Arslanbek Sultanbekov was born on April 23, 1965, in the aul Erkin-Khalk, in the Karachay–Cherkess Autonomous Oblast of the former Soviet Union. After finishing high school in 1983, he served in the military and then graduated in 1985 from a music school specializing in classical guitar. He founded a Nogai music group in 1989, releasing their first CD “Nogay Keşeler” (“Nogai Nights”), and won first prize at the Bard Festival of Karachay-Cherkess Republic that same year.
Sultanbekov’s music is renowned for blending traditional Nogai melodies with poetry by classical Nogai poets. In 1994, he earned the title of National Artist of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic as well as “The Most Beautiful Sound of the Republic.” His second album, “Nogai El” (“Nogai Homeland”), was released in St. Petersburg in 1997. Participation in Turkic and international festivals brought him widespread recognition, especially the popularity of his song “Dombra.”
From 2004, Sultanbekov lived and worked in Astana, Kazakhstan, performing with the Presidential Orchestra and opening a Nogai Cultural Centre. For his contribution to Turkic music, he was awarded in several countries and continued to actively promote Nogai and Turkic culture.
In recent years, Arslanbek Sultanbekov has developed strong professional and cultural connections with Türkiye. He has been living and working primarily in Turkey, participating in major concerts, festivals, and television programs, and contributing to Turkish popular culture by performing famous Turkic songs and collaborating with Turkish artists. His song "Dombra" became especially popular in Türkiye and was used in various media, including political rallies and the well-known TV series "Kuruluş Osman".
Sultanbekov has also been featured by Turkish media outlets such as TRT Avaz, Anadolu Agency, and Daily Sabah, highlighting his role as a bridge between Turkic cultures. He continues to promote Nogai and Turkic music in in the whole world, strengthening cultural ties through his performances, recordings, and public events.
