List of Kazakhs

This is a list of notable Kazakhs.

Actors, filmmakers and fashion models[]

Shaken Aimanov (1914–1970), film director, actor
Berik Aitjanov (born 1979), actor, film producer
Timur Bekmambetov (born 1961), film director
Ruslana Korshunova (1987–2008), international fashion model
Rashid Nugmanov (born 1954), film director
Gulshat Omarova (born 1968), writer, film director and actress
Alyona Subbotina (born 1990), international fashion model

Artists[]

Altynai Asylmuratova (born 1961), ballerina
Abilkhan Kasteev (1904–1973), painter
Aya Shalkar (born 1996), graphic designer

Businessmen[]

Mukhtar Ablyazov (born 1963), businessman
Timur Kulibayev (born 1966), businessman, son-in-law of Nursultan Nazarbayev
Oleg Novachuk (born 1971), businessman, currently Chief Executive of Kazakhmys
Dzhambulat Sarsenov (born 1961), businessman

Composers and musicians[]

Roza Baglanova (1922–2011), opera singer
Kulyash Baiseitova (1912–1957), opera singer
Marat Bisengaliev (born 1962), violinist and director of Orchestras
Alan Buribayev (born 1979), conductor
Dos Mukasan (formed 1967), rock and pop music group
Imanbek (born 2000), DJ and record producer
Shamshi Kaldayakov (1930–1992), composer
Dimash Kudaibergen (born 1994), singer
Erik Kurmangaliev (1959–2008), opera singer
Ninety One (formed 2015), Qpop band
Kairat Nurtas (born 1989), singer
Makhambet Otemisuly (1804–1846), akyn, composer, leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
Roza Rymbayeva (born 1957), singer
Kurmangazy Sagyrbaev (1823–1896), composer, instrumentalist and folk artist
Daneliya Tuleshova (born 2006), singer
Ulytau (formed 2001), Folk metal, Neo-classical metal
Tolkyn Zabirova (born 1970), singer
Zhambyl Zhabayuly (1846–1945), Kazakh traditional folksinger

Heads of state[]

Abu'l-Mansur Khan (1711–1781), khan of Middle jüz, leader of Kazakh Khanate (1771–1781)
Abu'l-Khair Muhammed Khan (1693–1748), khan of the Kazakh Junior jüz (1725–1748)
Burunduk Khan (?-1511), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1480–1510)
Esim Khan (?-1628 (1643)), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1598–1628 (1643))
Janibek Khan (1428–1480), founder and co-leader of Kazakh Khanate (1465–1480)
Qasim Khan (1445–1521), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1510–1521)
Muhammed Khan (1480-1523), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1521-1523)
Tahir Khan (?-1533), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1523-1533)
Ahmed Khan (?-1536), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1533-1536)
Haqnazar Khan (1509-1580), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1538-1580)
Salqam-Jahangir Khan (1610-1652), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1643-1652)
Kenesary Khan (1802–1847), khan of all three jüzes (1841–1847)
Kerei Khan (?-1465), founder and co-leader of Kazakh Khanate(1456–1465)
Tauke Khan (?-1718), leader of the Kazakh Khanate (1680–1718)
Dinmukhamed Kunaev (1912–1993), First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR (1960–1962, 1964–1986), Prime Minister, President Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences
Nursultan Nazarbayev (born 1940), President of Kazakhstan
Jumabay Shayahmetov (1902–1966), First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR (1946–1954), former NKVD officer who participated in repressions against Kazakh people

Philosophers[]

Al-Farabi (872–950), scientist, philosopher and mathematician
Ibrahim Qunanbaiuly (1845–1904), poet, translator, composer and philosopher.
Ahmad Yasavi (1106–1166), poet and Sufi (Muslim mystic)

Politicians and activists[]

Nursultan Nazarbayev (born 1940), first President of Kazakhstan and current chair of the Nur Otan
Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed (born 1960), Kazakh senator, former Deputy Chairman of the Nur Otan, and former advisor to the President of Kazakhstan
Qasim-Jomart Toqaev (born 1953), Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and current President of Kazakhstan
Qabibullah Dzhakupov, former Chair of the Mazhilis from 2014 to 2016
Muhammed Kopeev (born 1949), Kazakh senator, former Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan and Mazhilis, former Minister of Emergency Situations
Muhammedjan Tynyshbayev (1879-1953), Kazakh engineer, ethnographer, historian, and political activist
Byrganym Aitimova (born 1953), ambassador, minister, former Komsomol leader who supported Soviet government rogue actions against Kazakh people during Jeltoqsan
Ahmed Baitursynuli (1873–1937), poet, writer and politician
Ahmedjan Yessimov (born 1960), Kazakh politician and former chairman of Samruk-Kazyna
Osman Bahadur (1899–1951), fighter for the freedom of the Kazakh people in Xinjiang
Alikhan Bukeikhanov (1866–1937), writer, political activist and environmental scientist
Mir Yaqub Dulatuli (1885–1935), poet, writer and a leader of Alash Orda government
Janabil (born 1934), politician in China
Guljan Karagusova (born 1950), member of Majilis, Minister of Labour and Social Protection
Ashat Kerimbay (born 1947), politician in China
Oralbeg Abdu Kerimovic, Secretary General of the government of Kazakhstan
Yurii Khitrin, Prosecutor General
Eset Kotibaruli (1803–1889), leader of the anti-colonial war against Russian Empire
Karim Massimov (born 1965), Prime Minister
Bolat Nurgaliyev (born 1951), diplomat
Makhambet Otemisuly (1804–1846), akyn, composer, leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
Qairat Rysqulbekov (1966–1988), participant in Jeltoqsan protests, posthumous Hero of Kazakhstan
Kanat Saudabayev (born 1946), politician, Secretary of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mustafa Shokay (1890–1941), leader of the Kokand revolt (1917) against the Bolsheviks
Oljas Suleimenov (born 1936), poet, politician, and anti-nuclear activist
Imangali Tasmagambetov (born 1956), Prime Minister
Isatay Taymanuly (1791–1838), leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
Marat Tazhin (born 1960), Foreign Minister
Janseiıt Tüimebaev (born 1958), Minister of Education and Science
Aman Tuleyev (born 1944), governor of Kemerovo Oblast, Russia

Military[]

Nurken Abdirov (1919–1942), fighter pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union
Aidyn Aimbetov (born 1972), fighter pilot and cosmonaut
Toktar Aubakirov (born 1946), first Kazakh in space, MP
Rahim-Bek Bahadur (1705-?), warrior in the 18th century against Dzungars
Nasrullah Nauryzbai Bahadur (1706-1781), Kazakh commander in the 18th century who fought against the Dzungars
Talgat Bigeldinov (born 1922), Il-2 pilot, only Kazak twice awarded Hero of the Soviet Union
Syrym Datuly (1712–1802), leader of the Kazakhs of the Junior Jüz
Khiuaz Dospanova (1922–2008), aviation navigator, officer in the "night witches"
Manshuk Mametova (1922–1943), World War II machine gunner, posthumous Hero of the Soviet Union
Aliya Moldagulova (1925–1944), was a female Soviet sniper during World War II
Bauırjan Momyshuly (1910–1982), writer, posthumous Hero of the Soviet Union for actions in World War II
Talgat Musabayev (born 1951), test pilot, former cosmonaut, Director of Aerospace Agency of Republic of Kazakhstan
Sagadat Nurmagambetov (1924–2013), was a Soviet and Kazakh general
Rahimjan Qoshqarbaev (1924–1988), first soldier to raise the Soviet flag in the Reichstag

Scientists[]

Applied and Natural Science

Ken Alibek (born 1950), microbiologist
Kaisha Atakhanova (born 1957), genetic biologist
Mukhtar Aymakhanov (born 1967), cosmonaut
Alikhan Bukeikhanov (1866–1937), writer, political activist and environmental scientist
Shafik Chokin (1912–2003), engineer, President of Academy of Sciences
Kanysh Satbayev (1899–1964), engineer, geologist, President of Academy of Sciences
Muhammedjan Tynyshbayev (1879-1937), engineer, enthnographer, historian, activist

Social science

Sarsen Amanzholov (1903–1958), linguist, Turkologist
Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat (1499/1500–1551), historian, Chagatai Turco-Mongol military general
Askar Dzhumadildayev (born 1956), mathematician
Al-Farabi (872–950), scientist, philosopher and mathematician
Orazak Ismagulov (born 1930), anthropologist
Zhenis Kembayev (born 1975), jurist
Marat Sarsembaev (born 1947), jurist

Sportspersons[]

Boxers[]

Bakhtiyar Artayev (born 1983) – champion of the 2004 Summer Olympics
Saken Bibossinov – bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov (born 1976) – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
Gennady Golovkin (born 1982) – silver medal winner of the 2004 Summer Olympics, current WBC, IBF, WBA Super Middleweight and IBO champion
Yermakhan Ibraimov (born 1972) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics, champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
Kanat Islam (born 1984) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics, WBA Inter-Continental, WBO NABO, WBO Inter-Continental, WBA Fedelatin, WBA Fedecaribe Super welterweight
Serik Konakbayev (born 1959) – silver medal winner of the 1980 Summer Olympics
Kamshybek Kunkabayev – bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
Bulat Niyazymbetov (born 1972) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
Serik Sapiyev (born 1983) – boxer, champion of the 2012 Summer Olympics
Bakhyt Sarsekbayev (born 1981) – champion of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Bekzat Sattarkhanov (1980–2000) – champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
Dariga Shakimova (born 1988) – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
Yerkebulan Shynaliyev (born 1987) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Daniyar Yeleussinov (born 1991) – champion of the 2016 Summer Olympics
Serik Yeleuov (born 1980) – bronze medal winner of the 2004 Summer Olympics
Yerdos Zhanabergenov (born 1983) – champion of the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
Bulat Zhumadilov (born 1973) – silver medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2000 Summer Olympics

Wrestling[]

Greek-Roman (Classic) style[]

Asset Mambetov (born 1982) – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Kazhymukan Munaitpasov (1871–1948) – first Kazakh who won a World Championship in 1908
Walihan Sailike (Kazakh: Уалихан Сайлық) – Greco-Roman wrestler. Bronze medal winner in the 60 kg event at the 2018 World Wrestling Championships. Bronze medal winner in the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan.
Shamil Serikov (1956–1989) – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics
Elmurat Tasmuradov (born 1991) – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
Nurbakyt Tengizbayev(born 1983) – silver medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Daulet Turlykhanov (born 1963) – silver medal winner of the 1992 Summer Olympics, silver bronze-winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov (1951–2020) – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics

Freestyle[]

Islam Bairamukov (born 1971) – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
Maulen Mamyrov (born 1970) – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
Daulet Shabanbay (born 1983) – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics
Elmira Syzdykova (born 1992) – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
Akzhurek Tanatarov (born 1986) – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics

Judo[]

Aidyn Smagulov (born 1976) – judoka, bronze medal-winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
Yeldos Smetov (born 1992) – judoka, silver medal-winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics, bronze medal-winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
Askhat Zhitkeyev (born 1981) – judoka, silver medal-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics

Chess[]

Bibisara Assaubayeva (born 2004) - International Master (IM), (WGM), and Women's World Blitz Champion (since 2021)
Zhansaya Abdumalik (born 2000) – International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
Darmen Sadvakasov (born 1978) – chess grandmaster

Ice hockey[]

Evgeni Nabokov (born 1975) – former NHL goaltender (1995–2015).

Football[]

Aigerim Aitymova (born 1993) – 2019 Kazakhstan women's national football team
Seilda Baishakov (born 1950) – FC Kairat and Soviet Union national football team (1971–1981)
Bauyrzhan Islamkhan (born 1993) – footballer, captain of Kazakhstan national team
Serikzhan Muzhikov (born 1989) – FC Astana from 2014
Samat Smakov (born 1978) – footballer, General Director for FC Aktobe
Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov (born 1998) – Kazakh professional footballer, PFC CSKA
Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev (born 1981) – former footballer, Sports Director for FC Tobol

Tennis[]

Zarina Diyas (born 1993)

Other[]

Dzinara Alimbekava (born 1996) – biathlete, Olympic Champion of the 2014 Winter Olympics
Darkhan Assadilov – karateka, bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
Assan Bazayev (born 1981) – cyclist
Arman Chilmanov (born 1984) – taekwondo athlete, bronze prize-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Dias Keneshev (born 1985) – biathlete
Gusman Kosanov (born 1935) – sprinter, silver medal winner of the 1960 Summer Olympics
Andrei Krukov (born 1971) – figure skater
Nurlan Mendygaliyev (1961) – water polo player, bronze medal winner of the 1988 Summer Olympics
Kaisar Nurmaganbetov (born 1977) – flatwater canoer
Assan Takhtakhunov (born 1986) – ski jumper
Denis Ten (1993–2018) – figure skater and 2014 Olympic Bronze Medalist, 2013 World Silver Medalist, and 2015 World Bronze Medalist
Elizabet Tursynbayeva (born 2000) – figure skater and 2019 World Silver Medalist
Alexander Vinokourov (born 1973) – cyclist
Eduard Vinokurov (1942–2010) – Kazakh-born Soviet Olympic and world champion fencer
Yernar Yerimbetov (born 1980) – gymnast
Aliya Yussupova (born 1984) – athlete
Radik Zhaparov (born 1984) – ski jumper
Alzhan Zharmukhamedov (born 1944) – basketball player, Olympic Champion of the 1972 Summer Olympics, bronze medal winner of the 1976 Summer Olympics

Weightlifting[]

Zulfiya Chinshanlo (born 1993) – champion of the 2012 Summer Olympics, bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
Ilya Ilyin (born 1988) – champion of the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Olympics
Anna Nurmukhambetova (born 1993) – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics
Zhazira Zhapparkul (born 1993) – silver medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics

Writers and poets[]

Karina Abdullina (born 1976), poet and singer
Ibrahim Altynsarin (1841–1889) – pedagogue, writer
Mukhtar Auezov (1897–1961) – writer, public figure
Ahmed Baitursynuli (1873–1937) – poet, writer, pedagogue and politician
Alikhan Bukeikhanov (1866–1937) – writer, political activist and environmental scientist
Mir Yakub Dulatuli (1885–1935) – poet, writer and a leader of Alash Orda government
Bukhar-zhirau Kalmakanov (1693–1789) – poet
Aigul Kemelbayeva (born 1965) – prose writer and literary critic
Baqytjan Kanapyanov (born 1951) – poet and lyricist
Mukaghali Makatayev (1931–1976) – akyn, poet
Bauyrjan Momyshuly (1910–1982) – writer, hero of the Soviet Union during World War II
Sabid Mukanov (1900–1973) – poet and writer
Gabit Musirepov (1902–1985) – writer, playwright
Ibrahim Qunanbaiuly (1845–1904) – poet, composer and philosopher
Saken Seifullin (1894–1939) – poet and writer, national activist
Mukhtar Shakhanov (born 1942) – writer, lawmaker, ambassador
Oljas Suleimenov (born 1936) – poet, politician, and anti-nuclear activist
Sultanmahmud Toraygirov (1893–1920) – poet and writer
Tauman Torekhanov (born 1931) – writer, journalist and executive editor
Muhammed Shoqan Qanafiya Shynghysuly Walikhanov (1835–1865) – scholar, ethnographer and historian
Ahmad Yasawi (1106–1166) – poet and Sufi (Muslim mystic)
Zhambyl Zhabayuly (1846–1945) – akyn, student of Suinbay
Muhammedjan Jumabayev (1893–1938) – writer, publicist, founder of modern Kazakh literature
Qabdesh Zhumadilov (1936-2021) – writer