE ETERNALLY PRESERVED IN NATIONAL MEMORY

Abstract

Introduction. One of the important areas of research on World War II is the fate of those who, having found themselves in the “Turkestan Legion”, established contact with Soviet partisans, organized underground resistance groups among legionnaires, and fought to defect to the Red Army. During the Khrushchev Thaw, th e people of the USSR had the opportunity to learn more about the true horrors of the war. In particular, it became known that former Soviet prisoners of war, who were forced to serve in the “Turkestan Legion” for survival, were subjected to unjust repressi on. Although many of them were granted amnesty under the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on September 17, 1955, they were not rehabilitated. Aware of the incomplete nature of these measures, Soviet Minister of Defense Marshal G. Z hukov, in May 1956, submitted proposals to the Kremlin to rectify the injustice faced by Red Army soldiers who had been captured by the Nazis. Relevance. Based on materials from the Special State Archive of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, it is essential to preserve the memory of the hero Bakyt Baizhanov, who, while in the “Turkestan Legion”, established contact with Soviet partisans and organized an underground resistance group. His story should serve as a model of patriotism for future generations. There is also evidence that soldiers from the “Turkestan Legion” repeatedly defected to the Red Army. These events occurred in extreme conditions — between life and death, during active warfare. The defections of legionnaires to the Red Army were often carried out in an organized manner and involved dozens or even hundreds of fighters. Those who organized such defections were executed by the Nazis. Objective and Tasks of the Study. The objective of this research is to immortalize the memory of Bakyt Baizhanov and to restore historical justice. In December 1942, a group led by Baizhanov eliminated 30 German soldiers and, with weapons in hand, joined the Red Army. He was captured by the Nazis, endured brutal torture, never betrayed his compatriots, and 186 was executed. Despite existing documentary evidence and testimonies confirming his bravery, his heroic deeds remain largely unknown. Thus, a proper acknowledgment of his heroism is a relevant issue for national historical science. Results. As a result of the research, it was concluded that Bakyt Baizhanov’s heroism must be eternally preserved in the memory of the people. The names of those who remained loyal to their homeland and fought against fascism while in the “Turkestan Legion” must be recorded in history. Conclusion. Bakyt Baizhanov – the hero who, while in the “Turkestan Legion”, established ties with Soviet partisans and organized an underground group – must be remembered forever. His courage should be promoted among the younger generation as an example of true patriotism.