Department of Kazakh literature

The department of Kazakh literature was founded in 1946.  The first head of the Kazakh language and literature department was the famous teacher, the owner of the award “The best employee of the Kazakh SSR” Zholaeva Zhamilya Zhamangazyevna.

In 1947-48, the department of Kazakh literature was headed by A.S Mametova. 

In 1952, due to small department staff, Kazakh literature department was joined with the Kazakh language department.  The head of the department was T. Kordabaev.

In 1953, due to a transfer to another appointment, the head of the Kazakh language and literature department, assistant professor T. Kordabaev, was dismissed.  In 1955 Z. Akhmetov was appointed as the head of the Kazakh language and literature department, but soon the department was closed.

In 1962, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor Z. Akhmetov was already selected on a competitive basis as the head of the department of Russian and Kazakh literature.

 In 1975, due to a transfer to another appointment, the post of director was appointed to the associate professor H.G. Sadykov.

 September 8, 1982, according to the administrative order №95, the post of head of the department was appointed to Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor K.Mynzhasarova.

June 3, 1991, according to the administrative order №33, Kazakh language and literature department was divided into two separate departments. 

From 1992 to 1997, Department of Kazakh Literature was held by Doctor of Philology, Professor S.Neghimov.  From 1998 to 1999, the department was headed by R. Zaykenova, from 1999 to 2006 the post of the head of the Kazakh literature department was occupied by Doctor of Philolofy, Professor B. Abylkasimov.

Between 2006-2008,  Doctor of Philology, Professor G.Zh.  Pralieva was appointed as the head of the department.  From 2008 to 2010, the head of the department was Doctor of Philology, Professor B.B.Ybrayim, and from September 2010 to the present, the head of the department is Doctor of Philology, Professor S.B.Yerzhanova.

From the establishment of the chair there were outstanding literary critics like Z. Akhmetov, S. Kirabaev, T. Kakishev, Sh. Eleukenov, S. Kaskabasov, B. Abylkasymov, S. Negimov and others.  Academician Zaki Akhmetov taught the theory of literature for the rest of his life. 

At the present time, such scientists as professor S. Yerzhanova and doctor of sciences R. Zaikenova, G. Baltabayeva, K.Zhanuzakova, and also experienced teachers, candidates of philological sciences, associate professors L.Adilbekova, B. Zhumakaeva, S.  Saken, K.Abdikalyk, A.Koshekova, B.Khozhekeeva, T.Dauituly, N.Mazhieva, B.Sarbasov, G.Nurbekova, E.Seysenbiyeva, B.Sultanova, Zh.Aliyeva, N.Baltabayeva.

At present, Kazakh Literature Department cooperates with the following foreign universities and research centers: University of Nigde, Mimar Sinan University, Kazan University of the Republic of Tatarstan and Leiden University of the Netherlands.  In the 2012-2017 school year, PhD from University of Nigde of the Republic of Turkey Farge Cholak delivered lectures on “Turkic Literature”, and during the 2013-2014 period,  Doctor, Professor of Poznan University of Poland H. Jankowski conducted master classes for students and undergraduates on the problems of Turkic studies and Abay Studies.

Through the strenuous work and achievements in scientific and methodological work, 8 teachers became holders of the state grant “The Best Teacher of the University”.  They are: doctor of philological sciences, professor G.Zh.Pralieva, Doctor of Philology, Professor R.Z.Zaikenova, Doctor of Philology, Professor S.B.Yerzhanova, Doctor of Philology, Associate Professor G.S.Baltabaeva, Doctor of Philology, acting.  Associate professor K.Zhanuzakova, Candidate of Philological Sciences, acting Associate professor K.S. Abdykhalyk, Candidate of Philology, acting.Associate professor L.M.Adilbekova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate professor B. Zhumakaeva.

In order to prepare future specialists, develop independent thinking, self-knowledge and creativity of students, there are numerous clubs at Kazakh Literature Department: “Izdenis”, “Nazkonur”, “Inzhu-Marzhan”. Every year, the department organizes creative competitions and poetry evenings, where the best works and winners are awarded with diplomas.  Our students repeatedly won prizes in the Republican Olympiads.  Annual traditional conferences and events are held at the department: ” M.Makataev Readings”, “Abay Readings”, “Zakki Readings “.