• 25 July 2025
• 861

Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda university actively supports a prominent Kazakhstan scholar

The faculty staff and scientific community of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University fully support the initiative to nominate and award Professor Mukhit-Ardagher Sydykhanzarov the Akhmet Baitursynov State Prize in Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Professor Mukhit-Ardagher Sydykhanzarov is a distinguished researcher in the field of historical cartography and geography of Kazakh state and Turkic countries from the 9th to 19th centuries. His scientific works, characterized by groundbreaking and fundamental discoveries in Kazakhstan science, are presented in two main atlas-monographs published in three languages (Kazakh, Russian, and English): «The Continuity of Kazakhstan's Statehood in the Flow of History. Kazakh State on Maps of Europe and America in the 16th–19th Centuries» (Brussels, 2021) and «Kazakh State on Maps of Europe and America in the 15th–19th Centuries» (Brussels, 2024).

These works, for the first time in the history of science, have introduced over 5,000 rare cartographic sources into scientific circulation, preserved in state and royal archives, libraries and museums of European countries, the USA, Asia, and the Middle East. These invaluable cartographic materials with specific historical and factual data prove the centuries-long continuity of the Kazakh state's sovereignty, its historical continuity, geopolitical subjectivity and international recognition.

The scholar's discoveries have also received high acclaim internationally. Professor Sydykhanzarov's scientific research was presented and highly appreciated at the scientific councils of the National Academy of Sciences of France (Paris, 2023), the Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw, 2024), and the Congress of Geographers of the Turkic World (Turkestan, 2024). For his contribution to the historical geography and historical cartography of the Turkic world states, he was awarded the Gold Medal.

The scholar's educational activities should be particularly noted: for the first time in the history of Kazakh state, throughout its existence, «Galleries of Ancient Maps of Kazakh State of the 9th–19th Centuries» have been opened and are continuously operating both within the country and abroad. Through these unique exhibitions and expositions, anyone can personally get acquainted with valuable maps of Kazakh state.

The mentioned galleries were opened abroad in cities such as Brussels (Belgium), Paris (France), London (United Kingdom), Moscow (Russia), Warsaw (Poland), San Francisco (USA), Chicago (USA), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), as well as in Kazakhstan cities: Almaty, Astana, Aktobe, Karaganda, Kokshetau, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Turkestan, Uralsk, Shymkent, Shchuchinsk.

The discoveries of this research are of particular significance for Kyzylorda region. The region is home to medieval cities and historical centers such as Syganak, Zhankent, Zhent, Kuykent, Kazaly, Asanas, Balandy and others, which made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh state. Due to the research of scientist Mukhit-Ardagir Sydykhanazarov, the images of these cities have clearly appeared on European historical maps of the 9th–19th centuries.

The historical heritage of Kyzylorda region is a vivid testament, a living chronicle of the traditions of Kazakh statehood. This historical space has been comprehensively studied for the first time on a scientific basis, using specific cartographic data, in the works of Professor Mukhit-Ardagir Sydykhanazarov. The scientist's research lies at the intersection of geography, history, law, cultural heritage and modern scientific disciplines.
The scientific cartographic research of scientist Mukhit-Ardagir Sydykhanazarov is presented in a concrete, academic, cartographic form based on historical geography. His works combine geography, history, law, cultural heritage, and modern scientific approaches.

The scientist has laid the foundation for a new scientific direction in Kazakhstan – historical cartography and historical geography of Kazakh state of the 9th–19th centuries.

The scientific community of Korkyt Ata university wholeheartedly supports the initiative to award Professor Mukhit-Ardagir Sydykhanazarov the Akhmet Baitursynov State Prize in Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This award is not only a recognition of the scientist's work but also an important step towards enhancing the international authority of Kazakhstan science.

We are confident that the scientific discoveries of Professor Mukhit-Ardagir Sydykhanazarov fully deserve the highest state recognition.

Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University Media Center
Contact phone number: 8(7242) 26-21-34
e-mail: media_korkyt@mail.ru