On March 15, the people of Kazakhstan will vote for a new Constitution through a national referendum. At this historic turning point, Abai University hosted the presentation of the “Zimanov Encyclopedia,” dedicated to the 105th anniversary of Salyk Zimanov, who made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s Constitution and legal system. The publication is of great importance for understanding the historical continuity between the new Constitution and the country’s previous Basic Laws. Prominent academicians, legal scholars, and members of the scientific community took part in the event.

 The issues of modernizing the principles of a rule-of-law state and improving constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan remain highly relevant. Studying the historical foundations of the Constitution – the main guarantor of state stability – and reassessing the scholarly legacy of those who contributed to its formation are among today’s key priorities. The event, organized on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of Salyk Zimanov, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and an outstanding figure in legal scholarship who made a major contribution to the drafting of both the first and the current Constitution of the country, was held under the theme “The New Constitution – a Guarantee of State Stability.” The meeting was opened by Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Ertay Sultan, who particularly emphasized Zimanov’s role in the development of legal science and constitutional advancement.

  – While during the Soviet period Salyk Zimanov was known as one of the founders of national legal scholarship, in the early challenging years of independence he devoted his extensive academic experience to strengthening the foundations of the national state. He directly participated in drafting several constitutional acts aimed at forming the country’s legislative framework. He made a substantial contribution to the adoption of the Constitution, – the Vice-Rector noted.

 During the event, the “Zimanov Encyclopedia” was ceremonially unveiled, and a group of Kazakhstani legal scholars were awarded a commemorative badge issued for the 100th anniversary of Salyk Zimanov. The Zimanov Encyclopedia is a unique publication comprehensively covering the life and work of S. Zimanov, his academic writings, public and state activities, and his immeasurable contribution to the development of legal science and constitutional progress in Kazakhstan. The encyclopedia demonstrates the traditions of constitutional formation in the country and helps to clarify the historical continuity of the draft New Constitution to be adopted in Kazakhstan.

 Speeches were delivered by Majilis Deputy Aigul Kuspan, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician Murat Zhurinov, Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan Mereke Kulkenov, Chairman of the Association of Scientists of Kazakhstan Orazaly Sabden, and other distinguished figures. They shared their views on the development of constitutional law scholarship in Kazakhstan and on the legacy of Salyk Zimanov, highlighting his academic school, his students, and his contribution to the establishment of a rule-of-law state, as well as emphasizing the scientific and historical significance of the publication.

 According to scholars, the ideas presented in the encyclopedia resonate with the principles of the new Constitution to be adopted through the referendum and further underline the importance of its legal continuity.

 Media Center “Abai University”