Akhsarbek Khadzhimurzayevich Galazov (Russian: Ахсарбек Хаджимурза́евич Гала́зов; Ossetian: Галазты Хадзымырзайы фырт Æхсарбег; 15 October 1929 – 10 April 2013) was a Russian scientist, educator, and politician who served as the first President of the Republic of North Ossetia‑Alania from 1994 to 1998.
Early life and education
Galazov was born in the village of Khumalag, then part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In 1952 he graduated from the State Pedagogical Institute of North Ossetia.
Academic and professional career
- 1952–1958: Teacher of Russian language and literature and director of studies at Humalagskoy Secondary School.
- 1958–1959: Superintendent of schools for the Ministry of Education of the North Ossetian Soviet Socialist Republic.
- 1959–1960: Director of the Institute of Teachers.
- 1961–1975: Minister of Education of North Ossetia.
- 1976–1990: Rector of North Ossetian State University.
Political activity
A member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from 1952 until its dissolution in 1991, Galazov served on the Central Committee of the CPSU (1990‑1991) and was elected a deputy of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. During the early 1990s, amid the armed conflict in South Ossetia, he authorized humanitarian aid and advocated for a peaceful settlement, while opposing the secession of North Ossetia from the Russian Federation.
In the 1993 elections for the Federation Council, Galazov ran as an independent, securing 53.54 % of the vote with a turnout of 61.26 %. On 21 January 1994, he was inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of North Ossetia‑Alania, a position he held until 30 January 1998, when he was succeeded by Alexander Dzasokhov.
Later life and death
After leaving office, Galazov remained a notable figure in regional academic and political circles. He died on 10 April 2013 in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia‑Alania, at the age of 83.