ABLAY KHAN
The real name of Ablay is Abilmansur. As Shokan Ualikhanov wrote, Ablay's grandfather was distinguished for his heroism, bravery and fury in battles. For this he got nickname "Kanisher Ablay" (Bloodsucker Ablay).
Abilmansur proved to be a hero, talented organizer and commander in battles against Dzhungars in 1730-1740. In 1738-1741 Kazakh armies headed by Ablay defeated Dzhungar invaders.
New stage of strengthening Ablay's power coincided with the move of Abilmambet Khan to Turkestan (1744). Being a forward-looking politician Ablay decided to accept Russian allegiance to avoid heavy fights with the Kalmyks. In August 1740 together with Abilmambet Khan and 120 governors he arrived in St-Petersburg and gave his consent on submitting Russian rule. Alongside he did not break relations with China and used disagreements between Russian Empire and China to the advantage of the Kazakh Khanate. Ablay devoted all his life to restoration of the country's independence.
Ablay could unite Kazakh Khanate's forces and turn it into a powerful military state. In 1771 Abylai was elected Khan of all three Zhuzs. Despite this, Russian Empress, Dzhungar Khanate and Central Asian countries recognized him as a khan of Middle Zhuz only being afraid of his growing weight. Ablay pursued his policy in accordance with the geopolitical location of Kazakh state that was situated between two large empires - Russia and China. In order to unite Muslim countries Ablay set to negotiations with ruler of Afghanistan Akhmad-Shah Durrani. He had an intention to send an ambassador to Turkey.
Ablay is also famous as a talented kuyshi who knew and admired Kazakh folklore. He created kuys "Ak Tolkyn", "Bulan Zhigit", "Dunie kaldy", "Zhetim Tory", "Kairan Yelim", "Kara Zhorga" etc. Ablay died on the coast of the Arys River. He was buried in the Khodja Akhmet Yassawi Mausoleum. Ablay had 30 sons and 40 daughters from 12 wives.
Source: Kazakhstan National Encyclopedia, Volume 1.