Monument-Sculpture Dedicated to Azhmaghi Smagulov

Historical Background: Azhmaghi Smagulov was a scholar, Candidate of Medical Sciences and professor who made a significant contribution to the development of medical science and higher education in the Aktobe Region. He was born in 1932 in the Temir district of the Aktobe Region.

The most important stage of his professional life was closely connected with the Aktobe State Medical Institute. In 1971, A. Smagulov was appointed rector of the institute and headed it until his retirement in 1995. During his leadership, the institute’s material and technical base was strengthened, its academic and scientific potential developed, and the training of medical specialists for Western Kazakhstan reached a new level.

Azhmaghi Smagulov is remembered as an experienced organiser, a representative of medical science and higher education, and a person who devoted many years to training qualified professionals. His name holds a special place in the intellectual and medical history of Aktobe.

Description of the Monument: The monument-sculpture dedicated to Azhmaghi Smagulov was installed in 2016 in Aktobe, at the intersection of Asau-Barak Street and A. Smagulov Street. The sculpture is made of concrete and painted in a golden colour.

The total height of the monument is 3.79 m. The sculpture itself is 1.25 m high. The pedestal is 1.98 m high and 56 cm wide. The composition presents the scholar’s image in a restrained and dignified manner. Its artistic solution emphasises his authority, educational mission and public significance.

The golden colour draws attention to the status of the figure, while the high pedestal symbolically reflects the professor’s role in the development of medical education in the region.

Historical and Cultural Significance: This monument is an important cultural site dedicated to a person who contributed greatly to the formation and development of medical science and higher medical education in the Aktobe Region. Azhmaghi Smagulov’s long-term leadership of the Aktobe State Medical Institute is directly linked to the development of medical professional training in Western Kazakhstan.

The monument is not only a sign of respect for an individual scholar, but also a symbol of continuity in the history of science, education and healthcare in Aktobe. It reminds students, young specialists and city residents of the importance of devotion to knowledge, professional responsibility and service to society.

The inclusion of the monument in the State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance confirms its value within the cultural heritage and historical memory of the city.

Did You Know?

Azhmaghi Smagulov headed the Aktobe State Medical Institute for almost a quarter of a century. During this period, the institution strengthened its position as one of the leading centres of medical education in Western Kazakhstan.

The monument was solemnly unveiled on 25 November 2016. The ceremony was held as part of the “Starry 25 Years” campaign dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence. The event was attended by Aktobe city akim Ilyas Ispanov, the scholar’s wife Mariya Aitmaganbetova, representatives of the medical university and city residents.

One of the streets of Aktobe is named after Azhmaghi Smagulov. This is another sign of public recognition of his contribution to the region’s scientific, educational and social life.

Read More

1. Adilet Legal Information System of the Republic of Kazakhstan. State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance of the Aktobe Region
2. Aktobe newspaper. Ақтөбеде Әжмағи Смағұловқа ескерткіш орнатылды
3. Aktubinsky Vestnik. Otkryt pamyatnik Azhmagi Smagulovu
4. Aktobe newspaper. Smagulov Street