Born: 24 November 1948 in the village of Predgornoye, Glubokov District of East Kazakhstan Province

Married with three children

1970 -- Completes studies at Ust-Kamenogorsk Industrial Technikum

1970-85 -- works at the Alma-Ata Thermoelectric Power Station as metalworker, repair technician. Senior engineer-technician, deputy chief in boiler room, head of turbine shop

1977 -- completes Alma-Ata Energetic Institute

1985-86 -- chief engineer at Alma-Ata heating-system enterprise

1986-89 -- chairman of the Lenin region political committee

1989-91 -- second deputy chairman of party council in city of Alma-Ata

1990 -- completes Alma-Ata Higher Party School, doctor of economic sciences (dissertation theme: "Regional Aspects of Market Reform in Kazakhstan and the Development of the Energy Market," 1999)

March 1991-February 1992 -- first deputy chairman of Alma-Ata city council, chairman of city executive committee

February 1992-Mach 1995 -- first deputy chief of Almaty city administration in charge of industry and energy

March 1995-March 1997 -- energy and coal industry minister, Republic of Kazakhstan

March 1997-June 1997 -- energy and natural resources minister, Republic of Kazakhstan

June 1997-present -- mayor (akim) of Almaty