Title: Monument-Bust to K. Zhubanov
Type of monument: Monumental art structure
Date of monument: 1999
Status: Object included in the preliminary list
Location: Aktobe, 34 Aliya Moldagulova Avenue, in front of K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University.
Historical background:
Kudaibergen Kuanuly Zhubanov was the first Kazakh professor of philology, an outstanding linguist, educator, public and statesman. He is regarded as one of the founders of scientific Kazakh linguistics and one of the figures who contributed significantly to the formation of professional science and higher education in Kazakhstan.
- Zhubanov was born on 19 December 1899 in the territory of present-day Mugalzhar District of Aktobe Region, in the locality of Kosaktam; some sources also mention Akzhar. He received his early education from a village mullah and at a local school, later continuing his studies at the Khusainiya madrasah in Orenburg and at Russian-Kazakh educational institutions in Zhuryn and Ilek. In 1928 he graduated from the Institute of Oriental Languages in Leningrad, and from 1929 to 1932 he undertook advanced scholarly training within the USSR Academy of Sciences in Turkic languages and general linguistics.
Zhubanov was known as a polyglot who mastered German, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Mongolian, Chuvash, Komi, Georgian, Russian and other languages. He worked as a professor at KazPI, headed the Department of Kazakh Language and Literature, led the Linguistics Sector of the Kazakh Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, chaired the State Terminology Commission and served as editor-in-chief of the academic dictionary of the Kazakh language. His scholarly works had a profound influence on the development of Kazakh linguistics, terminology, alphabet reform, orthography, literature and cultural studies.
Description of the monument:
The monument-bust to K. Zhubanov is a monumental composition consisting of a bust, a pedestal and a base. The structure is based on a rectangular plan and features a three-level architectural design. On the southern side, there is a slightly elevated entrance area, additional extensions in the form of stone stelae and a staircase.
The base is faced with dark grey marble and measures 5.7 by 8.3 metres. The composition also includes open spaces intended for flower planting. The bust is 2 metres high and weighs 2.5 tonnes. It is made of grey marble and finished in a dark blue tone. The pedestal weighs 16.5 tonnes and measures 2 by 1.2 by 1.2 metres.
The location of the monument in front of the university building highlights Kudaibergen Zhubanov’s historic role in the development of science and education. This space has become a symbolic place for students and young researchers, promoting respect for national scholarship, intellectual pursuit and responsibility toward cultural heritage.
Cultural and historical significance:
The monument-bust to K. Zhubanov is not merely a memorial dedicated to an outstanding scholar; it is also an important cultural object that represents the history of the formation of Kazakh linguistics. The restrained monumentality of the bust, the three-level structure and the marble pedestal emphasise the scholar’s professional authority, intellectual strength and special place in the history of Kazakhstan’s science.
Kudaibergen Zhubanov’s scholarly legacy remains important for modern linguistics, philology, terminology, pedagogy and the humanities in Kazakhstan. Its location in front of the university brings this legacy closer to younger generations and strengthens the ideas of historical continuity, academic integrity and service to knowledge within the educational environment.
Authors:
Architect: A. Azhgaliyev
Sculptor: Zh. Kenbay
View on map:
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zhubanov+University,+34+Aliya+Moldagulova+Avenue,+Aktobe
2GIS: https://2gis.kz/kk/aktobe/firm/70000001031734128
Audio guide text:
You are standing near the monument-bust to Kudaibergen Zhubanov, located in front of K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. The monument is dedicated to Kudaibergen Kuanuly Zhubanov, the first Kazakh professor of philology, one of the founders of Kazakh linguistics, and a prominent public and statesman.
Although the scholar lived only 38 years, he left a deep mark on the history of Kazakh science. He worked on the systematic study of the Kazakh language, terminology, alphabet reform, orthography and national education. Today, Zhubanov’s name is closely connected not only with the history of Aktobe Region, but also with the development of science throughout Kazakhstan.
The monument’s location in front of the university is symbolic. It is a place that honours knowledge, science and enlightenment. The image of the scholar reminds younger generations of the value of education, responsibility and service to national culture.
Read more:
- K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. Kudaibergen Zhubanov.
https://zhubanov.edu.kz/kk/univer/category/12/ - K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. University History.
https://zhubanov.edu.kz/kk/univer/category/7/ - Scientific Library of K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University. Kudaibergen Kuanuly Zhubanov.
https://library.arsu.kz/?page_id=27015 - Qazaqstan Tarihy Portal. Zhubanov Kudaibergen.
https://e-history.kz/kz/prominent-figures/show/12541 - Aktobe Newspaper. “Ғылымның бірінші дәрежелі жарық жұлдызы”.
https://aqtobegazeti.kz/?p=150103