Samashov Zeynolla Samashuly (17.11.1947) – historian, archaeologist, Doctor of Historical Sciences.

In 1970, he graduated from the Ust-Kamenogorsk Pedagogical Institute with a degree in history and began his career as a teacher at the same institution. Since 1980, he has turned to archaeological research, progressing from a junior researcher to the degree of Doctor of Sciences through diligent work.

Z. Samashov's archaeological focus is closely related to East Kazakhstan. He participated in the Shulba expedition from 1980 to 1983.

The main direction of Zeynolla Samashuly's scientific inquiries was aimed at studying the ancient and medieval history, culture, and art of the peoples inhabiting Central Asia. He discovered and studied hundreds of rock art artifacts dating from the Stone Age to the ethnographic period concentrated in various regions of Kazakhstan. His comprehensive research on monuments such as Akbauyr, Bayanjurek, Sauyskan, Terekti Auliye, and his doctoral work covering the petroglyphs of Kazakhstan can be regarded as the scientist's remarkable achievements.

One of Zeynolla Samashuly's significant works in science is the thorough research conducted at the famous Berel burial site in the Altai region. Among the brightest discoveries of the archaeological expeditions he led, the archaeological artifacts found in the "frozen" mounds of the Saka and ancient Turkic periods on the Berel steppe and along the banks of the Karakaba River can be particularly highlighted. Through the organic materials found at the Berel burial site, which have remained intact to this day, he made novel conclusions regarding Kazakhstan's very ancient history and provided unparalleled insights into the technological development level and worldview of nomads to global science.

The scholar is the author of over 400 scientific articles related to the ancient history and archaeology of Kazakhstan and the Eurasian steppe, including more than 30 monographic works.

A scholar who dedicated his conscious life to the study of the Kazakh national history and a respected teacher who is mentoring students along this path. As a result of tireless work and high intellectual insight, he became a Doctor of Historical Sciences, a professor, an honored figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a recipient of the "Tarlan" award.