• 10 March 2026
• 231

A celebration was held to honor the 70th birthday of Almasbek Almatov, whose labor has contributed to strengthening the spiritual foundations of society

A solemn extended meeting of the Academic Council was held at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Honored Figure of Kazakhstan, zhyrau, art critic, and professor Almasbek Nurmakhanuly Almatov.

The Chairman of the Board – Rector of the university, Nauryzbay Baikadamov, delivered a welcoming speech at the meeting, specifically noting the jubilee's contribution to the development and popularization of the Kazakh zhyrau tradition, as well as to the scientific research and transmission of national art to the younger generation. 

Almasbek Nurmakhanuly Almatov is a professor, zhyrau, educator, and art critic. He was born on February 13, 1956, at Korkyt station in Karmakshy district of Kyzylorda region. He is a graduate of secondary school №185. He began his career as a worker in his native village and then achieved great success in the field of national art and science.

It was Almasbek Nurmakhanuly, who for the first time in the university's history, laid the foundation for the "Traditional Musical Art" department, specializing in "Traditional Art – Zhyr" (song narratives), and became its first head. At his initiative, important works aimed at the scientific research and systematization of national art were implemented.

During the solemn assembly, Almasbek Nurmakhanuly was awarded the certificate of Honorary Professor of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University and dressed in a special professor's mantle.

The event was attended by writer, historian-ethnographer Koishygara Salgaruly, People's Writer of Kazakhstan Zhursin Yerman, Mazhilis Deputy of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhanarbek Ashimzhan, academician Kylyshbay Bisenov, and prominent representatives of the cultural and art spheres. Members of the Academic Council and the university's faculty also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the guests specifically highlighted the jubilee's creative path and scientific works, highly appreciating his contribution to Kazakh spirituality. Besides, a presentation of the scholar's six-volume collected works took place.

During the event, Almasbek Almatov's students and young artists performed zhyrs, expressing their respect for their teacher. At the end of the assembly, the jubilee delivered a speech, saying his gratitude to everyone for the respect shown and the warm words.

Today, Almasbek Almatov is recognized as one of the outstanding figures reviving the zhyrau tradition, scientifically researching it, and popularizing it among the young generation.

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