Traveling Exhibition “Parasat biigindegi tulga”
On February 10, 2025, at the Makhambet Atyrau Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre, a traveling exhibition from the museum’s collection was organized as part of the memorial event “Parasat biigindegi tulga”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of prominent statesman and public figure, veteran of the Great Patriotic War, and Honored Citizen of Atyrau Region — Onaybai Kushekovich Kushekov.
Onaybai Kushekov was born on February 10, 1925, near the city of Atyrau, in the Saryozek area, into a modest family. In 1940, after completing seven grades at Tandai Incomplete Secondary School, he began working at the Guryev Sheep-Breeding State Farm, replacing his father who had gone to the front. In February 1943, he was drafted into the army, where he served for over five years as the head of a border post. After returning home, he worked as an instructor and head of a department in the city party committee.
In September 1963, through a party appointment, he became director of the Karakul State Farm in the Baksai District, which at that time was in difficult economic conditions. Under his leadership, the farm became highly profitable.
In October 1970, O. Kushekov was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Regional Council, and in 1977 he became the First Secretary of the Regional Party Committee, holding leadership positions for over 15 years. During this period, the region underwent significant development: between 1971 and 1980, new oil fields were discovered, and oil production volumes doubled. The exhibition featured photographs and documents from the museum’s collection illustrating Onaybai Kushekov’s life and career, including the Order of Lenin — the highest award of that time, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, an Honorary Diploma of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic, as well as other orders, medals, personal belongings, and books. The exhibition was attended by Deputy Akim of Atyrau Region M. Murziyev, prominent public figures, colleagues, contemporaries, students, and descendants of O. Kushekov.
