Olzhas Suleimenov is a Kazakh poet, writer, literary critic, public figure and diplomat. Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, People's Writer of the Kazakh SSR, founder of the anti-nuclear movement "Nevada  Semipalatinsk", which achieved the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site.

Born May 18 1936 in Alma-Ata. His father, a military man, was repressed in 1937 In 1954 he entered the geological exploration faculty of Kazakh State University, but soon chose literature, graduating from the Gorky Literary Institute in Moscow. He worked in the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan, Union filmmakers, was the ambassador of Kazakhstan to Italy, Greece, to Malta and the permanent representative of Kazakhstan to UNESCO.

Received wide popularity in 1961 thanks to the poem “Earth, bow to man,” dedicated to the first flight of Yuri Gagarin. Among his iconic works  is the collection “Argamaki”, “Clay Book”, “Az and I”, “Language” letters." His works explore the influence of Turkic languages ​​on ancient Russian culture and history.

Suleimenov was actively involved in politics and social activities. He was a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and Kazakhstan, was involved in environmental and cultural issues. Made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema, participated in the creation of such films as “Kyz-Zhibek” and “Land of the Fathers.”

His work combines historical depth, philosophical insight and linguistic research. Suleimenov remains a key figure in literature, science and social life of Kazakhstan.