Abai was born Kunanbayuly vChingizskih County West Siberian governor-general (since 1845 Semipalatinsk region) (at current administrative division vAbayskom district of East Kazakhstan region) in a family of large bai Kunanbai Oskenbaeva (Uskenbaeva) Tobykty kind of Kazakh tribe Argyn. Abay family belonged to the local nobility; grandfather (Oskenbai) and grandfather (Irgizbay) dominated in his race as the rulers and biys.
