Salyk Zimanov's legacy honored on his 105th birthday with new encyclopedia

February 19, 2026, marks the 105th birthday of Salyk Zimanov, a key figure in Kazakhstan's legal and political history. Known as the founder of modern legal scholarship in the country, his contributions shaped both its wartime efforts and path to independence.

To honour his legacy, a new encyclopedia detailing his life, scholarly work, and political influence was unveiled on this day. The compilation highlights his role in drafting foundational documents and advancing Kazakhstan's sovereignty.

Zimanov's early years were defined by military service during the Great Patriotic War. He began as a mortar platoon commander, constructing fortifications along the Chorokh River on the Soviet-Turkish border. By the war's end, he had risen to lead artillery units as a general, earning decorations like the Order of the Red Star and the Patriotic War II Class.

His wartime discipline later shaped his legal career. After studying law at Alma-Ata State University, he worked as a prosecutor and judge, applying his structured approach to Soviet legal systems. This experience laid the groundwork for his future reforms.

As a deputy in the Supreme Soviet (1959–1975) and later Justice Minister (1963–1980), Zimanov helped draft Kazakhstan's first Constitution in 1993. His leadership extended to the 1990 Declaration on State Sovereignty, a collaborative effort with scholars like Sultan Sartayev and Manash Kozybayev. The document legally validated Kazakhstan's steps toward independence, overcoming resistance from sceptical deputies through patient negotiation.

The newly released Encyclopedia of Salyk Zimanov captures these achievements, from his wartime service to his constitutional contributions. Legal experts, including Bakhytzhan Kuandykov, have noted its importance in reflecting the spirit of Kazakhstan's evolving legal framework.

Zimanov's influence spans military leadership, legal reform, and nation-building. His work on the 1990 sovereignty declaration and the 1993 Constitution provided the legal foundation for modern Kazakhstan. The encyclopedia ensures his contributions remain a reference for future generations studying the country's development.