Mukhtar Shakhanov

Mukhtar Shakhanov (Kazakh: Мухтар Шаханов) (born 2 July 1942 in Otrar, Kazakhstan) is a prominent Kazakh writer, lawmaker, and the Kazakh ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. He is also a Member of Parliament for Majilis, as well as Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Zhalyn.

Well known in Kazakhstan for his articles, which raised public awareness of the need for the protection of the Aral Sea has earned him worldwide recognition and leading the commission on Jeltoqsan tragedy.