In the history of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry, a special place is occupied by those who dedicated their lives to the advancement of science, the training of young specialists and the development of the country’s natural resources. One of these outstanding scientists and mentors was Professor Yagshymurat Hojaguliyev –a talented geologist, educator and organizer, whose name will forever remain etched in the memories of his colleagues and students.

Yagshymurat Hojaguliyev was born on April 23, 1936. In 1960, he graduated from the Technical Faculty of Magtymguly Turkmen State University with a specialty of geology. He began his career as an assistant in the General Geology Department and then continued his research at I.M. Gubkin Moscow Institute of Petrochemical and Gas Industry. He later became a leading specialist at the Turkmen Polytechnic Institute, where he headed the Department of Hydrogeology and Oil Geology.

Colleagues and students remember him as a man of boundless dedication to his work. He not only pursued scientific research but also devoted considerable attention to educating young people. In the 1970s-1980s, as director of the Turkmen Research Institute of Geological Exploration, Hojaguliyev organized the Club of Young Geologists to spark interest in geology among schoolchildren.

The scientist’s son, Agamurat Hojaguliyev, recalls that it was thanks to this club that he himself chose the profession of hydrogeologist, while his brother became a geophysicist. According to him, his father always believed that highly qualified specialists were essential for the development of the country’s oil and gas sector.

Yagshymurat Hojaguliyev’s scientific activity became a significant contribution to the development of geological science. In 1973, he defended his doctoral dissertation on the conditions of the formation and distribution of oil and gas deposits in the Karakum Basin. He published over 150 scientific papers and 10 monographs on hydrogeology and petroleum geology.

Under his supervision, dozens of candidates and doctors of science were trained. The Professor’s students recall with gratitude his constant striving for combining theory with practice, helping students to complete internships and supporting young specialists early in their careers.

Yagshymurat Hojaguliyev’s merits were highly recognized by the state. In 1981, he was elected a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and also became a laureate of the State Prizes of Turkmenistan and the USSR in science and technology.

The scientist passed away on August 27, 1987, but his scientific legacy continues to serve the development of our country’s geology and oil and gas industry. The memory of such personalities remains an important part of the history of Turkmen science and inspires new generations of researchers and specialists.