Zarkin Taishybay: a figure who became part of the history of national journalism and science

Zarkin Syzdykovich Taishybay is a Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, academician, well-known scholar, writer, researcher, Honorary Citizen of the North Kazakhstan Region — a person who dedicated his life to the development of national journalism and the humanities. However, for several generations of students and colleagues at our university, he is прежде всего a wise mentor, an intellectual educator, a person of high culture, and a true professional.

A republican conference titled “Atyńnan ainalaıyn, Qyzyljarym!” dedicated to Z.S. Taishybay was held at the university.

Zarkin Syzdykovich belongs to a rare generation of people for whom a profession was never just a job, but a form of service — to the word, to science, to the memory of the people, and to the future of the youth. His path has become part of the history of Kozybayev University, built over years of honest labor, wisdom, student respect, and deep dedication to his cause.

Colleagues, associates, and students of Zarkin Syzdykovich from different regions of the country attended the conference, along with scholars from Turkey and France.

“Your life path and many years of fruitful activity are a vivid example of devoted service to national spirituality, science and education, journalism, and public thought. You have always remained faithful to the truth, consistently defended national values, and tirelessly worked for their preservation and promotion. Devoting yourself to science, you have made a significant contribution to the development of national history and literary studies, Abai studies, Alash studies, Magzhan studies, and research related to the heritage of Abylai Khan. Your deep scientific research, based on unique archival materials and new historical sources, contributes to restoring the historical memory of the people and strengthening national identity,” noted the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, in his congratulatory letter.

Zarkin Taishybay was born on March 31, 1942, in the Kuv (Karkaraly) district of the Karaganda region. The future scholar’s destiny was shaped during years when diligence, responsibility, and respect for knowledge were especially valued. After graduating from a Kazakh secondary school, he worked as a machine operator in a collective farm, then as a literary staff member, deputy editor, editor of a district newspaper, and head of departments of the regional newspaper “Ortalyq Qazaqstan.” After graduating from the Faculty of Journalism at S. M. Kirov Kazakh State University and completing postgraduate studies in the history of journalism, Zarkin Syzdykovich devoted himself to teaching and research. An important milestone in his career was his work at E. A. Buketov Karaganda University, where he was among the founders of the Journalism Department. However, a particularly significant place in his biography belongs to Non-profit limited company "M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University".

Since 2000, Zarkin Syzdykovich has been working at our university. Over these years, he has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the university, the training of specialists, and the establishment of journalism education in the region.

“In 2000, you came to M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and gave a new impetus to the development of regional journalism. Your many years of pedagogical work deserve special respect. Many journalists and researchers who passed through your school are now successfully working across the country, contributing to the development of national science, education, and mass media. You have instilled in your students dedication to serving the people, respect for national spiritual values, and a strong sense of responsibility to society,” reads the congratulatory letter from the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, Gauez Nurmukhambetov.

It was thanks to Zarkin Syzdykovich’s initiative that journalism education in the state language began at the university in 2001. This decision became not only an educational milestone but also an important historical event for all of North Kazakhstan. In fact, a new school of Kazakh-language journalism was being formed here, based on professionalism, respect for national values, and high educational standards.

The conference was attended by university graduates and representatives of national media, including Zhasyn Birkenov, Deputy Press Secretary of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Suyindik Zhanysbay, member of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan and Honored Journalist of Kazakhstan; Erlan Atambay, Director of the “Khabar” TV channel; as well as well-known journalists, publicists, and writers.

Prior to the conference, the university held a competition of multimedia projects dedicated to the works of Z.S. Taishybay. During the ceremony, winners and prize recipients were awarded cash prizes and certificates:
— 1st place — Sandugash Kaiyrbek, group Zh-25k;
— 2nd place — Amina Sirgebayeva, group PvO-24 (kz-us);
— 3rd place — Kristina Slapinskaite, group Zh-24.

A Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, and author of more than 100 scientific articles, monographs, and textbooks, Zarkin Taishybay has made a significant contribution to academic literature.

A special pride for the university was the opening of a classroom named after the professor at Kozybayev University — a symbol of recognition of his immense contribution to the development of national education and science. Conference participants also had the opportunity to visit it.

And a commemorative spruce tree named after Professor Z.S. Taishybay was planted on the alley near the ULC building.

But undoubtedly, the main award of Zarkin Syzdykovich is the respect of colleagues, gratitude of students, and sincere love of learners. He belongs to those who shape not only a professional school but also the moral atmosphere of the region. His name has long become part of the intellectual and spiritual history of our university and region.

On behalf of the university staff, we express our deep appreciation to Zarkin Syzdykovich for years of impeccable service, mentor wisdom, dedication to the university, loyalty to science, and native culture. We wish him strong health, warmth, well-being, and many more years of life. May new books, new discoveries, joy of creativity, and happiness of communication with loved ones and students await him in the future.