Botakoz Kassymbekova

Prof. Dr. Botakoz Kassymbekova holds the Chair of Eastern European History at the University of Zurich, leading research and teaching initiatives focused on Southeastern Europe, East Central Europe, and Eastern Europe from the early modern period to the recent past. Her work examines key themes such as empire dynamics, 19th-century nationalisms, Soviet influence, post-Cold War challenges, and the intersection of gender and social history.

She contributes to the interdisciplinary East European Studies program in collaboration with the Slavic Department and oversees projects like the Digital Skills for You (GIS) initiative. Her chair organizes lectures, workshops, and public events addressing contemporary and historical issues in Eastern Europe, including recent discussions on Russian colonialism and feminist struggles.