On May 9, 2026, solemn events dedicated to Victory over Fascism Day were held in Astana, organized by the Embassy of the French Republic in Kazakhstan.
During the ceremony, Gulnara Malbagarovna Mendikulova, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Professor at KBTU, was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Academic Palms. The title was conferred by decree of the Prime Minister of France dated December 29, 2025.
The Order of Academic Palms was established in 1808 at the initiative of Napoleon Bonaparte and is one of France’s oldest and most prestigious distinctions in the fields of education and science.
The high French award was presented to Professor Gulnara Mendikulova in recognition of her significant contribution to the development of education and scientific research in Kazakhstan, as well as her many years of scholarly work dedicated to studying the lives and fates of Kazakhstani veterans who fought in France during the Second World War.
The award ceremony took place during a reception at the Residence of France in Astana, hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Kazakhstan, Sylvain Guiogué, and the Defence Attaché, Colonel Robert Azémar.
In her remarks following the ceremony, Professor Mendikulova noted that France has always held a special place in her heart. She emphasized that French classical literature and theatre had been an integral part of her life since childhood.
Gulnara Malbagarovna expressed her gratitude to the people of France, the Government of France, and the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs of both countries for the high honor.
She also extended her appreciation to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as to Kazakhstan’s former Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France — Nurlan Danenov, Zhan Galiyev, and Gulsara Arystankulova — for their support in preserving and restoring the memory of Kazakhstani citizens who participated in the French Resistance and fought for the liberation of France from Nazism.
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