Muhtar Kul-Muhammed Kazakh political figure Date of Birth: 12.12.1960 Country: Kazakhstan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career in Journalism and Publishing
3. Political Career
4. High-Ranking Government Positions

Early Life and Education

Erlan Idrissov was born in Chuguchak, Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In the late 1960s, his family emigrated to Kazakhstan and settled in the border regions of Semipalatinsk and Taldy-Kurgan oblasts.

Idrissov graduated from the Kazakh University named after S. M. Kirov in 1982 with a degree in journalism. He briefly worked as a journalist for the newspaper "Temirzholy."

Career in Journalism and Publishing

In 1983, Idrissov joined the editorial staff of the "Kazakh Soviet Encyclopedia" as a junior editor. He rapidly advanced through the ranks, becoming deputy chief editor and eventually editor.

In 1992, he established the small business "Atamura," which was later transformed into a corporation that he led until 1999.

Political Career

In November 1999, Idrissov was appointed deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan under presidential quota. From June 2000, he served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Socio-Cultural Development.

Between May 2001 and September 2003, Idrissov held the position of Minister of Culture, Information, and Public Accord of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From September 2003 to March 2004, he served as an advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and then as the President's press secretary until December 2004.

High-Ranking Government Positions

In January 2006, Idrissov became the Deputy Head of the Administration of the Head of State and the Press Secretary of the President of Kazakhstan.

From January 2007 to March 2008, he served as the Akim (governor) of Kyzylorda Region.

In March 2008, he was appointed the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Baikonur complex.

In May 2008, Idrissov was appointed Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In March 2010, he was reappointed Minister of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.