Had his own signature on the path of science

In Kazakh culture, the word «аға» (elder brother) carries warmth, wisdom, and a profound sense of care. Those fortunate enough to meet true mentors throughout their lives often find their own paths enriched by guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. A single kind word from such a person can inspire confidence, strengthen ambition, and open doors to new horizons.

Qylyshbai Sundetuly was one of those remarkable individuals. Generous in spirit and devoted to helping others, he possessed the rare ability to make thoughtful decisions even in difficult moments. His integrity, compassion, and commitment to people earned him deep respect throughout the Atyrau region, particularly among the educational community.

Beginning his career as a lecturer and later serving as a faculty dean at Atyrau University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, he consistently published articles in the media on youth education and national values. He made a significant contribution to preserving the pedagogical legacy of the distinguished educator Qusiyin Aitqaliuly by introducing his work into academic discourse and organizing several scientific conferences dedicated to his achievements. He also established the Qusiyin Aitqaliuly honorary badge, which was awarded to outstanding teachers in recognition of their professional excellence.

As the founder of the national newspaper Ustazdyq Enbek, Qylyshbai Sundetuly devoted himself to protecting the interests of educators and became a steadfast advocate for justice within the education sector.

A distinguished scholar of journalism history

Qylyshbai Sundetuly was among the few scholars in Kazakhstan who specialized in the history of Kazakh journalism. Recognizing the complexity of press history and its reliance on extensive archival research, he dedicated many years to studying historical newspapers and documentary sources.

In 2008, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the Dissertation Council of West Kazakhstan State University named after Makhambet Utemisov on the topic “The Development of the Press in Western Kazakhstan (1917–1940)”, earning the academic degree of Candidate of Historical Sciences.

His research systematically documented the evolution of the Kazakh press and introduced numerous archival materials into scholarly circulation. He became widely recognized as a leading expert in the theory and history of Kazakh journalism.

His academic contributions can be viewed in several dimensions:

• Systematizing the regional history of Atyrau and introducing historical evidence into academic research;

• Advancing the theoretical foundations of Kazakh journalism through new interpretations of the national press;

• Raising important social and educational issues through active public engagement.

   

  Research on regional media

The primary focus of his scholarship was the history of the press in Kazakhstan, particularly in the western regions of the country. His studies examined:

• the formation and development of district and regional newspapers;

• the ideological role of mass media during the Soviet period;

• the transformation of Kazakhstan’s information landscape during the years of independence.

Importantly, he viewed regional newspapers not merely as sources of information but as social institutions that shape public consciousness and community identity. This methodological perspective became one of the defining features of his research.

Public service and advocacy

Beyond academia, Qylyshbai Sundetuly was a respected public figure. As Chairman of the Atyrau Regional Trade Union of Education and Science Employees, he actively defended teachers’ rights and worked to improve their working conditions.

His public speeches and professional meetings consistently addressed:

• enhancing the status of teachers;

• strengthening social protection for educators;

• supporting reforms in Kazakhstan’s education system.

An enduring legacy

The significance of Qylyshbai Sundetuly’s work extends across multiple disciplines.

For journalism, he enriched the theoretical foundations of Kazakh journalism and pioneered the study of regional media.

For history, he introduced local historical materials into academic circulation, investigated the lives of prominent figures of the Atyrau region, and contributed valuable new historical evidence.

His greatest legacy, however, lives on in his students. Many of those he taught have become regional and district administrators, distinguished scholars, and dedicated educators who continue to serve society with distinction.

His forty years of service to education and the upbringing of younger generations received well-deserved recognition from the Government of Kazakhstan. As the Kazakh saying goes, “A good person never dies in memory, and a scholar lives on through their writings.” Few phrases describe his life more accurately.

Nearly half a year has passed since his passing. Time inevitably moves forward, yet accepting the loss of a respected colleague and mentor remains profoundly difficult. Still, there is solace in knowing that he left behind a lasting legacy—in his scholarship, his public service, and the generations of students and educators whose lives he transformed.

Qylyshbai Sundetuly will be remembered as a distinguished scholar who united the fields of journalism and history, and as a public servant whose contributions significantly advanced education and academic life in Kazakhstan.

Abai Duysenbayev 

Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences