Prototype of M.Y. Lermontov’s poem - "Ismail-Bey".

Izmail-bey Atazhukin was born in 1750. Atazhukin moved to the Russian Empire in 1760, where he received a military education. In 1788 he received the rank of Prime Major, participated in the assault of Ochakov, for which he was awarded a medal with stones. In 1790 he was awarded the Order of St. John. George IV for his participation in the storming of the fortress of Izmayil.

In 1794, Atazhukin was sent to his homeland, to the Kabardian Principality, with an assignment to manage the Highlanders, in the same year for his participation in the anti-government movement with his brother Adil-Giray and major Atazhuko Khamurzin was exiled to Ekaterinoslav. Pardoned in 1801, and in 1804 he returned to Kabarda as part of one of the units of «Caucasian Line».

He actively participated in the political and cultural life of the Kabardians, was an ardent advocate of enlightenment, and tried to resolve differences with the Russian authorities peacefully, but his efforts failed. His activity caused opposition both from the tsarist authorities and from the Kabardian nobility.

Was killed in 1811 under mysterious circumstances. According to the generally accepted, though not unproven, version, the murderer of Ishmael Bey was his cousin Roslanbek Misostov.