The newspaper Zhas Alash marks its 105th anniversary.
SDG-4 The newspaper Zhas Alash marks its 105th anniversary. Once the voice of the nation and a symbol of the Alash spirit, this legendary publication has successfully entered the era of digitalization. On the occasion of the National Press Day, the Faculty of Journalism of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a scientific and practical round table dedicated to the 105th anniversary of Zhas Alash. As part of the event, the university library organized an exhibition titled “Zhas Alash — A Chronicle of a Century”, along with a photo gallery showcasing the newspaper’s visual history.
The event opened with a welcoming address by the Chairman of the Board — Rector Zhanseit Kanseituly. In his speech, he highlighted the important place of Zhas Alash in the history of national journalism and its responsible mission in society, congratulating the editorial team on the milestone anniversary. During the round table, participants discussed in depth the newspaper’s past and present, its publicistic traditions, its role in promoting the national idea, and its development in the new media era.
The keynote speaker, writer and journalist Zhusipbek Korgasbek, delivered a presentation titled “Zhas Alash as an Innovative Newspaper,” focusing on the publication’s creative features. Recently appointed Editor-in-Chief Erik Rakhym presented a report entitled “A 105-Year Journey: Zhas Alash and the Responsible Mission of National Journalism,” emphasizing the newspaper’s historical responsibility.
The event brought together several generations of “Alash” journalists who worked for the newspaper over different periods. Throughout its more than a century-long history, each editor-in-chief left a distinct mark. The first editor-in-chief, youth movement leader Gani Muratbayev, headed the newspaper at the age of just 21. Even during the Soviet era, Zhas Alash remained true to its national stance and was beloved by the public — a status it retains today.
The years under the leadership of prominent figures of Kazakh journalism such as Sherkhan Murtaza and Seidakhmet Berdykulov hold a special place in the newspaper’s history. In later years, journalists and public figures including Ualikhan Kalizhan, Torekhan Daniyar, Nurtore Zhusip, and Zhusipbek Korgasbek elevated the newspaper to new creative heights.
Veteran journalist Nurlytai Urkimbay, who worked at the newspaper during the tenure of Seidakhmet Berdykulov and Ualikhan Kalizhanov, shared warm memories of those years. Journalist and critic Amirhan Mendeke, who served as deputy editor-in-chief for 14 years; PhD in Philology Sagatbek Medeubekuly; poet Almas Akhmetbekuly, who worked in the arts section from 1993 to 1996; and writer-journalist Yessei Zhenisuly all reflected on Zhas Alash’s commitment to truth and its role in fostering a culture of dialogue in society. Asylkhan Abdraimuly spoke about the importance of photojournalism at Zhas Alash.
Gulnar Taji, Editor-in-Chief of Kazakh University newspaper; Gulzat Nurmolda, Chief Expert of the Information and Communications Department of KazNU; and Zhaksylyk Kazhymuratuly, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Zhas Alash, shared their views on the newspaper’s traditions and its new directions in the digital age.
As part of the event, by order of the Chairman of the Board — Rector Zhanseit Kanseituly, veteran journalists Zhusipbek Korgasbek, Amirhan Mendeke, Asylkhan Abdiraiym, and Almas Akhmetbekuly were awarded the “For Outstanding Service” medal and the Farabi Gold Medal for their significant contribution to the development of the university. Congratulations to the legendary Zhas Alash, a newspaper that has lived for more than a century. We wish continued success and creative achievements to Editor-in-Chief Erik Rakhym.
