The real-life inspiration for Princess Turandot, the legendary heroine of the opera by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, lived in what is now the Almaty region, according to Kazakh historian Zhaksylyk Sabitov, who has proposed making her part of the city’s cultural brand.
Sabitov believes the historical figure behind the legendary princess was Khutulun, also known as Khutulun-Chakha, the daughter of Kaidu Khan. She lived in the area of present-day Almaty and the Chu-Ili Mountains.
Medieval sources documented her story
«An entire Princess Turandot legend was created around her. Rashid al-Din and Marco Polo wrote about her. In the 13th century, she was probably the only woman who married of her own free will,» Sabitov said.
The historian noted that Khutulun agreed to marry only a man who could defeat her in wrestling, a story that became one of the enduring legends associated with her.
Proposal for a new Almaty landmark
Sabitov also suggested erecting a statue of Princess Turandot in Almaty.
«It could become an effective symbol of Almaty’s identity. We know that the city stood on the site of a medieval settlement. If a statue similar to the one of Genghis Khan near Almaty were built, it would likely become a major attraction,» he said.
Read also: New theory: Dracula’s lineage traced to Genghis Khan.
