
20 May 2025
100th Anniversary of Statesman and Public Figure Sattar Imashev
Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University hosted a roundtable discussion dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the renowned statesman and public figure, Sattar Nurmashuly Imashev.
The event aimed to promote a deeper understanding of Sattar Imashev’s life and legacy, recognize his contributions to the country’s development, and present him as a role model for younger generations.
Participants included Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Yerubayev, public figure and recipient of the “Kurmet” Order, former Senate member and prominent lawyer Sarsenbay Ensegenov, Chairman of the Atyrau Regional Council of Veterans Murat Oteshov, the statesman’s daughter Eleonora Imasheva, and faculty and students of Atyrau University.
Honored Lawyer of the Republic of Kazakhstan and public figure Irak Yelekeev emphasized the need to promote Imashev’s scientific and public contributions among young people, noting that his legacy is deserving of renewed recognition today.
During the event, Chairman of the Board – Rector of the University Salamat Idrissov read an excerpt from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s book “Reflections About My Father”, which includes a personal memory of Sattar Imashev:
“When Kemel Tokayev was a student, he became acquainted with Sattar Imashev. From my father’s stories, I know that Imashev was a diligent student and enthusiastically completed public assignments. This quality positively influenced his professional career. He gained recognition among Party members and gradually rose in ranks, eventually becoming one of the country’s influential figures. As Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, he became one of the Republic’s most prominent ideologists. My father highly valued his integrity and professionalism. Sattar Imashev passed away following surgery, not having reached the age of sixty. My father was deeply saddened by his passing, mourning the loss of a strong and energetic friend.”
University scholars presented in-depth reports on the statesman’s legacy. Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Saipulla Sapanov, provided an analysis of Imashev’s socio-political work and his role in the development of parliamentarism in Kazakhstan.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Akkali Akhmet, presented a report titled “S. Imashev and His Time”, highlighting the notable achievements of the 1960s, especially in literature and the arts, during the period when Imashev served as Secretary of the Central Committee.
Among the distinguished works from that era were Ch. Aitmatov and K. Mukhamedzhanov’s play “Zher - Zher-ana” staged at the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh Academic Drama Theatre, which won the Republican State Prize and a diploma at an All-Union competition. Other notable performances included G. Musrepov’s “Amankeldi”, as well as productions in Semey, Pavlodar, and Kyzylorda regional theaters.
Sattar Imashev’s daughter, Eleonora Sattarkyzy, presented a chronological visual presentation detailing his life – from childhood and participation in the Great Patriotic War to his academic and professional achievements in the public sector.
The roundtable concluded with several key proposals:
• Naming schools and streets across Kazakhstan after Sattar Imashev
• Establishing scholarships in his name at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, and Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University
• Installing a commemorative bust in his honor
• Launching scientific projects and publications dedicated to his life and work