06/01/2026
The history of K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University dates back to 1935. On January 1 of that year, a Teachers’ Institute was established, initially comprising departments of Physics, Mathematics, and History. In the 1966–1967 academic year, the institution was reopened under the name Aktobe Pedagogical Institute, enrolling 350 students in the Faculties of Physics and Mathematics and Philology. This marked the beginning of a new qualitative stage in the training of pedagogical staff in the region.
The first Dean of the Faculty of Philology was Associate Professor Ilya Yakovlevich Sulkovsky. In 1966, the departments of Russian Language and Literature and Russian and Foreign Literature were established within the faculty. Later, in 1983, this structure was expanded with the opening of the Russian Language in National Schools department. In 1997, these three departments were merged and continued their activities within a renewed structure.
In 1989, the specialty Kazakh Language and Literature was opened within the Faculty of Kazakh and Foreign Languages, and the first students were admitted. As student enrollment increased, the Faculty of Kazakh Philology was established as an independent structural unit in 1991. In subsequent years, philological specialties were consolidated, leading to the formation of the present-day Faculty of Philology.
The contribution of distinguished scholars and experienced educators who served in leadership roles at different stages of the faculty’s history has been particularly significant. Over the years, the position of Dean was honorably held by Associate Professors A.P. Ermolina, Yu.M. Kushner, E.S. Afanasyev, A.M. Moldakhanov, A.Sh. Pangereyev; Senior Lecturers A.P. Antipova, R.B. Kuspaeva; and Associate Professors M.Zh. Karashulakova, N.M. Baiganina, A.S. Nuradinov, S.Zh. Bermagambetov, N.M. Aldashev, S.S. Mukhtarov, K.K. Sadirova, G.T. Shokym, all of whom made a substantial contribution to strengthening the faculty.
Currently, the faculty is led by B.B. Ertleuova, a leader distinguished by a modern and innovative vision.
The activities of the departments forming the structural foundation of the faculty, as well as the dedicated work of their heads, have played an important role in expanding the faculty’s academic potential.
The departments of Kazakh Language and Kazakh Literature were headed at various times by Zh.N. Nurzhanova, A.M. Moldakhanov, N.Zh. Kurmanova, E.K. Zhubanov, N.M. Aldashev, B.Zh. Kurmanova, N.A. Saduakas, Zh.O. Tektigul, K.K. Sadirova, Zh.S. Sultangaliyeva, B.S. Karagulova, A.S. Kushkimbaeva, G.K. Tangirbergenova, N.K. Kultanbayeva, whose professional dedication significantly contributed to the development of the departments.
The Department of Russian Philology and Intercultural Communication was headed at different times by Associate Professors V.N. Smirnova, I.Ya. Sulkovsky, E.S. Afanasyev, N.V. Adorova, P.I. Zimmermann, K.B. Urazayeva, E.A. Zhigareva; Senior Lecturers K.T. Krinova, L.E. Tegai, A.N. Novosyolova, G.A. Shapovalova, Z.T. Maushova; and Candidates of Sciences V.A. Shcherbakova, L.I. Obakova, L.I. Gubanova, A.Sh. Aimagambetova, M.Zh. Karashulakova, L.A. Kashina, G.I. Ungarbayeva, I.I. Sviridova, E.T. Idirissova.
Today, the Faculty of Philology comprises three departments:
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (Head – Sh.G. Abdirova, PhD);
- Department of Kazakh Literature (Head – G.S. Obayeva, PhD);
- Department of Russian Language and Literature (Head – N.U. Abdullina, PhD).
Philology is not merely a field of science; it is a fundamental domain of knowledge closely connected with a nation’s identity, worldview, culture, and spiritual values. Progress in this field reflects the tireless work of several generations of scholars and educators, as well as the continuity of historical and spiritual heritage.
Faculty of Philology: A Center of Renewal and Academic Continuity
The Faculty of Philology of K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University is a fundamental academic unit oriented toward innovation and adapted to modern educational processes. Today, the faculty integrates several educational areas within the fields of Pedagogical Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, forming a unified academic system.
More than 60 faculty members with high scientific potential work at the faculty, including Doctors of Science, PhD holders, Associate Professors, experienced educators, and young researchers. This professional team successfully combines education and research, ensuring high-quality training of future philologists.
As a true academic community bringing together multiple generations, the faculty includes:
- veteran professors who have made a significant contribution to the development of philological science;
- national leaders in education and science - department heads and associate professors;
- young scholars and researchers distinguished by their academic initiative.
Preserving its best traditions and strong academic continuity, the faculty conducts research in line with contemporary requirements and consistently develops academic mobility and international cooperation.
Currently, the faculty offers 5 Bachelor’s, 3 Master’s, and 1 Doctoral (PhD) programs. All departments effectively integrate theory and practice, creating broad opportunities for students’ professional and intellectual development.
One of the key structures defining the faculty’s scientific prestige is the Dissertation Council established under the educational program 8D02304 “Philology”. Within its framework, PhD dissertations are successfully defended, enriching the national scientific space with high-quality research outcomes.
The council includes leading domestic and international scholars with extensive academic experience. Its systematic work is a vivid demonstration of the faculty’s strong scientific potential and well-established academic traditions.
The Faculty of Philology is not only a center of education and science but also a true nucleus of national spiritual and cultural heritage. Here, history and wisdom are conveyed through language, while consciousness and emotion are shaped through literature. In this environment-where scientific thought and creative inquiry intersect - the continuity of generations is preserved, and educational traditions evolve in harmony with time. By combining past experience with modern innovation, the faculty elevates not only Kazakh philology but the prestige of national humanitarian education as a whole.
The Faculty of Philology is a space of thought aimed at understanding human existence - a school of life that connects language and spirituality.
