Nursultan Nazarbayev is one of the towering figures in Kazakhstani history. He held the presidency from the dissolution of the Soviet Union to work up the rationale for a stable and economically developing nation. His nearly three-decade-long leadership saw far-reaching economic reforms, international diplomacy, and an unusual fusing of authoritarian governance with modernization efforts. This detailed blog covers his early life, career, major achievements, personal life, legacy, and impact.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev
- Birth Date: July 6, 1940
- Place of Birth: Chemolgan, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union (now Kazakhstan)
- Political Career: Served as the first President of Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2019
- Previous Roles: Held various positions in the Soviet government, including First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan
- Independence: Became President of Kazakhstan when the country declared independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991
- Re-election: Re-elected multiple times, often with high percentages of the vote amid allegations of electoral fraud
- Economic Policies: Promoted market-oriented reforms and foreign investment, leading to significant economic growth
- Capital City: Moved Kazakhstan’s capital from Almaty to Astana (now called Nur-Sultan in his honor) in 1997
- Stepping Down: Resigned from the presidency in March 2019 but retained significant power as the Chairman of the Security Council and the Leader of the Nation
- Legacy: Known for maintaining political stability and economic growth, but also criticized for authoritarian practices and lack of political freedoms
- Family: Married to Sara Nazarbayeva, with whom he has three daughters
Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Early Life
Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev was born on July 6, 1940, in Chemolgan, a small village some 15 kilometers away from Almaty, then part of the Kazakh SSR in the Soviet Union. Having grown up in a rural setting, his family led a rather simple way of life with all the problems typical for those days. His father Abish and mother Alzhan were hardworking peasants who taught him the great thinking of diligence and hate weakness.
Against all the odds, the young Nursultan did well at school. His interest in metals took him to a technical school to study metallurgy. He subsequently won a scholarship to the Karaganda Steel Mill, one of the largest steel plants in the Soviet Union. It was a character-building experience in that, apart from gaining technical knowledge, he also acquired managerial skills.
Career and Major Achievements by Nursultan Nazarbayev
It was hard work that motivated Nazarbayev from a subordinate engineer at the Karaganda Steel Mill into prominence as an emerging leader. Very promotive up the industrial ladder, it opened avenues for him in politics. In 1962, he joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which launched his political rise.
Political Rise of Nursultan Nazarbayev:
Nazarbayev has moved up through the ranks of the CPSU since the 1970s and 1980s. His first massive breakthrough was his becoming Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR in 1984, roughly equivalent to being Prime Minister. Four years later, in 1989, he rose again to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan and thus became the de facto leader of the republic.
President of Kazakhstan:
In 1991, right after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared its independence, and Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected as the President. During his term in office, Kazakhstan managed to transform from a Soviet republic into an independent nation whose main focuses were on economic reforms and modernization.
Economic Reforms:
Nazarbayev proclaimed a new course of economic reforms that were to make Kazakhstan a market economy. He followed policies of state-run industries’ privatization, inviting foreign investment and exploiting rich natural resources that this country had, especially in oil and gas. His efforts brought immense economic growth to the country, turning Kazakhstan into one of the richest countries in Central Asia.
Modernization and Infrastructure:
One of the most ambitious projects of Nazarbayev was the moving of the capital from Almaty to Astana (now renamed Nur-Sultan). This was a part of a much larger plan of stimulating economic growth and modernizing the country. The new capital served as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s progress and a center for political and economic activity.
International Diplomacy:
Nazarbayev positioned Kazakhstan as one of the protagonists at the core of international diplomacy; he spoke for a world without atomic weapons, which involved giving up a nuclear arsenal of the world’s fourth-largest, inherited from the Soviet Union. All his diplomatic activity has made the relations of Kazakhstan with Western and Eastern countries much stronger and cemented the nation as a bridge between different geopolitical spheres.
Personal Life
Nursultan Nazarbayev is married to Sara Nazarbayeva, with whom he has three daughters: Dariga, Dinara, and Aliya. Various manifestations of the family’s involvement in public life in Kazakhstan can be seen. His daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva became a speaker in the Senate and held a few other important political positions.
Nazarbayev is a great reader and has a willingness to learn. Since his school days, he has believed in education and self-improvement, for which he often shares personal experiences with young people. Among all the hectic schedules of his life, he has always been able to maintain a connection with his roots and reflect upon the values and lessons learned through his childhood years.
Legacy and Impact of Nursultan Nazarbayev
Economic Transformation:
The economic policies of Nazarbayev have put Kazakhstan at the regional forefront to be a powerhouse. His efforts in attracting foreign investment and developing natural wealth made a huge difference in improving the economy. Presently, Kazakhstan is among the largest oil producers in the world, having reached a broad-based economy that includes mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.
Political Stability:
Nazarbayev’s presidency managed to keep this multi-ethnic and diverse nation together. His policies, therefore, interfered least with different cultural and ethnic groups to a large extent, hence allowing the potential growth of national unity. However, these same factors have been criticized in that his long-lasting powerful regime has limited political freedom and democratic processes.
International Influence:
Nazarbayev’s diplomatic efforts in the world arena won Kazakhstan a dignified place within it. His commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and mediation efforts in regional conflicts bespoke his farsightedness toward a peaceful, cooperative international community.
Controversies and Criticisms:
Most controversial however was the presidency of Nazarbayev. Critics point out that he had been having an authoritarian mode of governance, with restricted political opposition and reduced media freedom. Further, he faces countless accusations relating to corruption and nepotism. His impact on Kazakhstan’s development and his role in establishing its independence cannot be denied, though he fell prey to major controversies regarding his presidency.
Conclusion
Nursultan Nazarbayev’s life and career stand as testaments to his work in making a prosperous and sovereign Kazakhstan. His humble village background to his nearly three-decade presidency is a story of remarkable leadership and enterprise. Not just his leadership style but everything has been under criticism, but then his role in economic growth, stability, and international standing remains immense. As Kazakhstan moves on, the legacy left by Nazarbayev will be part of history that will yet influence the destiny of the nation.
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