famous people's of kazakhstan presentation

13 Most Famous People in Kazakhstan

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Who are the most famous people in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is home to people of extraordinary character and achievement. This article introduces the 13 most famous people in Kazakhstan whose lives and accomplishments paint a vivid picture of the nation’s journey.

From visionary leaders guiding the nation to artists and athletes showcasing Kazakhstan on the global stage, their stories are as vast and varied as the Kazakh steppe itself. Each of their stories reflects its unique position at the crossroads of history and geography .

13 Most Famous People in Kazakhstan Disclosed

The following are the 13 most famous people in Kazakhstan:

1. Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nursultan Nazarbayev was the first President of Kazakhstan. He served from the country’s independence in 1991 until 2019. His leadership was pivotal. It transitioned Kazakhstan from a Soviet republic to a significant player on the global stage.

Under his presidency, Kazakhstan experienced considerable economic growth. This was primarily due to its vast natural resources. However, his tenure was also marked by criticisms regarding human rights and democratic freedoms. Nevertheless, his influence on Kazakhstan’s development and international relations has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, giving him the prestige of being one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan.

2. Abai Kunanbayev

Abai Kunanbayev, a revered poet, composer, and philosopher, is a monumental figure in Kazakh culture. His literary works, particularly poetry and translations, were crucial in shaping the modern Kazakh language and literature. Abai’s contributions to philosophy and cultural discourse have made him a symbol of Kazakh intellectualism and national identity, becoming one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan.

His most notable work, ‘Qara Sözder,’ or ‘Words of Edification,’ is a collection of philosophical poems and reflections that delve into themes of morality, life, and education. Additionally, his ‘Book of Words’ stands as a cornerstone in Kazakh literature, offering deep philosophical insights.

3. Dimash Kudaibergen

Dimash Kudaibergen is a singer known for his extraordinary vocal range. He has gained international fame for his performances, gaining recognition as one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan. His ability to sing in multiple languages and genres has captivated audiences worldwide.

He particularly showcased his talent in his acclaimed rendition of ‘S.O.S. d’un terrien en détresse.’ This French song, originally by Daniel Balavoine, highlights his ability to perform in various languages, exemplifying his versatility and global appeal. His performance of this piece has contributed significantly to his international fame, underscoring the cultural diversity and talent emanating from Kazakhstan.

4. Olzhas Suleimenov

Olzhas Suleimenov is a prominent Kazakh writer and poet. He is celebrated for his contributions to literature. He is also praised for his active role in social and environmental causes.

His poetry and prose often reflect on Kazakh history and identity. They have resonated with readers in Kazakhstan and abroad. Suleimenov’s activism, particularly against nuclear testing, has made him influential in the environmental and political spheres and one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan.

5. Gennady Golovkin

Gennady Golovkin, commonly known as ‘GGG,’ is a professional boxer globally famous for his skill and power in the ring. He is considered one of the best boxers in his weight class. He holds multiple middleweight world championships. His success has brought significant attention to Kazakhstan in professional boxing.

6. Kanat Islam

Kanat Islam, a professional boxer of Kazakh origin, has made a name for himself in the international boxing scene and is one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan. He is known for his impressive record and fighting prowess. He has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s growing prominence in the sport.

His dedication and success in the ring have inspired many young athletes in Kazakhstan. This highlights the nation’s potential in global sports.

7. Mukhtar Auezov

Mukhtar Auezov is a celebrated Kazakh writer and playwright. He is renowned for his contributions to Kazakh literature. His most famous work, ‘ The Path of Abai ,’ is a seminal novel that explores the life and times of the revered Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayev. Auezov’s writings have played a significant role in preserving and celebrating Kazakh culture and history.

8. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is the President of Kazakhstan. He succeeded Nursultan Nazarbayev. He has influenced the nation’s contemporary political landscape and become one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan.

Moreover, he has tried to maintain stability and continue economic growth. He has also worked to address social and political challenges. Tokayev’s role in Kazakhstan’s ongoing development underscores the complexities of governance. It highlights the difficulties of governing in a rapidly changing world.

9. Aliya Yussupova

Aliya Yussupova is an accomplished rhythmic gymnast. She has been one of the most successful athletes in the field and one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan. Her achievements in international competitions, including the Olympics, have brought attention to the country’s prowess in gymnastics. Yussupova’s grace and skill have won her medals and made her a role model for aspiring gymnasts.

10. Bauyrzhan Islamkhan

Bauyrzhan Islamkhan, a talented footballer, earns recognition for showcasing his skills on the soccer field and contributing to the Kazakhstan national team. He is one of the country’s top footballers. He has played a significant part in promoting the sport within Kazakhstan.

Furthermore, he also represents the nation internationally. His contributions have helped to elevate the profile of Kazakhstani football.

11. Olga Rypakova

Olga Rypakova is a distinguished Kazakhstani athlete known for her expertise in the triple jump. She gained international fame by winning the gold medal in the triple jump at the 2012 London Olympics. She has been a consistent performer, securing multiple medals in the World Championships and Asian Games. Her success is attributed to her exceptional skill, discipline, and resilience. As a multiple gold medalist in the Asian Games, she stands as one of the top triple jumpers in the region.

12. Zarina Diyas

Zarina Diyas, a professional tennis player, has been one of the most successful tennis players and one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan. Her performances in major tournaments, including Grand Slams, have raised the profile of Kazakhstani tennis on the global stage. Her journey in professional tennis showcases Kazakhstan’s growing influence in diverse sports disciplines.

13. Zhansaya Abdumalik

Zhansaya Abdumalik is a distinguished chess player and one of the most famous people in Kazakhstan. She earned the titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 2013 and International Master (IM) in 2014. She has represented Kazakhstan in numerous prestigious tournaments, including Chess Olympiads and World Junior Chess Championships. Known for her strategic depth and tactical skills, her gameplay is both exciting and instructive, demonstrating a profound understanding of chess theory and aggressive play.

Embracing the Influence of the Most Famous People in Kazakhstan

As we conclude our exploration of Kazakhstan’s influential figures, their stories paint a vivid picture of a nation in transition, embracing both its history and future. These 13 individuals demonstrate Kazakhstan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing its significant role in shaping not only the Central Asian region but also its growing presence on the world stage. They underscore the depth and vibrancy of Kazakhstani talent and the country’s unique legacy. If you enjoyed this article on the most famous people in Kazakhstan, I am sure you will love exploring the following topics too:

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List of famous Kazakhs and popular Kazakh people

The Kazakh population is around 18 million people on Earth, but Kazakhs have a long history, clever and creative people and a rich culture heritage – so the list of famous Kazakhs isn’t short.

Heads of State

• Kerey Khan / Girey Khan (?/1425–1473/1474): One of the founder of the Kazakh Khanate (1456–1465). The first Kazakh Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1465–1474).
• Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan (?/1428–1473/1480): One of the founder and co-leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1465 and 1474–1480). Brother of Kerey Khan .
• Burunduk Khan / Burundyk Khan (?/1430–1511): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1480–1511). Son of Kerey Khan .
• Kasym Khan (1445–1518/1521): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1511–1521). Son of Az-Zhanibek Khan .
• Mamash Khan (1480–1523): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1521–1523). Son of Kasym Khan .
• Takhir Khan / Tair Khan (?–1533): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1523–1533). Son of Adik Sultan .
• Akhmet Khan (?–1536): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate on the west Kazakhstan and Syr Daria side (1523–1535). Sultan on Syr Darya side. Grandson of Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan .
• Togym Khan (?–1537): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate on the Turkistan side of Kazakhstan. Sultan of Turkistan. Grandson of Az-Zhanibek Khan and son of Jadik Sultan / Zhadik Sultan .
• Buydash Khan (?–1559/1560): Khan of the Kazakh Khanat e on the Zhetisu side of Kazakhstan (1533–1538). Grandson of Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan and son of Adik Sultan . Brother of Takhir Khan .
• Ak Nazar Khan / Khaknazar Khan (1509–1580): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1538–1580). Son of Kasym Khan . Grandson of Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan .
• Chigai Khan / Shygai Khan (1500–1582): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1580–1582). Grandson of Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan and son of Jadik Sultan / Zhadik Sultan .
• Tauekel Khan (?–1598): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate ( 1582–1598). Grandson of Jadik Sultan / Zhadik Sultan and son of Chigai Khan / Shygai Khan .
• Esim Khan (real name Es-Muhammed) (1565–1628): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1598–1628). Grandson of Jadik Sultan / Zhadik Sultan and son of Chigai Khan / Shygai Khan .
• Janibek Khan II / Zhanibek Khan II (1598–1643): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1628–1643). Grandson of Chigai Khan / Shygai Khan and son of Esim Khan .
• Salqam Jangir Khan / Jangir Khan (1610–1652): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1643–1652). Grandson of Chigai Khan / Shygai Khan and son of Esim Khan .
• Batyr Khan / Bahadur Khan (?–1680): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1652-1680). Greatgrandson of Az-Zhanibek / Janibek Khan . Grandson of Osek Sultan / Oseke Sultan and son of Bolekei Sultan .
• Tauke Khan (1635–1715): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1680–1715). Grandson of Esim Khan and son of Salqam Jangir Khan .
• Kaip Khan (1650–1719): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1715–1718). Greatgrandson of Esim Khan . Grandson of Sartak Sultan and son of Khysyrau Sultan .
• Bolat Khan (?–1729): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1718–1729). Grandson of Salqam Jangir Khan and son of Tauke Khan .
• Abilmambet Khan (1690–1771): Khan of the Kazakh Khan (1730/1734–1771). Grandson of Tauke Khan and son of Bolat Khan .
• Abul Khair Khan (1693–1748): Khan of Kishi Zhuz /Junior jüz (1718/1725–1748). Was a candidate for the Khan of the Kazakh Khanate . Grandson of Khoja Sultan and son of Khaji Sultan / Aitak-Khaji Sultan / Abdolla Sultan .
• Ablai Khan/Abylai Khan (real name Abilmansur) ( 1711–1781): Khan of the Kazakh Khanate (1771–1881), leader of Middle zhuz/juz. Grandson of Salqam Jangir Khan and son of Ualibaky Sultan .
• Kenesary Khan (1802–1847): The last Khan of the Kazakh Khanate and of all three jüzes (1841–1847). Granson of Ablai Khan and son of Kasym Sultan .
• Zhumabay Shayakhmetov (1902–1966): First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR (1946–1954).
• Dinmuhamed Konayev (1912–1993): First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR (1960–1962, 1964–1986), Prime Minister, President Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences.
• Nursultan Nazarbayev (born 1940): The First President of Kazakhstan .
• Qasym-Zhomart Tokayev ( born in 1953): President of Kazakhstan .

Film Directors

• Shaken Aimanov (1914–1970): Famous theater and film director, actor, screenwriter. He is considered to be the Father of the Kazakh Cinematography . He is the winner of many Awards like: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1947, People’s Artist of the USSR in 1959, Stalin Prize in 1952, Order of Lenin in 1967 and etc.
• Sultan-Ahmet Khodzhikov (Kazakh: Sultanahmet Qonurqozhauly Qozhyqov) (1923–1988): USSR and Kazakh film director, screenwriter. Winner of the Awards like: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1970, Laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR named after Abai in 1972. One of his famous work is the movie “ Kyz Zhibek ” (English: Girl Zhibek ) (1970).
• Oraz Abishev (1916–2013): Soviet and Kazakh film director, founder of Kazakh documentary film. O.Abishev was a member of the Union of Cinematographers of the USSR in 1957 and became director of the studio “ Kazakhfilm ” since 1944. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1960, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1966.
• Timur Bekmambetov (born 1961): Popular film director, theater and film producer, screenwriter, clipmaker. His works: Movie “ The Arena ” (2001) as director, movie “ Wanted ” (2008) as director, animated film “ 9 ” (2009) as producer with Tim Burton , science fiction horror movie “ Apollo 18 ” (2011) as producer, sci-fi action movie “ The Darkest Hour ” as producer, movie “ Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter ” as director and producer, animated movie “ The Snow Queen ” (2012) as producer, animated series “ Alisa Knows What to Do! ” (2013–2016) as producer, fantasy movie “ He’s a Dragon ” (2015) as director and etc.
• Rashid Nugmanov (born 1954): USSR and Kazakhstani film director, screenwriter, producer, artist, architect, public figure. His works: “ The Snow Band ” (1971), “ Zgga ” (1977), “ Yahha ” (1986) starring was USSR’s popular singer and musician Viktor Tsoi , “ The Needle ” (1988) starring Viktor Tsoi , “ The Wild East ” (1993).
• Rahmetolla Salmenov (1900–1970): Soviet and Kazakh actor. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1966. Since 1935 R.Salmenov worked at the Abay Opera House and the he worked at the Kazakh Drama Theater named after M.Auezov in Almaty. He played in such movies like: “ Amangeldy “, “ The Ground of Fathers “, “ Aldar Kose ” (Beardless Deceiver Aldar Kose), “ In one District “, “ The Wings of The Songs “, “ Traces go beyond the Horizon ” and many others.
• Kauken Kenzhetayev (1916–2008): Soviet and Kazakh actor, theater and opera director, singer. K.Kenzhetayev is a brother of the Kazakh film director Sh.Aimanov . Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1959, Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1959, Order of October Revolution in 1986, Laureate of the International Prize named after Ch.Aitmatov, Laureate of the Prize Tarlan , Order Parasat of the Republic of Kazazakhstan in 1996, “ Ekran Sheberi ” (English: Screen Master) in 2007, Order of Otan of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 1946–1979 K.Kenzhetayev worked at the Abay Opera House in almaty. Since 1979 he worked at the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T.Zhurgenov in Almaty. His works as theater and opera director: “ Kyz Zhibek ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Amangeldy ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Er Targyn ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Zhalbyr ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Aisulu ” by S.Mukhamedzhanov , “ Alpamys ” by Ye.Rakhmadiev , “ The Queen of Spades ” by P.Thcaikovsky , and many others. K.Kenzhetayev took part in such movies like: “ Volga-Volga ” (1938), “ Our Lovely Doctor ” by (as Policeman ) (1957) “ Traces go Beyond the Horizon ” (as Father ) (1964), “ The Wings of The Songs ” (as Nurtaza ) (1966), “ Behind us Moscow ” (as the Hero of USSR Kazakh Veteran B.Momyshuly ) (1967), “ Song about Manshuk ” (1969), “ Kyz Zhibek ” (as Bazarbay ) (1970), and many others.
• Mulyuk Surtubaev (1917–1997): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor and Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1944 and People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1955. Mostly he worked in the theater. He stated to play in the movies since 1955. His works as film actor: “ Kyz-Zhygit ” (English Girl and Guy) as Angarbai (1955), “ Our Lovely Doctor ” as Murat (1957), “ Botagoz ” as Madiar (1958) and etc. His Awards: “ Order of the Red Banner of Labor “, “ Friendship of Peoples “, “ Badge of Honor “.
• Kenenbai Kozhabekov (1928–1988): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor and Laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR named after K. Baiseitova in 1971 and People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1972. His works as actor: “ Alitet Leaves for the Hills ” as Aye (1949), “ Zhambyl ” as Nadyr (1952), “ Kyz-Zhygit ” (English Girl and Guy) as Aidar (1055), “ My Name is Kozha ” as teacher Rakhmanov (1963), “ Kyz Zhibek ” as Syrlybai Khan (1969), “ Sultan Beibars ” as Sultan-Saleh (1988–1989) and etc.
• Asanali Ashimov (born in 1937): famous USSR and Kazakh actor, theater and film director, screenwriter, teacher (pedagogic). Winner of such Awards: Laureate of the USSR State Prize in 1974, People’s Artist of the USSR in 1980, Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan in 2017, and etc. His works as an actor: dramatic movie “ Kyz Zhibek ” as Warrior Bekezhan (1969–1970), Movie “ The End of Ataman ” as Spy Chadyarov ( 1970), movie “ Trans-Siberian Express ” as Fan Chadyarov (1977), biographic movie “ Shoqan Walikhanov ” as Chigiz Walikhanov (1984), and etc.
• Anuarbek Moldabekov (1938–1985): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor. Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1970 and People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1976. Mostly he played at the theater’s scene. He started to play in the movie since 1965. His works as film actor: “ An Kanatynda ” (English The Wings of The Songs/ The Wing of The Song or On the Wing of the Song) as Musa (1966), “ Kyz Zhibek ” as Shege (1969–1970), “ Blood and Sweat” as Elaman (1978), “ Koitas ” as Artist (1984) and etc.
• Kuman Tastanbekov (1945–2017): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor. Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1982 and Honored Artist of Kazakhstan . Awards: People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1993, Order of Kurmet in 2008, Parasat’s Order in 2016. His famous role was Tolegen in the dramatic film “ Kyz Zhibek ” (1969). And movie characters Tolegen and Kyz Zhibek became the symbol of Love in Kazakhstan. In real life he married with the actress M.Otekeshova who played the main role Kyz Zhibek in the movie “ Kyz Zhibek “.
• Tungyshbai Zhamankulov , Al Tarazi (born in 1948): Soviet and Kazakh actor (theater and film), theater director, singer and poet, comedian actor, professor. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1982, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan in 1992, State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of the literature and art in 1992, National Award “Altyn Adam” Person of the Year of Kazakhstan in 2007. He helped to Lukpan Esenov and Koishigul Zhikyshiev to open the satire theater “ Tamasha “. And supported the satire theater “ Shanshar “.
• Sagi Ashimov (1961–1999): Popular Kazakh actor, son of the famous Soviet and Kazakh actor Asanail Ashimov and grandchild of the famous USSR and Kazakh SSR director Shaken Aimanov . Winner of the Award “ State Prize of the Kazakh SSR – for the main role in the movie ” Choqan Walikhanov ” as Choqan Walikhanov in 1986. His works as an actor: TV serie “ Perekriostok ” (English: Crossroads) as businessman and mafia Timur Sabirov (1995–2000), “ A Fairy Tale about Beautiful Aisulu ” as Khan (English: King) (1987), “ Choqan Walikhanov ” as Choqan Walikhanov (1983–1984), and in many other movies.
• Berik Aitzhanov (born in 1979): Kazakh theater and film actor. Laureate of the National Film Award “Kulager” in 2009 and Honored Actor of Kazakhstan in 2016. He played in such movies like: “ Mustafa Shokai ” as Baidrahman (2006), “ Myn Bala ” (Kazakh “ Zhau Zhurek Myn Bala ” in English 1000 Brave Warriors) as Abilkhair Khan (2012), “ The Voice of The Steppe “/ French “ La voix des Steppes ” as Poet Abai (2014), “ The Way to The Mother ” as Lukpan (2016). And he played as the first President of Kazakhstan N.A.Nazarbayev in the movie “ Zhuldyzdar Togyskanda ” /Russian “ Tak Slozhilis Zvezdy ” (English: This is how the Stars Formed ) (2016).
• Erden Telemisov (born in 1975): Popular Kazakh actor, film director, producer, screenwriter and film editor. He worked in many Kazakh TV Channels like: KTK , Hit TV , Kazakhstan / Qazaqstan. He took part more than 15 movies and TV series. He payed in American historical-dramatic TV Serie “ Marco Polo ” as a negative character (2014).
• Azat Seitmetov (born in 1964): Kazakh theater and film actor. Honored Actor of Kazakhstan . Winner of the Award “ Seoul International Drama Awards ” “ best male role ” for the main role in the TV Serie “ Father ” in 2016. He played in many Kazakh movies and TV series like: comedy TV Serie “ Ainalain ” as Berik – husband of Bulbul , in the biographical movie “ Balalyq Shagymnyn Aspany ” (English “ The Sky of My Childhood “) as Policeman (2011), in the movie “ The Way to The Mother ” as Zhanseit (2016).
• Erkebulan Dayirov (born in 1986): Kazakh theater and film actor. Laureate of the Prize of the Union of Youth of Kazakhstan “Serper” in 2013, Medal “Namys” named after Baurzhan Momyshuly – for the role of B.Momyshuly in 2014, Prize “ Silver George ” for the best performance of male role, Moscow International Film Festival in 2015, Honored Actor of Kazakhstan in 2018. Works as actor: Historical – biographic TV Serie “ Baurzhan Momyshuly ” as B.Momyshuly (2013), biographic movie “ Zhuldyzdar Togyskanda ” /Russian “ Tak Slozhilis Zvezdy ” (English This is how the Stars Formed ) as Abish / father of N.Nazarbayev (2016), movie” The Way to The Mother ” as Mukan (2016), historical TV Serie “ Kazakh Khanate ” as Zhanibek Khan (2016–2018), biographic movie “ Amre ” as Mustafa Shokai (2018), historical TV Serie “ Golden Orda ” as Musab (2018), biographic TV Serie “ Baluan Sholaq ” as young Baluan Sholaq (2019), historical TV Serie “ Tomoris ” as Kharasp (2019).
• Zhandos Aibasov (born in 1989): Kazakh actor, stuntman, screenwriter, producer, director. He played in many Kazakh movies like: “ He and She “, “ Taraz “, “ Lift ” and etc. Winner of the Award “ Kinoshock – 2015 ” in nomination “ Best Actor ” at the Film Festival of the CIS and Baltic States . He is a stuntman of “ NOMAD ” (“NOMAD” is a popular group of stuntmen in Kazakhstan).
• Sanjar Madi (born in 1986): Popular Kazakh actor. Winner of the “ Laureus World Sports Awards ” ( Sport Oscar Awards ) in 2018. He starred in such movies and TV series like: comedy movie of Timur Bekmambetov “ Yolki 2 ” (2011), historical-dramatic TV Serie “ Marco Polo ” (2014), Russian superhero film of Sarik Andreasyan “ Guardians ” as Khan (2017), action movie of Drew Thomas “ The Mongolian Connection ” as Serik Ibrayev (2019), biographic movie of Jeff Vespa “ Amre “/” Paris Song ” as Amre Kashaubayev (2018), and etc.

Playwriters

• Zhumat Shanin (1892–1938): Soviet and Kazakh director, dramaturg and the first person who was awarded with People’s Artist of Kazakh SSR in 1931. Zhumat Shanin was a founder of the Kazakh national professional theatrical art , founder and was an artistic director of the Kazakh Drama Theater in Kyzylorda in 1925. As dramaturg Zh.Shanin wrote some famouse plays like: “ Kozy Korpesh-Bayan Sulu “,” Arkalyk Batyr “, “ Aidarbek “, “ Pictures of the Life ” and many others. Zh.Shanin worked with Alexandr Zataevich , Amre Kashaubayev , Kalibek Kuanyshov , Isa Baizakov and many other famous people.

Theater Artists

• Kulyash Baiseitova (1912–1957): real name: Gulbakhram Beisova . Soviet and Kazakh Opera singer and dramatic actress. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1934, People’s Artist of the USSR in 1936. K.Baiseitova worked at the Kazakh Drama Theater and State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater after named “Abay “. Her roles at the theater were: “ Zaure ” as Zaure , “ Enlik-Kebek ” as Enlik , “ Aiman-Sholpan ” as Aiman , “ Shuga ” as Shuga , “ Kyz Zhibek ” as Zhibek , “ Yevgeny Onegin ” as Tatyana , “ Madame Butterfly ” as Cio-Cio-San and many others.
• Qanabek Baiseitov (1905–1979): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor, director, dramaturg, singer and People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR , Laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR . Awards: Order of Lenin in 1959 and Order of the Red Banner of Labour . Since Q.Baiseitov worked at the Kazakh Drama Theater . Qanabek Baiseitov played the main role in the play of Zhumat Shanin “ Apkalyk Batyr ” in 1926. Also he wrote plays like “ Ozbyr Bolys “, “ Zaure “, “ Tartys “, “ Kelinshek ” and others and he translated the works of Russian playwriters into Kazakh language. He played in such plays like “ Kyz Zhibek “, “ Er Targyn “, “ Zhalbir ” and other plays, but the main role Abai in opera of Akmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi which was in 1944, was pinnacle of Qanabek Baiseitov ‘s work as an actor. His wife was K.Baiseitova (real name: Gulbakhram Beisova ).
• Kamysh Karabalinova / Kamash Karabalinova / Abdullina : Soviet and Kazakh theater actress. Married with the famous Soviet and Kazakh opera singer M.Abdullin .
• Shara Zhienkulova (1912–1991): Real name is Gulshara Zhienkulova . Married with the Kazakh opera singer K.Zhandarbekov . Soviet and Kazakh dancer. One of the first Kazakh chareographer and author of many Kazakh national dance like: “ Kelinshek ” (Eng. Bride), “ Kara Zhorga “, “ Tattimbet “, “ Aizhan Kyz “, “ Kyryk Kyz ” (Eng. Fourty Girls). Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1936, Order of the Badge of Honour in 1936, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1938, Order of Lenin in 1959, Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1972 and 1982. Sh.Zhienkulova got her firs role at the Auezov Theater in Almaty. Works at the Auezov Theater : “ Maidan ” (Eng. Battle) by B.Mailin , “ Enlik-Kebek ” (as Enlik) by M.Auezov, “ Karagoz ” (as Karagoz) by M.Auezov and many others. Works at the Abay Opera House : “ Aiman-Sholpan ” by M.Auezov (dance “ Kelinshek ” by Sh.Zhienkulova ), “ Kyz Zhibek ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Zhalbyr ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Er Targyn ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Kalkaman-Mamyr “. Sh.Zhienkulova took part in such movies: “ Amangeldy ” (1938), “ Doughter of the Steppe ” (1954), “ Our Lovely Doctor ” (1957). In 1940-1962 Sh.Zhienkulova worked at the Jambul Kazakh State Philharmonic in Almaty. And the she became the head of the Kazakh SSR Song and Dance Ensenble in 1962-1966. In 1966-1975 Sh.Zhienkulova was a headmaster of the Almaty Choreographic School .
• Sara Kusherbaeva (1933–1999): Soviet and Kazakh ballet dancer, master of the Kazakh ballet, professor and member of the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR . Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1958, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1966. Since 1954 Sara Kusherbaeva worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. She took part in such ballets and played the main roles like: “ Swan Lake ” as Odette Odile by Tchaikovsky , “ The Sleeping Beauty ” as Aurora by Tchaikovsky , “ Francesca da Rimini ” as Francesca da Rimini by Tchaikovsky , “ La Esmeralda ” as Esmeralda by Cesare Pugni ,” Giselle ” ( Giselle, ou les Wilis ) by Adolphe Adam , “ The Great Waltz ” as Henrietta by Strauss , “ Kozy Korpesh-Bayan Sulu ” as Bayan Sulu by Yevgeny Brusilovsky , “ Hirosima ” as Sudzi by Gaziza Zhubanova and others.
• Aitzhan Aidarbekov (1937–2001): Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor. Awards: Honored Artist of Kazakhstan in 1984, Between 1958-1963 he worked at the Abay Opera House and then worked at Academic Drama Theater after named M.Auezov . Since 1969 A.Aidarbekov worked at the Children’s and Teenager’s Theater after named G.Musirepov . A.Aidarbekov played in such plays like: “ Young Abay ” (as Maibasar ) by M.Auezov , “ Shuga ” (as Shoqparbay ) by B.Mailin , “ Pure Love ” (as Tekebai ) by S.Mukanov , “ Good Bye, in My Fairy Tale ” (as oldman Ali) by B.Mukaev , “ Hamlet ” (as Polonin ) by W.Shakespear and others. And also he played in some movies one of them is “ Alpamys will go to School ” as the Headmaster of the School .
• Ramazan Bapov (1947–2014): Soviet and Kazakh ballet dancer, ballet master, choreographer, professor. The first ballet dancer in Kazakh history who got the Award People’s Artist of USSR in 1979. We can say that he was the first Kazakh ballet dancer ho won the second place in the junior division of the Varna International Ballet Competition in 1966 in Varna, Bulgaria. Since 1967 R.Bapov worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. His friend Pavel Rotaru invited him to work at his Ballet School in USA. R.Bapov lived in USA 13 years. In these time he opened his own School of Ballet in USA, where studied more than 140 students. R.Bapov moved back to Kazakhstan by invitation of the President of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev in 2007. After that R.Bapov became the main ballet master of the Abay Opera House in 2008. R.Bapov was an advisor to the headmaster of the theater on choreography and a professor at the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. K. Zhurgenova in Almaty.
• Nursulu Tapalova (1923–1998): Soviet and Kazakh ballet dancer, actress. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1954, Order of the Badge of Honour . Since 1936 N.Tapalova worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. In 1954 she worked at the State Kazakh Concert Association “ Kazakhconcert “. And then she moved to Jambul Kazakh State Philharmonic in Almaty. N.Tapalova took part in such ballets like: “ Kyz Zhibek ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Abay ” by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Birzhan-Sara ” by M.Tulebayev, “ Kazakh Dance ” by L.Khamidi , “ Esmeralda ” by M-.Moiseyev , “ Swan Lake ” by P.Tchaikovsky , “ Spring ” by N.Nadirov , “ The Fountain of Bakhchisarai ” by B. Asafiev and others. N.Tapalova took part in many Kazakh movies one of the is “ Jambul ” as Saltanat (1952).
• Almas Bekbosynov (1924–1974): Soviet and Kazakh ballet dancer, balletmeister. A.Bekbosynov is one of the first generation of the Kazakh ballet dancers. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1947, Order of the Badge of Honour . In 1939 A.Bekbosynov became a dancer of the Kazakh State Philharmonic . In 1940-1959 A.Bekbosynov was one of the main soloist of the Abay Opera House in Almaty. He performed in both style: classical and national. A.Bekbosynov took part in such ballets: “ Kambar and Nazym ” (as Kambar ) by V.Velikanov , “ Spring ” by I.Nadirov , “ Don Quixote ” (as Sancho Panza ) by L.Minku s, “ La Esmeralda ” (as Quasimodo ) by C.Pugni , “ The Fountain of the Bakhchisara i” (as Girey Khan ) by B.Asafyev , “ Giselle ” (as Hans ) by A.Adam and others. A.Bekbosynov also took part in such operas as a dancer: “ Abay ” by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Kyz Zhibek ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Zhalbyr ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Birzhan-Sara ” by M.Tolebayev and others.
• Dina Zhangozina (Zhurkina) (1939): Soviet and Kazakh ballet dancer, actress, ballet expert. Author of the works on Indian dance in Kazakh ballet. In 1957-1959 D.Zhankozina worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. D.Zhankozina ( Zhurkina ) took part in the famous movie “ Our Lovely Doctor ” (as dancer) directed by Sh.Aimanov (1957).
• Raushan Baiseitova (born in 1947): Ballet dancer, balletmeister. R.Baiseitova was a niece of the Kazakh Opera Singer K.Baiseitova . Awards: People’s Artist of Kazakh SSR in 1978, Honored Artist of Kazakh SSR in 1973, Laureate of the State Prize of Kazakh SSR in 1986 and 1981, Order of “ Kurmet ” in 2004. Since 1966 R.Baiseitova worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. She took part in such ballets: “ Kozy Korpesh-Bayan Sulu ” (as Bayan ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Eternal Flame ” (as Mother ) by S.Erkinbekov , “ Aksak Kulan ” (as Barshagul ) by Ye.Serkebayev , “ The Fountain of Bakhchisarai ” (as Maria ) by B.Asafyev , “ La Bayadere ” (as Hamsatti/Gamzatti , daughter of the Rajah Dugmanta of Golconda ) by L.Minkus , “ Hirosima ” (as Yuki ) by G.Zhubanova , “ The Firebird ” (as Firebird ) by I.F.Stravinsky and many others.
• Altynai Asylmuratova (born 1961): Kazakh and Russian ballet dancer, actress, professor. Daughter of the Kazakh ballet dancer Abduakhim Asylmuratov . Awards: Honored Artist of Russian Federation in 1983, Laureate of the Prize “Zolotoy Sofit” (Eng. Golden Soffit) in 1999, People’s Artist of Russia in 2001, Order of Friendship in 2013, Order of Parasat in 2016. A.Asylmuratova became a principal dancer/prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1987. And then she was a soloist of The Royal Ballet in London, United Kingdom in 1989-1993. In 1995-1997 A.Asylmuratova was in the troupe of the Ballet National de Marseille in Marseille, France. A.Asylmuratova was invited by Paris Opera in 1994. In 2015 A.Asylmuratova was invited to the opera house Astana Opera in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. And she became the artistic director of the ballet troupe of Astana Opera .
• Saule Asimova-Zhumartova (born in 1969): Kazakh actress and ballet dancer. In 1986-1992 S.Asimova ( Zhumartova ) worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. Since 1996 solorist of the ballet group Croatian National Theater in Zagreb . S.Asimova ( Zhumartova ) was in such movies like: “ Tale about The Beauty Aisulu “, “ If I were a Shark “, “ Artimizia “, “ Leytenant S ” , “ Mercy of the Sea “. S.Ashimova ( Zhumartova ) took part in such ballets at the Abay Opera House : “ Aksak Kulan ” by A.Serkebayev , “ Karagoz ” by G.Zhubanova , “ La Dame aux Camelias ” author A.DSumas , “ La Traviata ” by G.Verdi , “ Swan Lake ” by P.Tchaikovsky , “ The Nutcracker ” by P.Tchaikovsky and many others.
• Saule Rakhmedova (born in 1969): ballet dancer, and The First “ Miss Kazakhstan ” in 1989. Awards: Honored Artist of Kazakhstan in 2006, Order of Kurmet in 2013. In 1989-1996 S.Rakhmedova was the main soloist at the Russian National Ballet Theater . Then in 1997-1998 S.Rakhmedova worked with Southern Ballet of Orlando and New-Jersey Ballet Company in USA. Since 2008 S.Rakhmedova is a principal dancer/prima ballerina of the Abay Opera House in Alamaty. Works at the Abay Opera House : “ The Sleeping Beauty ” by S.Prokofiev , “ Swan Lake ” by P.Tchaikovsky , “ Romeo and Juliet ” by S.Prokofiev , “ Carmen ” by P.Merimee , “ La Esmerald a” by C.Pugni , “ Cinderella ” by S.Prokofiev , “ Giselle ” by A.Adam , “ Anna Karenina ” by R.Shchedrin , “ Shahrezada “by M.Fokin , “ La Bayadere ” by L.Minkus , “ Le Corsaire ” by A.Adam and many others.

Composers and musicians

• Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly (1818/1823–1889/1896): Kazakh folk composer, instrumentalist, dombra player and folk musician. K.Sagyrbayuly is an author of many-many Kazakh kyuis . For example: “ Kishkentai ” (one of the first kyui of K.Sagyrbayuly ), “ Alatau “, “ Saryarka “, “ Balbyraun “, “ Balkaimak “, “ Adai “, “ Akzhelen “, “ Kuanysh “,” Aksak Kiyk “, “ Serper “, “ Nazym “, “ Toremurat “, “ Kyzyl Kain “, “ Zhiger “, “ Kobik Shashkan “, “ Akbai “, “ Amandasar “, “ Laushken “,” Teris Kakpai “,” Kapy “, “ Bozsholaq ” and many others. His student was a famous Kazakh woman, dombra player D.Nurpeisova .
• N urgisa Tlendiyev (1925–1998): Soviet and Kazakh composer, conductor, dombra player, professor. Awards: Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1959, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1975, People’s Artist of USSR in 1984, Order of the Patriotic War in 1985, People’s Hero of Kazakhstan in 1998, Order of Otan in 1998. In 1953–1961 N.Tlendiyev became the conductor of the Abay Opera House in Almaty. And he moved to Kurmangazy Kazakh State Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments and became the main conductor and artistic director. After this, N.Tlendiyev was a headmaster of the Abay Opera House . N.Tlendiyev was a main music editor of the film studio “ Kazakhfilm ” in 1968-1981. Then he was a main conductor of the Folk Musical Orchestra “ Otrar Sazy “. Author of over 500 music compositions. For Example: Songs, Kyuis, Overtunes, Cantatas, Operas, Ballets, Poems and Romances.
• Shamshi Kaldayakov (1930–1992): Soviet and Kazakh composer, famous as “ King of the Kazakh Waltz ” and mandalin player. Music author of the National Anthem of Kazakhstan “ Menin Qazaqstanym ” (Eng. My Kazakhstan). Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1991, Honored worker of the culture of the Kazakh SSR in 1980. Sh.Kaldayakov made more than 55 music for songs. His works: “ Kuanysh Valsy ” (Eng. The Waltz of Joy), “ Bakyt Kushagynda ” ( Eng. In The Arms of The Happiness/In The Hug of The Happiness), “ Barinende Sen Sulu ” (Eng. You are the most Beautiful Girl), “ Omir Ozen ” (Eng. River of Life/The River-The Life), “ Kaidasyn ” (Eng. Where are you?), “ Otan ” (Eng. Motherland), “ Otyrardagy Toi ” (Eng. The Celebration in Otrar), “ Anim Sen Edyn ” (Eng. You were My Song/You are My Song), “ Kyz Sagynyshy ” (Eng. The Missing of Girl – the girl who is missing somebody (Love), the feeling), “ Syr Suluyi ” (Eng. The Beautiful Girl of Syr Daria/ The Beauty from/of Syr Daria), “ Tamdy Aruy ” (Eng. The Beautiful Girl of Tamdy/The Beauty of Tamdy), “ Kayikta ” (Eng. On The Boat) and many others.

• Bazarbai Zhumanyazov (1936–2015): Soviet and Kazakh composer, professor. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1983, Order of the Friendship of Peoples in 1986, People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1990, Order of Parasat in 1999. In 1964–1965 B.Zhumabyazov was a musical editor of the film studio “ Kazakhfilm “. And then in 1973–1984 he became a deputy chairman of the Union of Composers of Kazakhstan . In 1984–1987 B.Zhumanyazov was a headmaster of the Abay Opera House in Almaty. In 1991–1998 he became the first secretary of the Union of Composers of Kazakhstan . B.Zhumanyazov wrote music for plays and films. Works: “ Makhambet “, cantata “ Earth “, “ Cantata about the Motherland “, cantata “ Glory of Labour “, orchestra poem “ Serper “, choral poem “ Song of Anger ” by M.Otemisuly , symphonic kyui “ Joy “, contata “ Triumph of the Matherland “, symphonic picture “ Steppe ” and many others.
• Raisa Sadykova (1944–2020): Soviet and Kazakh conductor, kapellmeister, The first Kazakh woman who became a professional conductor, bandmaster. Since 1975 R.Sadykova was a conductor of the Abay Opera House in Almaty. And then in 1964–1975 R.Sadykova worked at the Kurmangazy Kazakh State Academic Orchestra of Folk Instrument in Almaty.
• Tolepbergen Abdrashev (1948–2007): Soviet and Kazakh conductor, kapellmeister, composer, professor. Awards: Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1982, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan in 1995, Laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1998, Order of Kurmet in 2005. In 1978-1982 T.Abdrashev was a composer of the State Symphony Orchestra of the Kazakh SSR . Then in 1983-1985 he was a composer of the Abay Opera House in Almaty. In 1987-2007 T.Abdrashev was the main conductor of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Kazakhstan . T.Abdrashev was a professor at the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory in Almaty.
• Marat Bisengaliev (born 1962): Kazakh famous violinist, conductor, professor. Awards: Honored Artist of Kazakhstan in 2000, Order of Kurmet in 2000 and many others. M.Bisengaliyev founded Kazakh Chamber Orchestra/Concert Orchestra “ Altyn Alma ” in 1988. And also M.Bisengaliyev is the founding Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra of India since 2006 – the first professional orchestra in the history of India. M.Bisengaliyev is a conductor and an artistic director of the West Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra .
• Alan Buribaev (born 1979), conductor

Opera Singers

• Zhusupbek Elebekov (1904–1977): Kazakh Opera singer. Z.Elebekov was a solonist of the Kazakh Philharmonic Society and the “ Kazakh Concert ” in 1935-1960. Awards: People’s Artist Of Kazakh SSR in 1942, Laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR in 1968, Order of Lenin in 1959, Order of the Red Banner Labor and many others. Z.Elebekov ‘s students were famouse Kazakh artists: Madeniet Yeshekeev , Kairat Baibosynov , Zhanibek Karmenov .
• Anuarbek Umbetbayev (1914–1973): Soviet and Kazakh Opera singer and one of the founder of the Kazakh Opera art. Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1947, Laureate of the Stalin Prize in 1949, Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1959. Since 1937 A.Umbetbayev worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. He took part in such operas like: “ Abay ” (as Aidar ) by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Dudara i” (as Duman ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Nazygym “(as Baki ) by Q. Khojamyarov , “ Birzhan-Sara ” (as Birzhan ) by M.Tulebayev , “ Altynshash ” (as Jik-Mergen ) by N.Cihanov , “ Daisi ” (Eng. Twilight) (as Malkhaz ) by Z.Paliashvili , “ Carmen ” (as Don Joze ) by G.Bizet , “ Tosca ” (as a painter Cavaradossi ) by G.Puccini , “ Cio-Cio-San ” ( Madama Butterfly ) (as Lieutenant in the United States Navy ) by G.Puccini , “ Ruslan and Lyudmila ” (as a good sorcerer Finn ) by M.Glinka and many others.
• Muslim Abdullin (1916–1996): Soviet and Kazakh opera singer and crooner (Estrada singer). M.Abdullin is a twin brother of R.Abdullin . Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1947, Order of the red Banner of Labour in 1959, Order of the Badge of Honour in 1986. In 1939-1965 M.Abdullin worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. Since 1965 he was head of the State Kazakh Concert Association “ Kazakhconcer t”. M. Abdullin took part in such operas like: “ Kyz Zhibek ” (as Tulegen ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Zhalbyr ” (as Kairakbai ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Er Targyn ” (as Balpana ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Aiman-Sholpan ” (as Arystan ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Abay ” (as Azim ) by A.Zhubano v and L.Khamidi , “ Amangeld y” (as Zilkary ) by Ye.Brusilovsky and M.Tulebayev , “ Birzhan-Sar a” (as Serik ) by M.Tulebayev , “ Kamar Sulu ” (as Tuyakbai ) by Ye.Rakhmadiyev and others.
• Rishat Abdullin (1916–1988): Soviet and Kazakh opera singer, Crooner (Estrada singer). R.Abdullin is a twin brother of the Kazakh Opera singer M.Abdullin . Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1947, Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1959,People’s Artist of USSR in 1967, State Prize of the Kazakh SSR in 1978, Order of the Friendship of People in 1986, Order of the October Revolution . Between 1939-1985 R.Abdulli n worked at the Abay Opera House . He sang opera songs with his brother M.Abdullin . R.Abdullin took part in such operas like: “ Abay ” (as Abai ) by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Dudarai ” (as Artyom , Duman ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Nazygym ” (as Gulmat ) by Q.Khojamyarov , “ Zhalbyr ” (as Sugur ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Beket ” (as Olzhai ) by A.Zilber , “ Birzhan-Sara ” (as Kozhagul ) by M.Tulebayev , “ Yevgeny Onegin ” (as Onegin) by P.Tchaikovsky , “ Golden Grai n” (as Sugur ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Carmen ” (as Escamillo ) by G.Bizet , “ La Traviata ” (as Alfredo Germont a young bourgeuos from a provincial family) by G.Verdi , “ Daisi ” (as Kiazo ) by G.Puccini , “ Cio-Cio-San ” ( Madama Butterfly ) (as Sharpless , United states consul in Nagasaki) by G.Puccini and many others. R.Abdullin took part in the movie “ Our Lovely Docto r” as Singer (1957).
• Roza Baglanova (1922–2011): Soviet and Kazakh Opera and Estrada singer. Awards: People’s Artist of Kazakh SSR in 1955, People’s artist of USSR in 1967, Order of Lenin in 1959, People’s Hero of Kazakhstan in 1996, and many others. Since 1941 R.Baglanova worked in Samarkand at the State Women’s Song and Dance Ensemble of the Uzbek SSR of the Uzbek Philharmonic . During World War II R.Baglanova went to the front with the ensemble. She was a part of a brigade of artists who made concerts for soldiers as support. R.Baglanova performed in front of the soldiers of the Red Army right on the front line. Her front-line concerts were successful. She sang songs from the repertoire of L.Ruslanova . Especially the song “ Ah, Samara-Gorodok “. L.Ruslanova gave this song “ Ah, Samara-Gorodok ” to R.Baglanova as a present. On May 9, 1945 she took part in the Victory Concert in Berlin. On the battlefield, a shell exploded trough to her face by damaging her eyes. In 1979 was made operation to her eyes. In 1947–1949 R.Baglanova worked at the Abay opera house in Almaty. After that in 1949–1960 she worked at the Jambul Kazakh State Philharmonic in Almaty. In 1960 R.Baglanova became the leading stage master of the Kazakh State Concert Association “ Kazakhconcert “.
• Yermek Serkebaev (1926–2013): Soviet and Kazakh Opera singer, actor and professor. Awards: People’s Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1958, People’s Artist of USSR in 1959, Laureate of Kazakh SSR Prize in 1972, Laureate of USSR Prize in 1977, Hero of Socialist Labour in 1986, Order of Otan in 1997 and others. Since 1947 Yermek Serkebaev worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. Yermek Serkebaev was a member and chairman of the jury of many prestigious contests of performers. Since 1988 he also was a Chairman of the Board of the Union of Musical Figures of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a member o f the Presidium of the International Union of Musical Figures in Moscow. Yermek Serkebaev also played in some movies like: “ Our lovely Doctor ” as Taken in 1957, “ Taqyaly Perishte ” (Angel in Skullcap) as Chingiz in 1968 directed by Shaken Aimanov .
• Roza Jamanova (1928–2013): Soviet and Kazakh Opera singer, professor. Awards: People’s Artist of USSR in 1959, Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR in 1957, Order of the Red Banner of Labour in 1971, Order of Lenin in 1986, Order of Parasat in 2001. Since 1953 Roza Jamanova worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. Roza Jamanova ‘s favorite character was Cio-Cio-San , opera of Italian opera compose Giacomo Puccini “ Cio-Cio-San “/” Madame Butterfly “. Roza Jamanova was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and was a Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of Kazakh SSR 6th convocation and Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union 8th convocation.
• Bibigul Tulegenova (born in 1929): Soviet and Kazakh Opera singer, actress, professor. Awards: People’s Artist of USSR in 1967, State Prize of USSR in 1970, Hero of the Socialist Labour in 1991. Since 1954 B.Tulegenova worked at the Kazakh Radio . Since 1956 she worked at the Kazakh National Conservatory named after Kurmangaz y and also she worked at the Abay Opera House since 1971. B.Tulegenova was a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of USSR between 1968-1982, 9th convocation. Her famous repertoires: “ Bulbul ” (Eng. Nightingale) by L.Khamidi , “ Gaukhar Tas ” (Eng. Diamond) Kazakh Folk song , “ Kos Karlygash ” (Eng. Two Swallows ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Tarantella ” by Ye.Rakhmadiev , “ Spring Waltz ” by S.Mukhamedzhanova , and others. She took part in such operas like: “ Kyz Zhibek ” (as Kyz Zhibek ) by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Abay ” (as Azhar ) by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Enlik-Kebek ” ( as Enlik ) by G.Zhubanova , “ Alpamys ” (as Gulbarshyn ) by Ye.Rakhmadiev , “ Don Giovanni ” (as Zerlina ) by Mozart , “ Don Pasquale ” (as Norina ) by G.Donizetti , and others. B.Tulegenova also took part in famous Kazakh movies like: “ Dala Kyzy ” (Eng. Daughter of the Steppe) as Karashash (1954), “ Our lovely Doctor ” as Singer (1957), “ Taqyaly Perishte ” (Eng. Angel in Skullcap) as Dougter of Tana (1968), “ Parallel Voices ” as Opera singer (2005), in the biographical movie “ Balalyq Shagymnyn Aspany ” (English “ The Sky of My Childhood “) as Grandmother of N.Nazarbayev .
• Bakyt Ashimova (1937–2012): Soviet and Kazakh singer. Awards: People’s Artist of Kazakhstan in 1984. Since 1963 B.Ashimova worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. She took part in such operas like: “ Abay ” by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Tulegen Toktarov ” by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Kyz Zhibek ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Er Targyn ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ Birzhan-Sara ” by M.Tulebaev , “ Alpamys ” by N.Zhiganov , “ Yevgeny Onegin ” by P.Tchaikovsky , “ Cio-Cio-San ” by G.Puccini , “ Kurmangazy ” by G.Zhubanova , “ Aisulu ” by S.Mukhamedzhanov , “ Zhumbak Kyz ” ( eng. Mysterious Girl) by S.Mukhamedzhanov , “ Kamar Sulu ” by Ye.Rakhmadiev , and others. B.Ashimova also sang the songs of the Kazakh composer N.Tlendiev : “ Zhuregim Menin “(Eng. My Heart), “ Kua Bol “, “ Mahabbat Muny “(Eng. The Sadness Of Love), “ Kunder-ai “(Eng. Oh, Days), “ Sarzhailau “(Golden Steppe), “ Sonbeidy Azhe, Shyragyn ” and others. And also B.Ashimova sang the songs of Ye.Pakhmadiev : “ Bala Gashyq ” (Childish Love), “ Sagyndym Erkem ” (I miss you), “ Kuzde “(in Autumn) and song of B.Kurmangaliev “Ardagym” (My Dear), song of the “ King of the Kazakh Waltz ” Kazakh composer Sh.Kaldayakov “ Shynarym “, Kazakh composer A.Beiseuov “ Altynym “, “ A.Moldagaiov “ Algashky Ustazym ” , Zhakanov “ Almaty Keshi ” and others.
• Sultan Baisultanov (1947–2012): Soviet and Kazakhstani Opera singer. Awards: People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and People’s Artist of Checheno-Ingush ASSR . S.Baisultanov worked at the State Theater of Chechen for Young Spectators and then since 1979 he worked at the Abay Opera House in Almaty. S.Baisultanov also worked at Kazakh National Conservatory in Almaty . He took part in such operas: “ Twenty Eight ” (as Kosayev ) by G.Zhubanova , “ Birzhan-Sara ” (as Birzhan ) by M.Tolebayev , “ Yevgeny Onegin ” (as Vladimir Lensky ) by P.Tchaikovsky, “ Prince Igo r” (as Vladimir Igorovich ) by A.Borodin , “ Iolanta ” (as Count Vaudemont , a Burgundian knight ) by P.Tchaikovsky , “ The Queen of Spades ” (as Herman ) by P.Tchaikovsky , “ La Traviata ” (as Alfredo Germont ) by G.Verdi , “ Rigoletto ” (as Duke of Mantua ) by G.Verdi , “ Turandot ” (as The unknown Prince (Calaf) ) by G.Puccini , “ Madama Butterfly ” (as B.F.Pinkerton ) by G.Puccini , “ Carmen ” (as Don Jose ) by G.Bizet , “ Faust ” (as Faust ) by Ch.Gounod , “ The Barber of Seville ” (as Count Almaviva ) by G.Rossini , “ The Tales of Hoffmann ” (as Hoffmann ) by J.Offenbach , “ Die Fledermaus “/” The Bat ” (as Heinrich von Eisenstein ) by J.Strauss II , “ Lucia di Lammemoor ” (as Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood ) by G.Donizett i and many others.
• Alibek Dnishev (born in 1951): Soviet and Kazakh Opera and Estrada singer. Awards: People’s Artist of Kazakh SSR in 1979, People’s Artist of USSR in 1986, Order of Parasat in 1996, Order of Otan in 2001. A.Dnishev was in the vocal instrumental-ensemble “ Zhetigen “. In 1976 A.Dnishev became the soloist of the Jambul State Kazakh Philharmonic in Almaty. And then in 1978 he became the soloist of the Abay Opera Hous e in Almaty. A.Dnishev was a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR , 11th convocation. A.Dnishev ‘s repertoires: “ Abay ” by A.Zhubanov and L.Khamidi , “ Dudarai ” by Ye.Brusilovsky , “ May Night ” by N. Rimsky-Korsakov , “ Yevgeny Onegin ” by P.Tchaikovsky , “ Prince Igor ” by A.Borodin ,and many others.

Philosophers

• Al-Farabi (872–950): Full name: Abu Nasir Muhammad ibn Muhammad Tarkhan ibn Uzlag al-Farabi at-Turki (in Latin: Alpharabius ). Al Farabi was born in Farab , current Otrar , Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. Famous philosopher, scientist, philologist, astronomer, poet, scientist and mathematician. Al Farabi also well know as “ The Second Teacher ” after Aristotle who was known as “ The First Teacher “. Al Farabi known as a founder of the philosophy in Islamic World. Some infos are telling that he spoke in 70 languages. He wrote about philosophy, physics, metaphysics, cosmology, logics, politics, mathematics and music. His works: “ A Word about Substance “, “ Book about the Definition and Classification of Sciences “, “ A Word about the Emptiness ” (maybe it was one of the first work on vacuum), “ Political Regime “, “ Selected Aphorisms “, “ Virtuous City “, “ Enumeration of the Sciences “, “ Book of Religion “, “ Book of Letters “, “ The necessity of the Art of the Elixir ” and many others.
• Khoja Ahmed Yassawi (1106–1166): Full name is: Ahmed bin Ibrahim bin Elias Yassawi . Well known as Khazreti Sultan . Ahmed Yassawi was born in Ispijab , current Sayram , Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Famous Turk and Sufi poet and Sufi (Muslim mystic), philosopher, wiseman, Islamic preacher. Founder of the Sufism in Central Asia. He put a lot of efforts into spreading Islam in Central Asia. Khoja Akmed Yassawi was a student of the famous Islamic preacher Arystan Bab . Works: A.Yassawi is an author of the philosophical poem “ Book of Wisdom “/” Divani Hikmet “. K.A.Yassawi ‘s mausoleum was build by order of the Emir Temur / Amir Temir / Temurleng the head of the Timur Empire in 1385. Now the mausoleum one of the touristic center of the Central Asia and Kazakhstan. As the legend is telling, when K.A.Yassawi turned in 63, he didn’t wanted to live on the ground. Because he told that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) lived only 63 years, how can I live on the ground, so he ordered to build underground Mosque and place for pray Kiluet . He spend rest of his life in underground Mosque and Kiluet . As infos telling, he lived around 90, but in some infos written that he lived 120 years. The underground Mosque and Kiluet are located next to the mausoleum in Turkestan, Turkestan region, Kazakhstan.
• Abay Qunanbayuli (1845–1904): Famous Kazakh poet, translator, composer and philosopher. One of the first classic of the Kazakh literature. Abai is an author of the book “ Book of Words “/” Abaidyn Qara Sozderi ” and also known as “ Gaqliya “. He is an author of the songs: “ Zhelsiz Tunde Zharyk Ai “/ “ Zhelsiz Tunde Zharyq Ai ” (direct English translation: A Moon on the Waveless Night”) and “ Kozimnyn Qarasy ” (directly translated into English: You The Pupil of My Eyes). Abai wrote more than 140 poems one of the is: “ Gylym Tappai Maktanba ” (English translation: Don’t brag without Knowledge…/Don’t be proud without Knowledge…), “ Kys “/”Winter”, “ Kuz “/”Autumn”, “ Zhaz ” / “Summer”, “ Zhazgytury ” /”Summer”, “ Qalyn Elim, Qazagym, Qairan Zhurtym “, “ Olen Sozdin Patshasy ” (Eng. translation: A Song is A King of the Word) and many many others. He also translated the poems of the foreign poets:  “ Wanderers Nachtlied ” by Goethe , he translated Lermontov ‘s version of this poem into Kazakh language, “ Yevgeny Onegin ” by Pushkin , and some poems of Lermontov , some poems of Krilov and many others. 
• Shakarim Qudayberdiuli (1858–1931): Famous Kazakh philosopher, poet, writer, author, composer, translator. One of the classic of the Kazakh literature. Shakarim Qudayberdiuli is a nephew of Abai Qunanbayuli . Shakarim is an author of the many Kazakh Dastans (Poems) like: “ Kalkaman Mamyr “, “ Enlik-Kebek “, “ Nartailak-Aisulu “. Author of the song: “ Bul An Burungy Annen Ozgerek ” (English translation: This Song is Different than other song). Holland-German piano player, pianist, etnographer Bimboes Alwin Ernst wrote notes of that song of Shakarim and another song of Shakarim . Shakarim wrote a novell “ Adil-Maria “. Shakarim author of the works like: “ Turik, Qyrgyz, Qazaq ham Khandar Shezhiresi ” (Geneology of the Khans of the Turks, Kyrgyzs, Kazakhs), “ Musulmandyk Sharty ” (Muslim Conditions). Shakarim translated the works of the foreign authors and poets like: “ The Three Questions ” by L.Tolstoy , “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ” by Harriet Beecher Stowe , “ Layla and Majnun ” by Nizami Ganjavi ,” Storm ” and “ Dubrovsky ” by A.S.Phuskin into Kazakh language. Shakarim called himself “ Mutulgan “.

Kazakh Artists

• Abylkhan Kasteev (1904–1973), painter
• Agimsaly Duzelkhanov (born 1951)

Writers and poets

• Khoja Akhmet Yassawi (1106–1166) – poet and Sufi (Muslim mystic)
• Bukhar-zhirau Kalmakanov (1693–1789) – poet
• Makhambet Otemisuly (1804–1846): Poet, singer, dombra player, warrior. One of the leaders of the insurrection in West Kazakhstan in 1836–1838. He was best friend of Isatai Taimanuly . M.Otemisuly ‘s poems are dedicated more to the Insurrection of Kazakh People . Poems: “ War “, “ Isatai son of Taiman “, “ A Great Dream “, “ To Sultan Baimagambet “, “ To Jangir “, “ Curse to Jangir “, “ Isatai degen Agam bar ” (Eng. I have a brother who called Isatai), “ Isatai Sozy ” (Eng. Word of Isatai), “ Argymakka oq tidy ” (Eng. The Horse was shooted- it’s about the death of Isatai Taimanuly), “ Zhalgan Dunye ” (Eng. A lie Life), “ Munaima ” (Eng. Don’t be sad), “ Tarlanym “, “ Yereuil Atka Er Salmai “, “ Jaik boiy kok shalgyn “, “ Azamat Erdin Balasy “, “ Zhelp-zhelp etken Ala Tu “, “ Munar Kun “. M.Otemisuly an author of the 11 kyuis ( the music played by Kazakh musical instrument Dombra ).
• Shokan Walikhanuli (1835–1865) – scholar, ethnographer and historian
• Ibrahim Altynsarin (1841–1889) – pedagogue, writer
• Abay Qunanbayuli (1845–1904) – poet, composer and philosopher
• Jambyl Jabayev (1846–1945) – akyn, student of Suinbay
• Alikhan Bokeikhanov (1866–1937) – writer, political activist and environmental scientist
• Akhmet Baytursinuli (1873–1937) – poet, writer, pedagogue and politician
• Mirjaqip Dulatuli (1885–1935) – poet, writer and a leader of Alash Orda government
• Sultanmahmut Toraygirov (1893–1920) – poet and writer
• Magzhan Zhumabayev (1893–1938) – writer, publicist, founder of modern Kazakh literature
• Saken Seyfullin (1894–1939) – poet and writer, national activist
• Mukhtar Auezov (1897–1961) – writer, public figure
• Baurzhan Momyshuly (1910–1982) – writer, hero of the Soviet Union during World War II
• Sabit Mukanov (1900–1973) – poet and writer
• Gabit Musirepov (1902–1985) – writer, playwright
• Mukaghali Makatayev (1931 – 1976) – akyn, poet
• Tauman Torekhanov (born 1931) – writer, journalist and executive editor
• Qabdesh Jumadilov (born 1936) – writer
• Olzhas Suleimenov (born 1936) – poet, politician, and anti-nuclear activist
• Mukhtar Shakhanov (born 1942) – writer, lawmaker, ambassador
• Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov (born 1951) – poet and lyricist
• Karina Abdullina (born 1976), poet and singer

Applied and Natural Science

• Shafik Chokin (1912–2003) – engineer, President of Academy of Sciences
• Kanysh Satpayev (1899–1964) – engineer, geologist, President of Academy of Sciences
• Ken Alibek (born 1950) – microbiologist
• Kaisha Atakhanova (born 1957) – genetic biologist

Social science

• Al-Farabi (872–950) – scientist, philosopher and mathematician
• Askar Dzhumadildayev (born 1956) – mathematician
• Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat (1499 or 1500 – 1551) – historian, Chagatai Turco-Mongol military general
• Sarsen Amanzholov (1903–1958) – linguist, Turkologist
• Orazak Ismagulov (born 1930) – anthropologist
• Zhenis Kembayev (born 1975) – jurist
• Marat Aldangorovich Sarsembaev (born 1947) – jurist
• Serik Konakbaev (born 1959) – silver medal winner of the 1980 Summer Olympics
• Bolat Niyazymbetov (born 1972) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
• Yermakhan Ibraimov (born 1972) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics, champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Bekzat Sattarkhanov (1980–2000) – champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Bulat Jumadilov (born 1973) – silver medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2000 Summer Olympics
• Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov (born 1976) – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Bakhtiyar Artayev (born 1983) – champion of the 2004 Summer Olympics
• Serik Yeleuov (born 1980) – bronze medal winner of the 2004 Summer Olympics
• Bakhyt Sarsekbayev (born 1981) – champion of the 2008 Summer Olympics
• Yerkebulan Shynaliyev (born 1987) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
• Serik Sapiyev (born 1983) – boxer, champion of the 2012 Summer Olympics
• Kanat Islam (born 1984) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics, WBA Inter-Continental, WBO NABO, WBO Inter-Continental, WBA Fedelatin, WBA Fedecaribe Super welterweight
• Yerdos Zhanabergenov (born 1983) – boxer
• Gennady Golovkin (born 1982) – silver medal winner of the 2004 Summer Olympics, current WBC, IBF, WBA Super Middleweight and IBO champion

Greek-Roman (Classic) style

• Kazhymukan Munaitpasov (1871–1948) – first Kazakh who won a World Championship in 1908
• Shamil Serikov (1956–1989) – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics
• Jacksylyk Ushkempirov (born 1951) – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics
• Daulet Turlykhanov (born 1963) – silver medal winner of the 1992 Summer Olympics, silver bronze-winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
• Nurbakyt Tengizbayev (born 1983) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
• Asset Mambetov (born 1982) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics

• Maulen Mamyrov (born 1970) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
• Islam Bairamukov (born 1971) – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Askhat Zhitkeyev (born 1981) – judoka, silver medal-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
• Yeldos Smetov (born 1992) – judoka, silver medal-winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
• Zhansaya Abdumalik (born 2000) – International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
• Darmen Sadvakasov (born 1978) – chess grandmaster
• Rinat Jumabayev (born 1989) – chess grandmaster
• Evgeni Nabokov (born 1975) – former NHL goaltender (1995–2015)
• Alzhan Zharmukhamedov (1944–2022) – 1st Olympic champion of Kazakh origin, won Olympic gold medal with the Soviet Basketball team in 1972 in Munich
• Aigerim Aitymova (born 1993) – 2019 Kazakhstan women’s national football team
• Seilda Baishakov (born 1950) – FC Kairat (1971–1981)
• Samat Smakov (born 1978) – footballer, General Director for FC Aktobe
• Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev (born 1981) – footballer, Sports Director for FC Tobol
• Kairat Ashirbekov (born 1982) – FC Ordabasy from 2010
• Serikzhan Muzhikov (born 1989) – FC Astana from 2014
• Madi Zhakypbayev (born 2000) – FC Astana from 2016
• Baktiyar Zaynutdinov (born 1998) – Kazakh professional footballer, FC Rostov from 2019
• Bauyrzhan Islamkhan (born 1993) – Kazakh professional footballer, captain FC Kairat from 2014
• Yerkebulan Seydakhmet (born 2000) – Kazakh professional footballer FC Ufa from 2018
• Alexander Bublik (born 1997)
• Mikhail Kukushkin (born 1987)
• Yulia Putintseva (born 1995)
• Elena Rybakina (born 1999)
• Assan Bazayev (born 1981) – cyclist
• Alexander Vinokourov (born 1973) – cyclist, Olympic Gold Champion in 2012

Ski Jumping

• Assan Takhtakhunov (born 1986) – ski jumper
• Radik Zhaparov (born 1984) – ski jumper

Figure Skating

• Andrey Kryukov (born 1971) – Figure Skater
• Elizabet Tursynbayeva (born 2000) – figure skater and 2019 World Silver Medalist
• Arman Chilmanov (born 1984) – taekwondo athlete, bronze prize-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
• Dias Keneshev (born 1985) – biathlet
• Kaisar Nurmagambetov (born 1977) – flatwater canoer
• Boris Polak (born 1954) – Israeli world champion and Olympic sport shooter
• Eduard Vinokurov (1942–2010) – Kazakh-born Soviet Olympic and world champion fencer
• Yernar Yerimbetov (born 1980) – gymnast
• Aliya Yussupova (born 1984) – athlete
• Kasym Kaysenov (1918–2006) – war hero and writer

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Cultural heritage of Kazakh people: Everything you need to know

In the vast tapestry of human history, few cultures can boast a heritage as rich, diverse, and captivating as that of the Kazakh people. The Mongolian Kazakhs have a history spanning over 130 years, initially linked to China’s Altai Mountains region in the late 19th century, where they migrated from various Kazakh tribes and settled in more than 20 different areas. In this article, we delve deep into the cultural heritage of Kazakh people, exploring their traditions, art, music, cuisine, and more

From the 1930s, Kazakh communities along the Altai border began migrating in groups to Mongolia . Before 1911, during the Bogd Khan’s reign in independent Mongolia, approximately 21,000 Kazakhs from the Naiman tribe lived in border areas. On June 9, 1938, their situation was resolved through the establishment of small communities, and in 1940, the Bayan-Ölgii province was officially founded.

The Mongolian Kazakhs stand out as the only Kazakh group preserving their traditional culture and language. Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia’s westernmost aimak, is geographically closer to Kazakhstan than Ulaanbaatar , with 90 percent of the population being ethnic Kazakh. Rooted in their nomadic lifestyle, Kazakh traditions encompass yurt construction, horseback riding, and livestock herding, especially of horses, sheep, and camels.

The majority of Kazakh people in Mongolia practice Islam, mainly following the Sunni Hanafi tradition. Their faith combines Islamic customs with elements of traditional Kazakh animism and shamanism. Mosques serve as pivotal community centers, and Islamic rituals are integrated into cultural practices, particularly during significant life events.

Their nomadic lifestyle influences religious practices, and Mongolia’s religious tolerance enables coexistence with various faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Mongolian shamanism among Kazakh communities.

Kazakh is a Turkic language central to their cultural identity. In Kazakhstan, it is the official state language, influencing the country’s culture, media, education, and administration. In Mongolia, many Kazakhs are bilingual, speaking both Kazakh and Mongolian. Kazakh oral literature, including epic poetry (“dastans”) and storytelling, plays a pivotal role in preserving their history and values, passed down through generations.

Kazakh cuisine revolves around meat and dairy, with staples like lamb, beef, and horse meat prepared in dishes such as Beshbarmak (boiled meat over noodles) and Manti (dumplings). Dairy products, such as kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and aaruul (dried cheese), are integral. Bread, tea with milk and salt, and traditional sweets like chak-chak complete the culinary landscape. Food embodies Kazakh culture and hospitality, often shared during gatherings and celebrations.

Arts and crafts

The main arts and crafts of Kazakh culture include intricate felt-making and embroidery in textiles, intricate silverwork in jewelry, woodwork for yurt construction, and pottery with vibrant hand-painted designs. Leathercraft produces various items such as saddles, boots, belts, and bags adorned with detailed patterns.

These crafts serve not only as functional pieces but also as expressions of cultural heritage and identity, passed down through generations. They play a vital role in preserving Kazakh traditions and continue to thrive, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the Kazakh people.

Music and dance

Kazakh traditional music features iconic instruments like the dombra, a two-stringed lute, alongside instruments such as the kobyz, sybyzgy, and shankobyz. Their music spans genres from epic “dastans” narrated by storytellers to love songs and lively dances like the eagle dance, kara zhorga, and sheshu, all integral to cultural celebrations and festivals.

Horse Culture

Kazakhs have a deep-rooted tradition of horseback riding. Horses are essential for daily transportation, herding livestock, and traveling vast distances across the steppes. Kazakh riders are known for their equestrian skills, and horseback riding competitions and games are common during cultural festivals. Kazakh equestrian games, known as “Kokpar” and “Kyz Kuu,” are popular traditional sports that showcase riders’ skills and agility.

Eagle hunting

In western Mongolia, particularly among the Kazakh community, the tradition of buckthorn hunting with horses and eagles holds a special place. This practice is not just a hobby; it’s an ancestral heritage that has been lovingly passed down through generations. From a young age, Kazakh children are introduced to the world of eagle training and scouting.

The cultural heritage of the Kazakh people stands as a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and the preservation of traditions evolving over centuries of nomadic life in Central Asia’s vast steppes. This heritage comprises a rich tapestry of customs, art, and beliefs, continuously shaping the identity of the Kazakh people today.

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World countries facts

• World countries
• Central Asia
• Famous people

Republic of Kazakhstan Central Asia Astana 17,948,816 inhabitants 2,724,900 sq km 6.59 inhabitants/sq km tenge (KZT) population evolution

Famous people from Kazakhstan

Here is a list of famous people from Kazakhstan . Curious if anybody from Kazakhstan made it our most famous people in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.

Wladimir Klitschko

Professional Boxer

Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian heavyweight professional boxer. Klitschko is the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring Heavyweight Champion, and is the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko is the longest reigning IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight Champion in history with the most title defenses for those organizations. Overall, he is the 2nd longest reigning Heavyweight Champion of all time with the 3rd most successful title defenses at 15. On the 13th October 2013, Boxrec rated Klitschko as the number 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Ring Magazine currently rates Klitschko as the number four pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Klitschko is no. 3 on the all time list for most heavyweight title fights, only behind Joe Louis & Muhammad Ali. Since 2005, Klitschko has been the dominant force in the heavyweight division, defeating a majority of the top heavyweights in the rankings. When Klitschko won the IBF title against Chris Byrd there were four separate Heavyweight Champions. Since then, he has unified the IBF, IBO, WBO & WBA belts and defeated the WBA Champion in recess. Following his win over Ruslan Chagaev, Klitschko was awarded the vacant Ring Magazine Heavyweight title.

Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nursultan Äbishuly Nazarbayev is the President of Kazakhstan. He has been the country's leader since 1989, before the nation's independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991. In April 2011, Nazarbayev was re-elected to another five-year term.

Philosopher

Al-Farabi known in the West as Alpharabius, was a renowned scientist and philosopher of the Islamic Golden Age. He was also a cosmologist, logician, and musician. Through his commentaries and treatises, Al-Farabi became well known among medieval Muslim intellectuals as "The Second Teacher", that is, the successor to Aristotle, "The First Teacher".

Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky, born Vladimir Volfovich Eidelstein on 25 April 1946, is a Russian politician and political activist. He is a colonel in the Russian Army, founder and the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Vice-Chairman of the State Duma, and a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Zhirinovsky is often viewed as "a showman of Russian politics, blending populist and nationalist rhetoric, anti-Western invective and a brash, confrontational style".

Gennady Golovkin

Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin is a Undefeated Kazakh boxer who competed in the Middleweight division at the 2004 Summer Olympics and won the silver medal. He is the current WBA and IBO Middleweight Champion. With an 89% knockout percentage rate, Golovkin holds the greatest KO ratio in middleweight championship history and is 1st amongst all active current and former champions, and 3rd in overall championship history. He has never been knocked down or knocked out in over 375 fights, both as a professional and amateur.

Sergey Lukyanenko

Sergei Vasilievich Lukyanenko is a science fiction and fantasy author, writing in Russian, and is one of the most popular contemporary Russian sci-fi writers. His works often feature intense action-packed plots, interwoven with the moral dilemma of keeping one's humanity while being strong. Recently his works have been adapted into film productions, for which he wrote the screenplays. He was also a blogger, keeping a blog at LiveJournal, and posting both personal and public information or snippets of a book in progress. His first blog was discontinued on 11 July 2008 after a conflict with readers over the issue of foreign adoptions of Russian children. He started another blog a few days later, promising firmer moderation policies.

Timur Bekmambetov

Film Director

Timur Nuruakhitovich Bekmambetov is a Kazakh director, producer and screenwriter who has worked on films and commercials. He is best known for the film Night Watch and its sequel Day Watch, and the American films Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Aslan Maskhadov

Aslan Aliyevich Maskhadov was a leader of the Chechen independence movement and the third President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. He was credited by many with the Chechen victory in the First Chechen War, which allowed for the establishment of the de facto independent Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Maskhadov was elected President of Chechnya in January 1997. Following the start of the Second Chechen War in August 1999, he returned to leading the guerrilla resistance against the Russian army. He was killed in Tolstoy-Yurt, a village in northern Chechnya, in March 2005.

Oleg Yankovsky

Oleg Ivanovich Yankovsky was a Soviet/Russian actor who has excelled in psychologically sophisticated roles of modern intellectuals. In 1991, he became, together with Alla Pugacheva, the last person to be named a People's Artist of the USSR.

Evgeni Nabokov

Professional Ice hockey Player

Evgeni Viktorovich "Nabby" Nabokov is a Kazakhstani-Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. Nabokov was selected by San Jose in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. When he started playing in North America, he went by John, rather than Evgeni, fearing that English speakers would have a hard time pronouncing his name. However, this change did not last. In his first nine seasons in the NHL, all with San Jose, Nabokov became the Sharks leader in nearly every goaltending category, including games played, wins, and shutouts.

Elena Likhovtseva

Tennis Player

Elena Alexandrovna Likhovtseva is a Russian former tennis player. She turned professional in January 1992 at the age of 16. Likhovtseva's career best appearance in a Grand Slam was when she reached the semi finals of the French Open 2005 before she was defeated by Mary Pierce, 6–1 6–1. Elena is also one of the few people in either the men's or women's game to have lost a tiebreaker from 6–0 up. Together with Mahesh Bhupathi, she won the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles championship in 2002. She has also been a runner-up in a number of other contests, including the Australian Open women's doubles event in 2004, French Open Women's Doubles in 2004 and Mixed Doubles in 2003, and the 2000 and 2004 US Open Women's Doubles. In the 2004 Summer Olympics, she won the first round of the Women's Doubles with partner Svetlana Kuznetsova, but was defeated in the second. She won the 2007 Australian Open Mixed Doubles championship with Daniel Nestor. After losing all four singles of the year, Likhovtseva's best performance in 2008 was the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with Lisa Raymond.

Akhmad Kadyrov

Akhmad Abdulkhamidovich Kadyrov, also spelled Akhmat, was the Chief Mufti of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in the 1990s during and after the First Chechen War. At the outbreak of the Second Chechen War he switched sides, offering his service to the Russian government, and later became the President of the Chechen Republic from 5 October 2003, acting as head of administration since July 2000. On 9 May 2004, he was assassinated by Chechen Islamists in Grozny, using a bomb blast during a World War II memorial victory parade. His son, Ramzan Kadyrov, who led his father's militia, became one of his successors in March 2007 as the President of the Chechen Republic.

The French Angel

Maurice Tillet was a Russian-born French professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, The French Angel. Tillet was a leading box office draw in the early 1940s and was twice recognized world heavyweight champion by the American Wrestling Association run by Paul Bowser in Boston.

Oleg Maskaev

Oleg Alexandrovich Maskaev is a Russian professional boxer and a former WBC heavyweight champion. He made only one successful defence of the WBC title before losing it to Samuel Peter. He is an ethnic Mordvin.

Ruslana Korshunova

Fashion Model

Ruslana Sergeyevna Korshunova was a Kazakhstani model of Russian descent. She established herself as a rising figure in the fashion industry by posing for magazines including Vogue and designers such as Vera Wang and Nina Ricci. Korshunova's death, which was ruled a suicide, became a longtime controversial subject of international attention.

Khoja Akhmet Yassawi

Khoja Ahmat Ysawi, was a Turkic poet and Sufi, an early mystic who exerted a powerful influence on the development of mystical orders throughout the Turkic-speaking world. Yasavi is currently the earliest known Turkic poet who composed poetry in a Turkic dialect. Ahmed Yesevi was a pioneer of popular mysticism, founded the first Turkic tariqah, the Yasaviyya, which very quickly spread over the Turkic-speaking areas.

Abai Qunanbaiuli

Abay Qunanbayuli was a great Kazakh poet, composer and philosopher. He was also a cultural reformer toward European and Russian cultures on the basis of enlightened Islam.

Akhmed Zakayev

Akhmed Khalidovich Zakayev is the former Deputy Prime Minister and the current Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, which is unrecognised by other countries. He was also the Foreign Minister of the Ichkerian government, appointed by Aslan Maskhadov shortly after his 1997 election, and again in 2006 by Abdul Halim Sadulayev. During the First Chechen war Zakayev took part in the battles for Grozny and other military operations, as well as in high-level negotiations with the Russian side. In 2002, Russia accused him, by then in exile, of having been involved in a series of crimes including involvement in acts of terrorism. In 2003, the British court rejected the extradition request due to lack of evidence and declared the accusations to be politically motivated, also saying that there was substantial risk of Zakayev being tortured if he was returned to Moscow.

Figure Skater

Denis Yuryevich Ten is a Kazakhstani figure skater. He is the 2013 World silver medalist, the 2011 Asian Winter Games champion, and three-time national champion of Kazakhstan. At the 2008–2009 ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Belarus, Ten became the first skater from Kazakhstan to win an International Skating Union competition. He competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics after earning two spots for Kazakhstan at the 2009 World Championships, the first time Kazakhstan had ever qualified more than one Olympic men's entry. He is the member of Astana Presidential Sports Club.

German Gref

Organization leader

German Oskarovich Gref is a Russian economist of German ethnicity, the founder of Center of the Strategic Development. He was the Minister of Economics and Trade of Russia from May 2000 to September 2007. He currently is the president of Sberbank.

Nik Antropov

Nikolai Aleksandrovich Antropov is a Kazakhstani-Canadian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League. He received Canadian citizenship in May 2007.

Weightlifter

Ilya Aleksandrovich Ilyin is a Kazakhstani weightlifter. Ilyin has won two Olympic championships and three world championships. He is currently the world and Olympic record holder in both the clean and jerk and the overall total in the 94 kg class. He is Kazakhstan's first two-time Olympic champion. He is the member of Astana Presidential Sports Club.

Vassiliy Jirov

Vassiliy "The Tiger" Jirov is a professional Kazakhstani boxer and former IBF cruiserweight champion, currently fighting out of Las Vegas under Thell Torrence. Jirov won the Olympic gold medal at Atlanta in 1996. Soon after, he moved to the United States, settling in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he married and began to train at the SAR Club's boxing gym.

Bar Paly is an Israeli model and actress.

Anton Khudobin

Anton Valerievich Khudobin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild 206th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Karim Masimov

Karim Qajymqanuly Massimov served as Prime Minister in the Government of Kazakhstan from 10 January 2007 to 24 September 2012. He previously served as the Deputy Prime Minister from 19 January 2006 to 9 January 2007 and as Minister of Economy and Budget Planning, Minister of Transport and Communications in 2001. President Nazarbayev nominated Massimov to succeed Daniyal Akhmetov as Prime Minister on 9 January 2007. The Nur Otan party endorsed Massimov's candidacy and Parliament confirmed the nomination on 10 January. On 24 September 2012, Massimov's premiership ended when President Nazarbayev moved him to the position of chief of staff of the presidential office; according to Reuters, the move was designed to readjust the power balance between various factions within the government.

Olga Rypakova

Olympic Track and field Athlete

Olga Rypakova is a Kazakhstan track and field athlete. Originally a heptathlete, she switched to focus on the long jump and began to compete in the triple jump after 2007. Her first successes came in the combined events at Asian competitions – she won the women's pentathlon at the 2005 Asian Indoor Games and took the heptathlon gold at the 2006 Asian Games the following year. She competed in both jumping events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished fourth in the triple jump with an Asian record of 15.11 metres. Rypakova has represented Kazakhstan at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships in Athletics. She reached the world podium for the first time at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, where she took gold with an Asian indoor record jump of 15.14 m. She won the gold medal in triple jump at the 2012 London Olympics.

Zarina Diyas

Zarina Diyas is a Kazakhstani professional tennis player. Diyas has won three singles on the ITF tour in her career. On April 11, 2011, she reached her best singles ranking of world number 143. On August 12, 2013, she peaked at world number 461 in the doubles rankings.

Rashid Nurgaliyev

Rashid Gumarovich Nurgaliyev is a Russian general and politician of Tatar ethnicity who served as Russia's interior minister from 2003 to 2011.

Valeria Kudryavtseva

Valeria Kudryavtseva is an actor, TV host and a dancer.

Serik Sapiyev

Serik Sapiyev is an amateur boxer from Kazakhstan who won the world title in the light welterweight division in 2005 and 2007 and Olympic Gold 2012 at welterweight. Sapiyev has signed up for the new AIBA professional league, called AIBA Pro Boxing, which will launch in autumn 2013.

Murat Nasyrov

Murat Ismailovich Nasyrov was a Russian pop singer of Uyghur ethnicity. He committed suicide by jumping from a balcony. There were reports that it was the result of ingesting LSD, possibly dissolved in some alcohol he drank a few hours before his death. According to these allegations, it occurred in a VIP restaurant bar in Moscow, although the postmortem examination of his body did not reveal any traces of alcohol or drugs. Nasyrov's supposed suicide has been disputed. Recent reports in the Russian press have implied that he may have been the victim of foul play, as family members and friends insist that Nasyrov was not depressed and had never considered suicide before. Some suspect that he was given an LSD tablet in a glass of wine at a club, and after drinking it, he experienced hallucinations and leapt off his balcony.

Andrey Kashechkin

Andrey Kashechkin is a Kazakhstani road racing cyclist, who rides for the UCI ProTour team Astana.

Mukhtar Ablyazov

Mukhtar Ablyazov is a Kazakh businessman, former banker and politician. He is currently the subject of a legal investigation in the UK High Court after he allegedly embezzled billions of dollars out of BTA Bank between 2005 and 2009; and now faces a jail threat for failing to comply with a High Court order to reveal his true assets.

Timur Kulibayev

Businessperson

Timur Asqaruly Qulybaev is a Kazakhstani public figure, and son-in-law of Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kulibayev has held several positions in important state-owned enterprises that manage Kazakhstan's natural resources, and has immense influence over the country's hydrocarbon industry. He is former Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, the member of the Board of Directors of the Gazprom company. As of March 2011, he is the third richest man in Kazakhstan and the 938th richest in the world.

Alternative rock Artist

Linda is a stage name for Svetlana Lvovna Geiman, a Russian singer. Her style incorporates trip hop, electronic and ethnic music. Since January 2012, she has been married to Greek composer Stefanos Korkolis.

Talgat Musabayev

Talgat Amangeldyuly Musabayev, is a Kazakh test pilot and former cosmonaut who flew on three spaceflights. His first two spaceflights were long-duration stays aboard the Russian space station Mir. His third spaceflight was a short duration visiting mission to the International Space Station, which also carried the first paying space tourist Dennis Tito. He retired as a cosmonaut in November 2003. Since 2007 he has been head of Kazakhstan's National Space Agency, KazCosmos.

Vladimir Tretchikoff

Painting Artist

Vladimir Grigoryevich Tretchikoff was one of the most commercially successful artists of all time - his painting Chinese Girl is one of the best selling art prints of the twentieth century. Tretchikoff was a self-taught artist who painted realistic figures, portraits, still life and animals, with subjects often inspired by his early life in China, Singapore and Indonesia, and later life in South Africa. His work was immensely popular with the general public, but is often seen by art critics as the epitome of kitsch. He worked in oil, watercolour, ink, charcoal and pencil but is best known for his reproduction prints which sold worldwide in huge numbers. The reproductions were so popular that it was rumoured that Tretchikoff was the world's richest artist after Picasso.

Elena Ilinykh

Elena Ruslanovna Ilinykh is a Russian ice dancer who competes with partner Nikita Katsalapov. Together, they are two-time European medalists and two-time Russian national silver medalists. On the junior level, they were the 2010 World Junior champions and 2009 Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalists.

Heinrich Schmidtgal

Soccer Midfielder

Heinrich Schmidtgal is a Kazakh footballer of German descent who currently plays for Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga.

Beibut Shumenov

Beibut Shumenov, is a Kazakh professional boxer who fights in the Light Heavyweight division. He is the current WBA and IBA Light Heavyweight Champion.

Serik Akhmetov

Serik Nığmetulı Akhmetov is a Kazakh politician who has been Prime Minister of Kazakhstan since 2012. Akhmetov served for a time as Deputy Governor of Astana before being appointed to the Government of Kazakhstan as Minister of Transportation on 25 September 2006. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of the Atameken National Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers of Kazakhstan since 2005. President Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed Akhmetov as Prime Minister following the resignation of Karim Massimov on 24 September 2012.

Ruslan Aushev

Ruslan Sultanovich Aushev was the president of Ingushetia from March 1993 to December 2001. He was reportedly the youngest officer in the Soviet army to reach the rank of lieutenant general. He received the Gold Star of the Hero of the Soviet Union on 7 May 1982. Aushev has emerged as Ingushetia's most popular politician, having kept peace and stability during the Chechen war.

Alexander Perezhogin

Alexander Valerievich Perezhogin is a Kazakhstani-Russian professional ice hockey player currently playing for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Wali-ullah Abul-Mansur Khan better known as Ablai Khan was a Kazakh khan of the Middle jüz. Born as Wali-ullah Abul-Mansur Khan, Ablai Khan belonged to the senior branch of descendants of the 15th century founder of the Kazakh state, Janybek Khan. In the first half of the 18th century, Ablai Khan proved to be a talented organizer and commander as he headed detachments of the Kazakh militia fighting the Dzungars. He participated in the most significant battles against the Dzungars from the 1720s to the 1750s, for which he was declared a "batyr" by the people. Ablai's activity aimed to create a strong and independent Kazakh state. He headed the unified forces of the Kazakhs and furthered the centralization of state power in Kazakhstan. Until his election as the khan of the three jüzes, Ablai had to compete with Khan Abul Mambet and his descendants of Middle jüz for leadership. Initially, Russia recognized Abul-Mambet Khan as the Khan of Middle jüz, while Ablai was supported by China. Ablai's talent in playing China against Russia gradually made him the unrivaled Khan of the steppe. Unlike Abul Khair Khan of Little jüz, Ablai never submitted to Russian rule. In 1771, at the meeting of the representatives of the three jüzes, Ablai was elected as the Kazakh khan. Russian Empress requested that the title of khan should be recognized and officially approved by Russia. To that end, she sent an official letter to Petropavl, where Ablai was expected to receive the title in 1779. He never showed up at the fort, declining Russia's request to appoint him as the khan of Middle jüz. In contrast to Ablai, other khans and sultans had been competing for the lavish gifts and stipends of the Emperors of Russia in return for their submission.

Alfred Koch

Alfred Reingoldovich Kokh is a Russian writer, mathematician-economist, and businessman of ethnic German origin. He served as a deputy prime minister under President Boris Yeltsin and was an ally of economic reformer Anatoly Chubais, a chief architect of Russia's privatization. On September 12, 1996, Kokh was appointed head of Russia's State Property Committee, acting as Russia's privatization chief. He left the position on August 13, 1997, after the privatization auctions. In June 2000, Alfred Kokh became head of Gazprom-Media, a subsidiary media holding of Gazprom, and oversaw the gas giant's controversial takeover of NTV, an independent television company owned by Vladimir Gusinsky. He was succeeded by Boris Jordan in October 2001. He also served as head of the 2003 election campaign staff for the Union of Right Forces, a pro-business, democratic party of young reformers including Yegor Gaidar, Boris Nemtsov and Irina Khakamada, the first woman to run for the Russian presidency. He wrote the 2006 Russian best-seller, A Crate of Vodka, a dialogue with journalist Igor Svinarenko about the twenty-year period that covered the last Soviet generation and the first, truly free Russian generation. The English translation will appear in spring 2009.

Vladimir Smirnov

Professional Cross-Country Skier

Vladimir Mikhaylovich Smirnov is an Kazakhstani former cross-country skier who raced from the 1982 until 1991 for the USSR and, later, for Kazakhstan. First Olympic champion from independent Kazakhstan. He is also a vice president of the International Biathlon Union. Smirnov is a former member of International Olympic Committee.

Dmitriy Karpov

Dmitriy Vasilyevich Karpov is an athlete from Kazakhstan who competes in decathlon and heptathlon. He won the bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Rakhat Aliyev

Rakhat Mukhtaruly Aliyev served as the First Vice Foreign Minister in the government of Kazakhstan until February 2007 when he was appointed to his second tour as Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Austria. Until June 2007, Aliyev was married to Dariga Nazarbayeva, the eldest daughter of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Andrey Kivilev

Professional Cyclist

Andrei Kivilev was a professional road bicycle racer from Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan. In March 2003, he fell heavily during the Paris–Nice race and subsequently died of his injuries. His death was the trigger for the UCI to implement the compulsory wearing of helmets in all endorsed races.

Toktar Aubakirov

Toktar Ongarbayuly Aubakirov is a retired Kazakh Air Force officer and a former cosmonaut.

Aliona Vilani

Ballroom Dancer

Aliona Vilani is a Russian-Kazakhstani professional dancer.

Zulfiya Chinshanlo

Zulfiya Chinshanlo is a Kazakhstani weightlifter. She set a world record in the clean and jerk on 29 July 2012 at the 2012 London Olympics by lifting 131 kg.

Dinmukhamed Konayev

Dinmukhamed Akhmetuly Konayev, born 12 January 1912 [O.S. 31 December 1911] in Verny, now Almaty, died 22 August 1993, was a Kazakh Soviet communist politician.

Imangali Tasmagambetov

Imangali Nurgaliuly Tasmagambetov is the current mayor of Astana, Kazakhstan. From December 2004 to April 2008 he was the mayor of Almaty. Before that, from 28 January 2002 to 11 June 2003, he was the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. Tasmaghambetov said that he resigned after finding out about the falsification of a positive vote of confidence in his administration that was taken on 19 May 2003. His resignation resulted in the dismissal of all members of his cabinet, as required by the Constitution of Kazakhstan. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev replaced Tasmaghambetov with Pavlodar Oblast Governor Daniyal Akhmetov on 13 June 2003. Akhmetov pledged to maintain many of Tasmaghambetov's policies.

Samat Smakov

Soccer Defender

Samat Smakov is a Kazakhstani football defender who currently playing for Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Russian Premier League.

Shoqan Walikhanov

Deceased Person

Shoqan Shynghysuly Walikhanov, given name Muhammed Qanafiya was a Kazakh scholar, ethnographer, historian and participant of The Great Game. He is regarded as the father of modern Kazakh historiography and ethnography. The Kazakh Academy of Sciences is named after him. His name is written Shoqan Walikhanov in English based on the transliteration of the Russian spelling of his name, which he used himself. The Kazakh language variant of his name was written in the Arabic script, and was similar to the Russian version.

Bakhtiyar Artayev

Bakhtiyar Karipullauly Artayev is a Kazakh boxer who won the only Gold medal for Kazakhstan in the men's welterweight division at the 2004 Summer Olympics. He was also the Winner of the Val Barker Trophy for the outstanding boxer of the 2004 Olympics Games. After the 2004 Summer Olympics he became a living legend of boxing in Kazakhstan; one of the Taraz sport centres was named after him and a book was written. In 2012 he was appointed as a president of the Astana Presidential Sports Club.

Pavel Priluchniy

Pavel Priluchniy is an actor.

Natascha Ragosina

Natalia Yurievna Ragozina, better known as Natascha Ragosina, is an undefeated retired professional boxer who spent much of her career ranked as the top female super middleweight in the world. Though born in Kazakhstan and currently residing in Germany, she competed professionally for Russia and is of Russian descent. She is the longest reigning WBA female super middleweight champion and WBC female super middleweight champion. At the time of her retirement, she held all major female super middleweight titles and two heavyweight belts: ⁕IWBF super middleweight title ⁕WIBF super middleweight title ⁕WIBA super middleweight title ⁕Global Boxing Union Female super middleweight title ⁕WBC female super middleweight title ⁕WBA female super middleweight title ⁕WIBC super middleweight title ⁕WIBF heavyweight title ⁕WBF heavyweight title On March 15, 2008, Ragosina defeated Teresa Perozzi to win a record 7 championship belts in a single fight, breaking Giselle Salandy's previous record of 6 belts won in a single fight. However, two weeks later, Salandy - a light middleweight boxer - defeated Karolina Lukasik in a match with 8 titles on the line to regain her record for titles won in a single fight.

Baurzhan Momyshuly

Military Person

Baurzhan Momyshuly, also spelled Baurjan Momish-Uli was a Kazakh-Soviet military officer and author, posthumously awarded with the titles Hero of the Soviet Union and People's Hero of Kazakhstan.

Maxim Iglinsky

Maxim Iglinsky is a Kazakh road racing cyclist who rides for UCI ProTour team Astana, who he joined in 2007. Iglinsky turned professional in 2005 with Domina Vacanze and rode for Team Milram in 2006. Iglinsky won stage 6 of the 2007 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. He is the elder brother of Valentin Iglinsky. In spring 2012, he prevailed in one of the Ardennes Classic races, Liège–Bastogne–Liège. He broke away from the chasing group with Joaquim Rodríguez, subsequently dropping him and flying by race leader Vincenzo Nibali with one kilometer to go to win solo.

Assan Bazayev

Professional Road Racing Cyclist

Assan Bazayev is a professional road bicycle racer from Kazakhstan, riding for Astana on the UCI ProTour. In 2004 he won the Hellas Tour, but he did not win any stage. He also won stage 1 of the 2006 Tour of Germany in August 2006. Bazayev will retire at the end of the 2013 season, after ten years as a professional.

Daniyal Akhmetov

Daniyal Kenzhetayuly Akhmetov has served as the Minister of Defense and General of the Army of Kazakhstan since Prime Minister Karim Massimov appointed him on 10 January 2007. He served as Prime Minister from 13 June 2003 to 9 January 2007. Critics refer to him as "The Terminator", a nickname he gained as Governor of Pavlodar Province, for his actions in suppressing supporters of Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov, the previous Governor. On 8 January 2007 he resigned. He did not say why, but President Nursultan Nazarbayev had criticized him in 2006 for overspending and other administrative errors. President Nazarbayev accepted his resignation, and immediately appointed him Acting Prime Minister. He left office two days later when the new government took office, in which he became defense minister. He was dismissed in June 2009.

Konstantin Barulin

Konstantin Alexandrovich Barulin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender now playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League. He was born in Karaganda, U.S.S.R. but plays internationally for Russia. He was drafted 84th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft but remained in Russia and never signed a contract with the Blues.

Alexander Melentyevich Volkov

Alexander Melentyevich Volkov was a Soviet novelist and mathematician. Volkov was born in Ust-Kamenogorsk. He wrote several historical novels, but is mostly remembered for a series of children's books based on L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The first of these books, The Wizard of the Emerald City, is a loose translation of the first Oz book, with chapters added, altered, or omitted, some names changed, and several characters given personal names instead of generic ones. Baum's name is mentioned in the first of Volkov books but the Soviet Union paid no royalties to the Baum estate. First published in 1939 in the Soviet Union, the book became quite popular; and in the 1960s Volkov also wrote his own sequels to the story. He liberally borrowed from some of the originals such as using the "Powder of Life" idea from The Marvelous Land of Oz but mostly created a divergent universe. From 1963 to 1970, four more books in the series were published, with the sixth and final story published posthumously in 1982. Other authors such as Yuri Kuznetsov, Sergei Sukhinov, and Leonid Vladimirsky have recently written additional sequels in Russian, creating in effect an alternative series of Oz books.

Grigory Potanin

Grigory Nikolayevich Potanin was a Russian naturalist and explorer of Inner Asia who aligned himself with the Siberian separatist movement. The 9915 Potanin asteroid bears his name.

Mikhail Gutseriyev

Mikhail Safarbekovich Gutseriev is a Russian entrepreneur and businessman. He is the owner of “Russneft”, OAO “Russian Coal”, ZAO “Mospromstroy” and also GCM Global Energy, a British company, with annual revenue of $1 billion. Gutseriev also owns large assets in real estate including the “National” Hotel and luxury shopping centres. According to Forbes, Gutseriev has a personal fortune of $6.7 billion.

Alexey Poltoranin

Alexey Yurevich Poltoranin is a Kazakhstani cross-country skier who has competed at the international senior level since 2004. He has three world cup wins, one in 2010 and two in 2013. In the 2013 World Championship in Val di Fiemme he got two bronze medals. Most of his best results are in classic skiing.

David Loria

Soccer Goalkeeper

David Grigorievich Loria is a Kazakhstani football goalkeeper of Georgian descent born on 31 October 1981. He signed contract with Turkish Çaykur Rizespor in summer of 2012. In 10 June 2013 signed contract with FC Kairat Almaty. He also plays for the Kazakhstan national football team since 2000.

Vsevolod Ivanov

Vsevolod Vyacheslavovich Ivanov was a notable Soviet writer praised for the colourful adventure tales set in the Asiatic part of Russia during the Civil War.

Grigory Grabovoy

Grigory Petrovich Grabovoy is a Russian self-proclaimed faith healer and a sect leader. He attracted a large amount of media attention in 2005 when he promised to resurrect the children killed in Beslan school hostage crisis. In 2006 Grabovoy was put to trial for fraud and sentenced to serve in prison.

Dilnaz Akhmadieva

Dilnaz Akhmadieva is a Kazakhstani pop singer and actress of Uyghur origin, born and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan. She was married to Ayaz Khan Behttani a Pakistani singer, but the couple later on divorced.

Vladimir Shatalov

Vladimir Aleksandrovich Shatalov is a former Soviet cosmonaut who flew three space missions of the Soyuz programme: Soyuz 4, Soyuz 8, and Soyuz 10.

Olga Shishigina

Olympic athlete

Olga Vasilyevna Shishigina is a retired Kazakhstani track and field athlete who mainly competed in the 100 metres hurdles. She won an Olympic gold medal in 2000, and many on regional and continental level. She was banned between 1996 and 1998 for failing a drug test.

Sofiya Velikaya

Olympic Fencer

Sofiya Aleksandrovna Velikaya is a Russian sabre fencer. She seeded fourth in the 2008 Beijing Games after losing to Becca Ward by one point in the bronze medal match. On October 12, 2011, she become the World Champion after beating two time Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis in the final. One year after, she participated in Summer Olympics in London, where she advanced to finals after defeating Olha Kharlan of Ukraine in the semifinals. However, she lost to South Korea's Kim Ji-Yeon in the finals to capture silver.

Bekzat Sattarkhanov

Bekzat Sattarkhanov was a Kazakh boxer who competed in the men's featherweight division at the 2000 Summer Olympics and won the gold medal. Sattarkhanov died in a car accident in his native Kazakhstan on New Year's Eve 2000. Two others in the car survived.

Marat Tazhin

Marat Muhanbetuly Tazhin is a Kazakh politician. He served as the Foreign Minister in the Government of Kazakhstan from 2007 to 2009. He previously served as Secretary of the National Security Committee. In September 2009 he was named an advisor to President Nursultan Nazarbayev and secretary of Kazakhstan's Security Council.

Mustafa Shokay

Mustafa Shokay - was Kazakh social and political activist, publicist, thinker, scholar, statesman and public figure, ideologist of the struggle for freedom and independence of the Common Turkestan. He is the grandson of the ruler Torgai son begs Yer Shokai, maternally derived from the Kazakh khanate of Khiva.

Arkady Volozh

Arkady Yurievich Volozh is the principal founder of Russian search engine Yandex. He has been the company’s CEO and a director since 2000. Arkady founded Yandex in 1997; in 2000, he left his position of CEO at CompTek International to become the CEO of Yandex. Volozh is a serial entrepreneur with a background in computer science. He studied applied mathematics at Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, graduating in 1986. After working at a state pipeline research institute, he started a small business importing personal computers from Austria. He went on to co-found several IT enterprises besides Yandex, including a Russian provider of wireless networking technology InfiNet Wireless, and CompTek International, one of the largest distributors of network and telecom equipment in Russia. Volozh co-founded CompTek in 1989. He also started working on search in 1989, which led to him establishing Arkadia Company in 1990. The company was developing search software. In 1993 Arkady Volozh and Ilya Segalovich developed a search engine for “non-structured information with Russian morphology”. As of 2013, he is worth an estimated US$1.15 billion.

Aliya Yussupova

Aliya Yussupova is an individual Rhythmic Gymnast of Kazakh ethnicity, who competes for Kazakhstan, and was coached by the Russian coach, Irina Viner.

Dimitry Muravyev

Dimitry Muravyev is a professional road bicycle racer from Kazakhstan. He turned professional in 2002 and has ridden internationally since then, although his primary victories have been the Kazakhstan national road race and the Kazakhstan national time trial. In 2007, he joined the newly formed Kazakh team Astana on the UCI ProTour, where he managed to place 8th in the 2007 Tour of Flanders and was a member of the winning team in the 2009 Tour de France. On 22 November 2009, it was reported that Muravyev had become one of the 12 members of Astana—and the only Kazakhstani—to rejoin former Astana team director Johan Bruyneel at Team RadioShack. Muravyev later rejoined Astana for the 2012 season.

Dariga Nazarbayeva

Dariga Nursultanqyzy Nazarbayeva is a Kazakh lawmaker and daughter of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. At one point she worked as head of the official state-run news agency, Khabar, but she no longer does. She formed the Kazakh political party Asar, Kazakh for "All together." Asar merged with the pro-Nazarbayev party Otan in July 2006. Many analysts believe President Nazarbayev is preparing his daughter to succeed him upon his retirement or death. Her relationship with her father has deteriorated recently, in part due to the criticism of his administration she sometimes expresses. She had a long marriage to Kazakh businessman and politician Rakhat Aliyev until their divorce in June 2007. Aliyev claims that the divorce was executed without his consent, and that it was forced by President Nazarbayev. Nazarbayeva has two sons with Aliyev, Nurali and Aisoultan. She also has a daughter Venera. She is also a grandmother. Nurali's wife gave birth to Laura Aliyev in 2003. Dariga served as a jury member in the second season of SuperStar KZ. She is an avid amateur opera singer. In spite of the lack of formal vocal training Dariga often performs opera arias at various concerts and events.

Sergei Khizhnichenko

Soccer Forward

Sergei Khizhnichenko is a Kazakh football player, who plays for FC Shakhter Karagandy in the Kazakhstan Premier League.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is a kazakh politician and diplomat who has served as Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan since 2013. Previously, he was Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and Director General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Viktor Patsayev

Viktor Ivanovich Patsayev was a Soviet cosmonaut who flew on the Soyuz 11 mission and had the unfortunate distinction of being part of the second crew to die during a space flight. On board the space station Salyut 1 he operated the Orion 1 Space Observatory, he became the first man to operate a telescope outside the Earth’s atmosphere. After a normal re-entry, the capsule was opened and the crew was found dead. It was discovered that a valve had opened just prior to leaving orbit that had allowed the capsule's atmosphere to vent away into space, suffocating the crew. One of Patsayev's hands was found to be bruised, and he may have been trying to shut the valve manually at the time he lost consciousness. Patsayev's ashes were inurned in the Kremlin Wall on the Red Square in Moscow. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of Lenin and the title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the USSR.

Zhambyl Kukeyev

Zhambyl Kukeyev is a Kazakh footballer, who currently plays for the club FC Shakhter Karagandy.

Bakhyt Sarsekbayev

Bakhyt Abdirakhmanuly Sarsekbayev is a Kazakh amateur boxer who won Olympic Gold 2008 at Welterweight. At the 2006 Asian Games he had also won the gold medal in the welterweight division.

Svetlana Kapanina

Aerobatic Pilot

Svetlana Kapanina is a Russian aerobatic pilot.

Ivan Dychko

Ivan Fyodorovich Dychko is a Kazakhstani amateur boxer best known for winning a Bronze Medal at super heavyweight at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships and at the 2012 Olympics. He is 2.02m tall.

Zakhar Bron

Classical Artist

Zakhar Bron is a Russian violinist and violin pedagogue of Jewish descent. He is considered one of the best. His students have included Vadim Repin, Gwendolyn Masin, Daniel Hope, Maxim Vengerov, Vadim Gluzman, Igor Malinovsky, Denis Goldfeld, Daishin Kashimoto, Tamaki Kawakubo, Mayuko Kamio, Mayu Kishima, Sayaka Shoji and Nikolai Madoyev. Before he was well-known, he taught privately in Novosibirsk. Since then, he has taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Conservatory of Rotterdam, the Musikhochschule Lübeck and the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid. In 1997, he took up a position at the Cologne Musikhochschule.

Irina Mikitenko

Irina Mikitenko, née Volynskaya, is a Kazakhstan-born German long-distance runner who competes in marathons. She won the Berlin Marathon in 2008 and is a two-time winner of the London Marathon. She has competed at the Summer Olympics on four occasions. Mikitenko was a track specialist in the early part of her career, running in distances from 3000 metres to 10,000 metres. She represented Kazakhstan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the 5000 metres but migrated to Germany soon after. Taking up German citizenship, she ran German records in the 3000 m and 5000 m. She came close to a major 5000 m medal on several occasions: at the World Championships in Athletics she was fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2001, while at the 2000 Summer Olympics took fifth place. After a seventh place finish in the event at the 2004 Summer Olympics she took a career break to have a child. Upon her return to competition she began focusing on road running events. The change up to the marathon brought the greatest success of her career. A run of 2:19:19 hours to win the Berlin Marathon made her the fourth fastest woman ever at that point. Her win in London the year after in 2:22:11 hours was the fastest that year. With consistent marathon performances, she secured the World Marathon Majors title in both 2008 and 2009. She entered her first Olympic marathon in 2012 and came fourteenth.

Dennis Bakhtov

Denis Bakhtov is a world rated, Russian heavyweight boxer and two-time WBC International Heavyweight Champion.

Robert Dietrich

Robert Dietrich was a professional ice hockey defenceman. He was killed in the 2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl air disaster, in which all players and coaches on board the plane from the club perished.

Vitaliy Yeremeyev

Vitali Mikhailovich Yeremeyev is a professional Kazakhstani ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing with Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League. He was drafted in the 9th round in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. He played four games for them in the 2000-2001 season before being released. After that he was a player for Dynamo Moscow since 2002 until 2010 when he signed for Barys Astana.

Omurbek Babanov

Omurbek Toktogulovich Babanov is a Kyrgyz politician who was Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan from 1 December 2011 to 1 September 2012. Before his appointment as Prime Minister, he was Deputy Prime Minister in the Government of Almazbek Atambayev. He was also acting Prime Minister from 23 September 2011 until 14 November 2011, as the Prime Minister Atambayev was a candidate in the presidential election. He again became acting Prime Minister on 1 December 2011 when Atambayev took office as President. He was confirmed by Parliament on 23 December 2011. On 1 September 2012 Babanov resigned as Prime Minister.

Aleksandr Shustov

Aleksandr Andreyevich Shustov, born 29 June 1984 is a male high jumper from Russia, best known for winning the gold medal in the men's high jump at the 2007 Summer Universiade in Bangkok, Thailand. On 29 July at the 2010 European Athletics Championships in Barcelona, Spain he achieved his personal best and won gold medal.

Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev

Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev is a Kazakh football attacking midfielder and forward. He plays for FC Tobol.

Rashid Nezhmetdinov

Chess Player

Rashid Gibiatovich Nezhmetdinov was an eminent Soviet chess player, chess writer, and checkers player.

Art people of kazakhstan

1. art people of kazakhstan, 3. her famous works, 4. bouquet of flowers, 5. issyk village, 6. almaty patio.

Culture of Kazakhstan

Architectural wonders of kazakhstan, national sports, traditional clothing.

One of the basic human needs and one of the major communication tools is language.

The state language of the Republic of Kazakhstan is Kazakh . The state language is language used in public management, legislation, legal proceedings and paperwork management operating in all the field of public relations throughout the country. Our country is a multinational state and language policy in Kazakhstan has always been aimed at preserving variety and peaceful coexistence of various languages and their natives on the territory of the country. Each language in the country is a national heritage.

Training at schools is conducted in Kazakh, Russian and English. This boosts communicative skills among pupils. Moreover, training in three languages will introduce children to culture and traditions of other nations. 

Each citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan has a right for free choice of language for communication, training and creativity.    The government creates conditions for learning and developing of languages of the people of Kazakhstan. Impairment of rights related to language use is prohibited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.  

"Photo taken from open sources"

Today, the Republic of Kazakhstan is a developed and flourishing country with up-to-date constitution and legal provisions. Along with the laws, the Kazakh nation honours and observes its traditions. The traditions of Kazakh people trace their origin back to the customs of nomadic tribes.

One of the fundamental traditions of Kazakh people, which became a national character trait, is hospitality. Hospitality in Kazakh society is a primary duty and entails reception of guests with open heart and welcoming embrace.  A guest is the most important and desirable person at a house. It is customary to provide a guest with the most delicious food and do everything to make a guest feel in safety and comfort.  

“Konakasy” is a hospitality tradition related to food for guests. 

“Bata beru is a blessing given when a guest is leaving, especially for a long journey. A blessing is given by elderly people. Usually, the tradition is expressed poetically. 

“Bel koterer” is food for the elderly guests, which symbolizes care and respect towards the elderly.

“Konakkade” is a tradition when a host asks a guest to sign a song or play a musical instrument.  

“Yerulik” is a celebration devoted to new settlers, when assistance is provided to them and acquaintance with other settlers takes place to ensure adaptation to local life.    

“Korimdik” is a gift given by a guest seeing a young married woman or newborn baby for the first time.

“Suinshi” is a custom according to which a person bringing good news to a house gets a valuable gift from hosts.

“Shashu”  is a custom to shower guests with candies and money. Usually, children happily gather candies.     From the dawn of time, the Kazakh people believed that candies gathered during “shashu” bring luck and prosperity to a family. Shashu is common at weddings, marriage proposals and other similar events.

The Kazakh people take good care of their traditions and skilfully follow them today. While small children expertly use computers and speak English, their grandmothers still wear national costumes and jewelry, so even despite a modern-day way of life and widespread digitalization, great mutual understanding and love prevail in such families. Customarily, a child from infancy is taught modesty and decency when communicating with adults.

One of the most significant events for the Kazakh people is wedding (“uilenu toy”) . At least once in your life, you need to visit such a tremendous and significant event as a Kazakh wedding, where you can learn more about the wonderful traditions of Kazakhs.

Prior to the wedding, a marriage proposal (“kudalyk”, “kuda tusu”) should be made. Prospective relatives (groom`s relatives) visit a house of relatives from the side of bride. The procedure is deemed as an official acquaintance of two parties in a bride's house and is mandatory as the next wedding stages are discussed there. A bride's relatives provide guests with lavish treats and law a festive dastarkhan (table). A bride`s father gets gifts from a groom's relatives, which represent a downpayment. According to the Kazakh wedding tradition, after a marriage proposal a groom's side should pay “kalyn mal” (ransom for the bride) . Then a bride puts in earrings (“syrga salu”) , which represents a final agreement between the parties. The ceremony is performed by a groom's mother. Also, all bride`s relatives receive various gifts in the form of expensive fabrics or sets of gold and this wedding ceremony is called “kiit” .

Then a bride goes to a groom's house. It is a celebration, which precedes an official wedding and is called “kyz uzatu” , i.e. farewell ceremony for a bride. At the ceremony, guests from a groom's side are a minority. At the “kyz uzatu” ceremony, a bride should walk along a long white path made of fabric (“ak zhol”) , which is a symbol of an undisturbed married life. Then, a bride along with relatives is sent to a groom's house. A bride's dowry arrives at the same time. A festive ceremony of meeting a bride is called “kelin tusiru” . The main element of kelin tusiru is performance of a traditional song with instructions and wishes called “betashar” . It is a crucial tradition for introducing a bride to the public. A bride's face is covered with a white cloth, which is held on both sides by relatives.   

Despite a new European trends, today`s Kazakh wedding still preserves national traditions and customs. If previously wedding ceremonies took 3 days (and sometimes even more), today it can take one day. For their wedding dresses, brides usually choose white dresses. Also, such mainstream traditions as corteges, photo sessions at monuments, etc. gained popularity.  

Specific attention is given to celebrations related to children . Thus, children are the greatest joy for each Kazakh family that is why there is a huge number of customs and traditions associated with their birth, growth and upbringing.

“Shildekhana” is a celebration dedicated to a birth of a child. “Esim koyu”, “at koyu”, “azan shakyru” is a custom of naming when a baby is given a name. The ceremony is entrusted to the most respected elderly members, who also bless a child.

The fortieth day of a child`s birth is celebrated in a special manner.  The ceremony on this day is called “kyrkynan shygaru” . During the ceremony, a baby is bathed in water with silver coins and silver jewelry placed on the bottom. Also on this day, a child is given the first hair and nail cut.

The next custom associated with children is called “tusau kesu” . Thus, according to Kazakh traditions, on the day when a child takes first steps, fetters are cut. This is done so that in the future a baby can walk gracefully and run quickly, as well as adopting the best qualities of a person who cut the fetters. That is why only respected people and elderly, women with many children, etc. cut the fetters. A person has to cut special ropes entangling a child's legs using a knife.  

One of the main reasons why tourists visit Kazakhstan is our pristine nature, but the architectural heritage attracts a lot of attention as well.

A Yurt (traditional Kazakh portable tent-house)

Architecture is a storehouse of rich information about the culture of certain ethnic groups. The inner construction of the yurt is the best way to tell us about the life of the Kazakh nomads. The early history of a yurt dates back to the 12th century BC, and the nomadic dwelling with a spherical dome, the so-called Kazakh yurt, was finally formed at the beginning of the 19th century. Like many years ago, a yurt today is an indispensable element in the lives of the modern descendants of nomads in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan. The main secret lies in its convenience, simplicity, and practicality: it is easily transportable, quickly assembled and the felt cover saves its inhabitants from rain, wind, and cold. A yurt is an inexpensive comfortable dwelling that is in no way inferior to a capital structure. The yurt is called a masterpiece of nomadic architecture.

Khan Shatyr

Along with other eye-catching skyscrapers and futuristic structures, Khan Shatyr is the architectural highlight of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Translated from Kazakh, this name stands for “Khan of the tents”. And the building lives up to its name as it has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest tent-like structure in the world.

Khan Shatyr is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in all of Central Asia. Forbes magazine has included it in the top ten world ‘eco’ buildings.

It brilliantly embodies the concept of having a piece of land with an eternal summer. The unusual 150 meter high tent is made out of unique and innovative materials that regulates a constant cozy microclimate on the inside, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Khan Shatyr is a masterpiece of modern architecture that stands out amongst the growing architectural diversity of the modern metropolis of Astana.

Mausoleums of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and Arystan Bab

The city of Turkistan is famous for its beautifully designed architectural monuments. The most outstanding of them is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, or as it is sometimes called the second Mecca for the Muslim people. But it would be preposterous to talk about the mausoleum without mentioning the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, without whom there would be no great individual like Yasawi. According to history, Arystan Bab used to be Ahmed Yasawi’s mentor.

In honor of the victory over the Golden Horde, the great emir Tamerlane planned to erect a magnificent building which is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. In the middle of the city of Yassy (the former name of Turkistan), an unprecedented feat of construction was about to unfold, in which every townsman took part. But inexplicably, as time went on the walls kept getting ruined. After that, Tamerlane has a dream where he saw Ahmed Yasawi asking him to build a mausoleum for his teacher - Arystan Bab first.

Tamerlane erected a monumental shrine on the site, where once stood a small two-room mausoleum built by the followers of Arystan Bab after his death in the 12th century.

The Mausoleum of Arystan Bab was repeatedly destroyed due to weather conditions and was restored again. So in 1971, with the financial support of the locals, the mausoleum was rebuilt from burnt brick. The only reminder of the construction methods once used in Tamerlane’s era is the ancient carved columns which are carefully stored in it.

The sacred and majestic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi proudly stands tall at 37.5 meters. Its construction was completed in 1405. The incredible energy of the tomb allows you to understand the story and touch the Kazakh culture.

The majority of travelers start their pilgrimage with a visit to the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, before setting off for their pilgrimage to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

The Kazakhstan Hotel

In the second half of the 20th century, the development of Almaty was almost experimental in its nature. Thanks to this, a lot of ambitious old-time ideas in the style of Soviet modernism, gave rise to quite some amazing feats of architecture. For example, a 102-meter 25-storey skyscraper - Kazakhstan Hotel, which was considered the tallest building in Almaty for 32 years. Despite the fact that it was not allowed to construct buildings above 12 floors due to the high seismic activity of the area.

Thanks to brand-new construction method that was quite innovative for those days, The Kazakhstan Hotel remains the most earthquake-resistant building in Almaty to this day.

The tower with a golden "crown" on its roof is truly an iconic building of Almaty.

Ascension Cathedral

There is a world-famous religious attraction site located in Almaty, which was built of wood with virtually no nails using unique ancient architectural technology. The Ascension Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the eight tallest buildings in the world made out of wood. The interior of the church is decorated with drawings, stucco moldings and wrought-iron ornaments which give special splendor to this holy place.

This unique cathedral opened its doors for parishioners in 1907. Unluckily just three years later, a severe earthquake struck the city, destroying almost all the buildings around it. Thanks to the special construction techniques, the cathedral was amongst the few buildings which were not damaged.

Today, the temple hosts daily services for hundreds of Christians. And the cathedral itself bears the title of a unique historical monument, not only in Kazakhstan but throughout the world.

Kok Tobe TV Tower

The Kok Tobe TV Tower was built to perform clear technical tasks. But the elegant, unique architectural design and the height of the construction made it a symbol of Almaty.

The newest and most innovative construction methods of the time were used during its construction. Can you imagine that in order to ensure the stability of the 372-meter tower on clay soil, a concrete foundation weighing 45 thousand tons had to be built! Despite the fact that the total weight of the tower is 50 thousand tons.

Thanks to the pendulum damper system, the TV tower cannot be affected by any strong gusts of wind and has a high seismic stability up to 10 points on the Richter scale.

The Kok Tobe TV Tower is the second highest building in Kazakhstan, and the 14th highest TV tower in the world!

Beket Ata Underground Mosque

Beket Ata Underground Mosque is located near the city of Aktau in the tract of Oglandy. The main architectural feature is that this mosque is carved into the rock. This is not just a cave, but a carved area of several completed rooms. The walls of the mosque are decorated with Arabic and Persian inscriptions.

The hermit Beket built four architectural monuments like this in Kazakhstan during his life. Every year, thousands of believers come to pray at the shrine.

The national cuisine of Kazakhstan is popular not only in the country. Such famous Kazakh dishes as besbarmak, bauyrsaki, kazy, kuyrdak, іrimshik can be tasted in many cafes and restaurants throughout the country. Abundance of meat, sour milk products, flour-based food are the distinctive features of Kazakh cuisine. The gastronomic specialties of Kazakhstani cuisine cannot be ignored.

Many recipes of national dishes are passed down from generation to generation, while serving of dishes is a real ritual. It is believed that nowhere else in the world you will find such a variety of national cuisines and the most diverse taste preferences. This is explained by the fact that people of more than 135 nationalities live on the territory of Kazakhstan. The main accent will always be on the Kazakh cuisine based on the traditions of the Great Steppe nomads. Delicious and healthy food of nomads is becoming very popular both among guests of the country and tourists. Such an abundance of various unusual dishes originated from certain regions of the country becomes a significant prerequisite for the development of a new format of tourism in Kazakhstan - gastronomic. Many experienced foreign tourists often come here not just to admire the wonders of local nature, but to taste the amazing food of the nomads, to become acquainted with their life, culture and ancient traditions.

National sports are the brand of our country. Since ancient times, the Kazakh people have organized competitions on all holidays. Interest in the national sports is reviving in the country and gaining popularity. During the competitions, spectators can also get acquainted with the customs and traditions of our people.

Kazakh national sports types:

1. “Audaryspak” is wrestling on horses, where only the best riders take part, because wrestling on horses requires exceptional endurance, strength, agility and excellent ability to hold on to the saddle. The aim of wrestling is that two riders on horseback compete in who will be able to pull an opponent off a horse.

2. “Baiga” is one of the types of equestrian sports (horse races) and is also one of the oldest and most popular. This type of sports game has its own features: it takes place not only on flat plains and hippodromes, but can also be played in hilly, uneven places where high demands are placed on the athlete and his horse. The strong and fast do not always win a competition, it is necessary to consider a relevant arrangement of training and preparedness of a player, correctly assess situations during a competition, and reasonably use a horse's strength. This national sport is one of the most valuable because the game teaches endurance, resourcefulness and courage. At the moment, Kazakhstan has all the opportunities for the wide distribution of this sport, in our republic there are special stud farms that raise riding horses.

3. “Asyk atu” is the asyk game (sheep bones), which is one of the Kazakh national games originating from ancient times. Many children's games are associated with the asyk game, this is explained by the nomadic image of the Kazakhs based on cattle breeding. Therefore, most of the Kazakh national games are based on playing with natural objects. That is why the Asyk game is considered one of the oldest national games. Playing the Asyk game from an early age strengthen the nervous system of children and bring up such qualities as accuracy, ability to calculate as well as endurance.

4. “Zhamby atu” is one of the ancient games of the Kazakh people testing dexterity and sniper qualities of a brave dzhigit. It also touches the pride. Our brave ancestors preserved the vast territory due to the horses competing with the wind, and the bow which was a reliable weapon. These two assets, passed down from generation to generation, have come down to the present days of our country's independence. The zhamby shooting competition takes place on a flat field 300 meters long. At the finish point, at a distance of 100 meters, jamby are placed the size of a stallion's hoof on a pole 3-4 meters high. A rider rides a horse and aims at the jamby. No point will be awarded if a rider is aiming by restraining the galloping horse. At a gallop, driving past a zhamby on the left side, aiming, participants shoot from a bow. Regardless of the successful or unsuccessful achievement of the intended goal, without stopping they continue to run to the finish line. If the target falls from the pole, an arrow is considered to have hit and a rider is awarded a point. There are also other types of jamby shooting: aikabak, various types of rifle shooting, or multiple targets shooting.

5. “Kokpar” is a type of national sports originating from the time of traditional wolf hunting. The main point of the game is simple, two teams (4 kokparshy in each) should grasp a goat`s carcass and throw it into an opponent's cauldron the maximum number of times. Kokpar is a combination of several sports: wrestling, rugby and horseback riding. Kokpar is an extreme sport, but modern equipment helps protect the participants` health. At the same time, a question often arises of replacing an animal carcass with a dummy of corresponding weight. Though there are elements of football or hockey in the game, they obviously do not have the same levels of physical activity.

6. To date, such a sports type as “kazakhsha kures” , i.e. Kazakh wrestling, rooted in ancient times has gained immense popularity. Kazakhsha kures has been developing with the history of the Kazakh people. Any festive events cannot be held without this sports type. In Kazakh wrestling, an athlete moves freely, can fully use strength, his own methods, roll on his side, dump on his back, put a footrest, fight with his legs crossed, press with his body weight, hook his legs, grab his belt and dump over his head. The fight ends in a one-sided defeat, touching the ground with a spade. The main conditions are to combat an opponent using sophisticated methods and force. At the moment, competitions of republican and international importance in national wrestling are being held in Kazakhstan, which indicates the growing international importance to this sport. This is also done to make it more popular and increase interest in sports among young people.

7. Fighting is both competitive and combative type of sport, which usually includes one-on-one fights. In many types of fighting, a participant wins by gaining more points than an opponent, or by bringing an opponent down. Combat sports have a long lineage with martial arts. Participants in single combats physically oppose each other in order to determine a winner in a fight using only physical strength or any kind of sports equipment or hand-held edged weapons. There are such types of martial arts as karate, judo, boxing, wrestling without rules.

8. Hunting with birds. The golden eagle is a sacred bird for the Kazakh people. The bird was appreciated for its strength and greatness, while the span of its wings embodied freedom. Therefore, the image of the golden eagle on the flag of our country embodies the greatness of freedom, independence, nobility, perseverance. According to historic evidence, 3 thousand years have passed since the golden eagle was tamed and used for hunting, because it was this bird that could cope with such large animals as saiga, fox, roe deer. There are several types of hunting with birds and the most common one is with the golden eagle. To arrange a competition, a flat area (field) is selected, where wild animals, including wolves are released. The winner is a hunter whose bird caught the first animal.

9. “Togyzkumalak” is the Kazakh folk board logic game, in which there are 18 playing holes and two accumulative holes. The game is based on the number 9 (nine playing holes, each hole initially contains nine balls), which is considered sacred by the Turks. The game develops mathematical thinking and fosters endurance. The game can last four to five hours. During the game, opponents have to use all four basic mathematical actions. The game is built not only on counting speed, but also on tactics.

Kazakh literature is a history of several millennia. The primary sources of Kazakh literature are the dastans called “ Alyp Yer Tonga” , “Shu Batyr” , which were created in the 11-3 centuries BC. Scientific research proved that the events described there are closely related to the ancient history of the Kazakh people. Among the sources of ancient Turkic literature are Orkhon-Yenisei inscriptions, the works of Yusuf Balasaguni and Mahmud Kashgari and treatise “Codex Cumanicus”.

In ancient times, the nomads of Kazakhstan told various legends about the exploits of mythical heroes, about gods and monsters in a poetic form. Over time, these stories developed into original epics called “Korkyt-Ata” and “Oguz-Name”.

In the 15 th century, such genre as “tolgau” was formed. It is a poetic form of reflection, which contained some kind of wisdom or edification for any reason. Tolgau was performed by an author and singer called “zhyrau”. Thus, performing educational and enlightening functions, zhyrau had weight in the political life of the country and could influence society. Later, the tradition of holding “aitys” appeared. “Aitys” is a song/poetic duel between two “akyns” (singers) during which they addressed such topics as religion, society, political order and other acute issues.

In the 19 th century, development of written literature began influenced by Russian and European writers. At the end of the 19 th century, names of such authors as Ibrai Altynsarin, Shokan Valikhanov, and, in particular, Abai Kunanbayev, who is considered a classic of Kazakh literature, became widely known in Kazakhstan. The work of Abai (Ibragim) Kunanbayev (1845-1904) opens a new stage in Kazakh realistic literature. The power of Abai, as a great artist of the word, manifested itself with exceptional power in the poems of the Eight Poems. The main line of his work is a call for goodness, knowledge, culture, honest work, justice, love for the people, his native land. A keen connoisseur of Russian poetry, Abai translated about 50 works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Krylov. In 2020, Kazakhstan celebrated the 175 th anniversary of the great poet.

In the 20 th century, traditional socialist topics became popular. During the Great Patriotic War, poets wrote patriotic poems and poems about soldiers and heroes of the battlefields. In the second half of the 20 th century, writers began to create large novels, developed drama and even mastered science fiction. Thus, the Kazakh literature of the 20 th century joined the global trends and has been maintaining the course to this day.

Since the old days, music and its main tools, i.e. folk instruments (kobyz, domybra, sybyzgy, dauylpaz, sazsyrnay, sherter, zhetigen, kerey, asatayak, kogyrau, etc.) have occupied a significant place in traditional Kazakh culture.

Ko byz is a bowed instrument of an unusual shape. It is made from a single piece of wood in which a hemispherical resonator with two compartments is hollowed out. Kobyz strings are made from horsehair. Usually, kobyz kyuis (musical pieces) are characterized by an amazing sound quality. Thus, they can imitate howling of wolves, cry of swans, running of horses and even sound of an arrow fired.

Domb y ra remains the most favourite and widespread musical instrument among the Kazakhs. Dombyra was not difficult to make amidst a nomadic life and the history of its origin goes back to centuries. This instrument can still be found in Kazakh families and parents willingly send their children to dombyra lessons.

In the past, “sybyzgy” instrument was popular in traditional music which is made from a hollow stalk of Bashkir reed pipe. The simple form and availability of the material contributed to its popularity among Kazakh musicians. In terms of timbre coloring, sybyzgy emits a trembling sound, as if in awe or excitement, a sound that resembles the high sounds of a flute.

Asatayak is an ancient Kazakh and ancient Turkic percussion musical instrument. The shape resembles a wand or cane with a flat head decorated with ornamental patterns and metal rings, pendants. Asatayak has an open and harsh sound. To enhance the sound of the instrument, bucks used konyrau (bells), which were attached to the head of asatayak. When shaking the instrument, konyrau complemented the sound with tinkling. 

Sazsyrnay is a wind instrument made of clay. Found on the territory of Kazakhstan during excavations of the ancient settlement of Otrar. It has a transparent and light timbre. In ancient times sazsyrnay was a popular instrument among children and adolescents. 

Zhetigen is a Kazakh and Turkic ancient stringed pizzicato musical instruments resembling gusli or recumbent harp in shape. The classic zhetigen has seven strings, the modern one has fifteen.

Shankobyz is a reed folk instrument. It refers to self-sounding reed musical instruments. When playing, shankobyz is pressed against the teeth or lips and oral cavity serves as a resonator. Changing the articulation of the mouth and breathing makes it possible to change the instrument timbre. Besdies, new tones in the sound are introduced by changes in the positions of the diaphragm, numerous pharyngeal, laryngeal, lingual, labial and other methods of sound production. The instrument is usually made of metal or wood.

Dabyl (Daulpaz) is Kazakh national percussion instrument. It is a rim wire with a handle covered with leather on both sides and looks like a frying pan with a handle from a distance. Having a very loud sound, the instrument has served to give military signals in the past.

Folk songs occupy a special place in the musical culture of the Kazakhs. All folk performers - akyns, zhyrshi, dombyra players had an exceptional associative instinct, a subtle perception of the world and a unique memory thanks to which many types of traditional art have been preserved in the musical history of Kazakhs.

Since the dawn of time it has become customary that Kazakhs called singers as akyns who having dombyra in their hands performed in front of the audience or competed in “aitys”, i.e. song and poetic “disputes”.

In the 19 th century, integration of Kazakh music into the culture of the world takes place: Kazakh musical traditions are studied by Russian and European musicologists, and at the same time, Kazakh musicians get acquainted with the music of the world. Mutual enrichment of cultures takes place, new names appear in the history of music of Kazakhstan such as Abai Kunanbayev, Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, Ykylas Dukenuly and others. Today, Kazakh folk music is considered the heritage of Kazakhstan, composers and musicians create new works with an abundance of folk motives, and the history of musical creativity is also preserved. One of the best ways to get a closer look at the history of Kazakh music is to visit the Museum of Musical Instruments in Almaty.

Public and national holidays of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

• January 1 st and 2 nd : New Year (public holiday)
• March 8 th : International Women`s Day (public holiday)
• March 21 st , 22 nd , 23 rd : Nauryz (public holiday)
• May 1 st : Kazakhstan People's Unity Day (public holiday)
• May 7 th : Defender of the Motherland Day
• May 9 th : Victory Day (public holiday)
• July 6 th : Capital Day (public holiday)
• August 30 th : Constitution Day (public holiday)
• October 25 th : Republic Day (national holiday)
• December 16 th : Independence Day (public holiday)

One of the main traditional holidays of the Kazakh people is Nauryz. Nauryz is officially celebrated in Kazakhstan for three days in a row: March 21 st , 22 nd and 23 rd . Nauryz is called the New Year according to the ancient eastern calendar. On this day, yurts are installed on the streets of cities and villages of Kazakhstan, where everyone can taste festive treats. Mass games are held everywhere. Modern Nauryz has preserved the ancient traditions. Amidst revival of national culture, it is an important link in the "connection of times", history and modernity of Kazakhstan. The main ritual dish of this holiday is called “nauryz-kozhe”, which should consist of 7 ingredients (water, meat, salt, fat, flour, cereals (rice, corn or wheat) and milk). On September 30, 2009, Nauryz was included by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, since that time March 21 st has been declared the International Day of Nauryz.

Kazakh traditional clothing is an important and integral attribute of Kazakh culture. The main materials from which Kazakh clothes were made were cotton, wool and felt. Also being nomads, Kazakhs often made garments from skins, leather and furs, as they were best suited for the harsh conditions of the steppe.

Boots were used as footwear: in summer the Kazakhs wore light boots made of thin leather, and in winter they wore high boots made of rough leather protecting from the cold. Women's boots were green or red, embroidered with silk and decorated with small patterned plaques.

Men's clothing

The Kazakh men's clothing included a shirt and trousers, a robe (shapan) was worn on top, a hat was worn on the head (in the winter - tymak, and in the summer - kalpak). At the same time, shapan was considered one of the most important elements of men's clothing, showing the status of a man. Shapans could be of various thicknesses and colors.

Women's clothing

Women's traditional costume included a loose-fitting dress with a camisole or shapan robe on top. Usually, women's clothing was sewn from chintz, silk and velvet. A thin felt was also used. During the cold weather, women wore fox or lamb fur coats.

Embroidery was actively used in the decoration of Kazakh outfits, along with beads, felt, silver plaques and various embroidered patches.

Saukele is a unique and distinctive headgear that occupies a special place in the traditional Kazakh clothing. Saukele was worn by Kazakh brides and it was the most expensive and beautiful element of a wedding dress. Saukele was cone-shaped, decorated with pearls, corals, turquoise, gems and small coins. At the top of saukele, which was about seventy centimeters high, was a bunch of owl feathers. Saukele was supplemented with special “zhaktau” pendants, they were long and could reach the waist and below.

After the wedding, a married woman's costume was complemented by “kasaba” hat embroidered with elaborate golden patterns. As soon as a woman gave birth to a first child, she began to wear a white “kimeshek” turban.

It was customary for men to wear a felt hat called “kalpak”, as well as a skullcap cap called “takiya”. During the cold weather, men and women wore “boric” fur hat or “tymak” sheepskin headgear.

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The true nature of Kazakhstan: Top 20 places

The jewels of Kazakhstan’s nature

All over the world, ecotourism is becoming more and more popular near specially protected natural areas such as national parks and reserves. This is because untouched oases are preserved there, and even if people are allowed any kind of recreation activity, it is quite strictly regulated.

Of course, there are much more places than just these twenty, which we will note in this article. This list will only help those who are traveling for the first time across the country. That is why we would like to list only the brightest pearls of our natural treasures that are located throughout several regions, combining those that are not far from each other into one.

Irgiz-Turgay Nature Reserve in Aktobe Province

3.  You can also watch Saigas of the Betpak Dala steppes in Irgiz-Turgay Nature Reserve in Aktobe Province. In particular, Irgiz-Turgay State Nature Reserve was set up to preserve and restore habitats and migration routes of Saiga. Also, the purpose of the reserve is to protect the unique wetlands of Irgiz-Turgay lake system as one of the places of the wetland birds’ highest concentration during seasonal migrations and fish spawning grounds. The lands of the reserve are included in the list of the International Union for Nature protection, as the wetlands is conserving the unique Water fowl and semi aquatic bird species. These far from civilization lands will be of great interest to naturalists.

Karaganda Province: Karkaraly National Park

16. A distinctive feature of Central Kazakhstan’s landscape is the local mountain ranges in the steppe and small-mound areas. Karkaraly National Park  is the most famous, popular and accessible place for travelers. The relict pine forests are preserved here, and mountain lakes formed in the crater-like depressions of granite rocks are delighting the eye. Two lakes, Shaytankol and Basseyn, located close by Karkaraly have their own names and legends. More than a dozen other mountain lakes are located in the protected western part of the National Park and are as beautiful as the abovementioned lakes. The inaccessibility of the mountainous area is a good habitat for wild animals here, such as moose, roe deer, foxes, hares, etc. There are even Red Book argali!

Pavlodar Province: Bayanaul Mountain

18. Bayanaul, a mountain forest oasis, hundred kilometers from Ekibastuz, is the main natural attraction of Pavlodar Province in the North East of Kazakhstan. Bizarre cliffs, picturesque freshwater lakes; the largest of which are Sabyndykol, Jasybai, Toraigyr and Byrjankol; mysterious caves and grottoes, and most importantly, the distance from big cities, make this region attractive for ecotourists. In 1985 the Bayanaul National Park was formed here. 50 of the 460 species of plants growing in the Park are relict: including Bayanaul pine and stone currant.

Oasis in the North of Kazakhstan

19. Imantau-Shalkar Resort Area of the North Kazakhstan Province. One of the most interesting and insufficiently known regions is certainly Imantau-Shalkar Resort Area of the North Kazakhstan Province, where you can find beautiful lakes and winter outdoor activities. The region holds the first place by the number of lakes in the country; and the second by the number of forests and the third by the length of roads. Picturesque nature, represented by steep hills with bizarre sculptures of mountains-outliers and hollows of lakes, a combination of forest-steppe vegetation and pine forests, makes the Northern region of Kazakhstan attractive for travelers.

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