A Star That Faded Too Soon (Commemorating the 130th Anniversary of N. Nurmakov)

Abstract

This article explores the socio-political activities of prominent statesman Nygmet Nurmakov. Based on archival documents, it examines Nurmakov’s contributions to the development of Kazakhstan’s economy, judicial, prosecutorial, and legal systems, the indigenization (korenizatsiya) of the state apparatus, and the training of national personnel. Particular attention is given to his documented role in relocating the capital from Orenburg to Kzyl-Orda, and subsequently from Kzyl-Orda to Almaty. The article emphasizes that in his reports and newspaper articles, he boldly addressed pressing issues of his time from the standpoint of national interests. In 1937, at the age of 42, N. Nurmakov became a victim of political repression, along with his 75-year-old father N. Taukeybayev and his brother K. Nurmakov. All of them were later executed based on fabricated charges. The article also examines the fate of his wife, Z. Nurmakova, who likewise became a victim of political persecution.