Autobiography

My name is Bekzhan Berikbayuly Meirbayev, and I was born on September 23, 1978, in the village of Chulak-Kurgan, Suzak district (now Turkistan region), Kazakhstan. I am Kazakh by nationality and a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan. I hold higher education degrees. From 1992 to 1995, I studied at the Almaty College of Economics, graduating with honors in “Organization of Commercial Activities.” From 1995 to 2000, I completed my studies at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, receiving a qualification as a philosopher and lecturer in philosophy (with honors). From 2000 to 2003, I pursued postgraduate studies at Al-Farabi KazNU in Social Philosophy. On December 25, 2010, I was awarded the degree of Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, and on April 27, 2021, I received the academic title of Associate Professor. I am the author and co-author of numerous textbooks and educational materials, including works on religions in Kazakhstan, new religious movements, contemporary non-traditional religious groups, fundamentals of religious studies, world religions, Christianity in Kazakhstan, and a three-volume "Dictionary of Religious Studies" (2017). My professional career began in 1995 at Al-Farabi KazNU. From 2000 to 2003, I was a postgraduate student while also working as a lecturer at Kainar University (2000–2002). In 2004, I worked as a senior lecturer at the University of International Business, and in 2004–2005, I taught at the Turar Ryskulov Kazakh Economic University. From 2005 to 2015, I served as a senior lecturer and acting associate professor at Al-Farabi KazNU. From 2013 to 2015, I was Deputy Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Culturology. From 2015 to 2019, I served as Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science. Since 2020, I have been Director of the Al- Farabi Center. I have received numerous state and institutional awards, including a Letter of Gratitude from the President of Kazakhstan (2021), the “Y. Altynsarin” badge (2019), medals and commendations from the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, and honorary medals of KazNU.