Born: 7 March 1952 in the Kalinin Kolkhoz of the Talgarsky district of Alma-Ata Oblast

Married with three daughters

1976 -- completes Kazakh Institute of Physical Education (wrestler)

1976-82 -- construction and metal worker, trainer/teacher, deputy director at sports schools

1982-90 -- deputy director in department of material-technical support at the Health Ministry of Kazakh SSR; head of the Pripelsovy division of the Alma-Ata candy factory; engineer, head of the Alma-Ata fruit-packing and canning works

1990 -- completes Kazakh State Economics University as a trainer/teacher and economist

1990-95 -- engineer/economist, department head of private company Almatymetrostroi

1995 -- director of private company

1995-present -- vice president of private company NPTs "Munai"

1991-93 -- president of Kazakhstan's Union of the Homeless

1993-96 -- chairman of Union of Working Youth

1998-present -- chairman of Movement for Social Rights Protection for Workers in Education, Health Care, and Industries in Almaty City

28 October 1999 -- Announces candidacy for presidency

18 November 1999 -- withdraws presidential candidacy and throws support behind Nazarbaev

1999-present -- co-chairman of Alash (Patriot) Party