Bauyrzhan Momyshuly is a hero of the Great Patriotic War, a legendary commander, military strategist and writer. He thought deeply about the art of war and shared his experiences. Its features in the field of military art can be characterized by several main directions:

1. Tactical skill 
Bauyrzhan Momyshuly especially distinguished himself with his tactical talent in the battles near Moscow. He: effectively used the technique of attack (maneuverable defense) with limitation. In the organization of defense, terrain features such as forests and ravines were skillfully used. In severe cases, the warriors were psychologically endowed with trust and patience. 

2. Mastering guerrilla methods 
He often attacked unexpectedly and used methods such as entangling the enemy, fighting with small groups, and retreating. It constantly threatened the enemy. 

3. Military ethics and discipline
Momyshuly attached special importance to military discipline and morality. His positions: A warrior must fight not only with weapons, but also with the spirit. A commander should be a role model, not just a commander. Patriotism is the path to achievement. 

4. Military philosophy in the works
Bauyrzhan Momyshuly's works on the art of war are a valuable legacy passed on to future generations. His works, such as "The Flying Nest", "Moscow is behind us", "The Psychology of War", combine military experience and philosophy.

The tactical decisions of Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, used by him during the Battle of Moscow, and examples in the work "Psychology of War": - The Battle of Moscow (1941) 

Main situation: 

In the autumn of 1941, the German fascists set their paws on Moscow. At that time, the 316-th Infantry Division (later the 8th Guards Division) under the command of Bauyrzhan Momyshuly defended the city in the Volokolamsk direction. 
- Tactical decisions: 

Fighting the retreat: 

Instead of attacking the enemy vertically, Momyshuly decided to penetrate the enemy deeply and then crush him with an attack. With this tactic, the enemy's front is separated, and communication with the rear is interrupted. 

Surprise attacks: at night or in the fog, making a sneak attack, scaring the enemy. 

Do not give up even if he remained under siege: several times, even though he remained under siege by the enemy, he survived and broke through the enemy line. 

Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Fidel Castro are personalities who occupy a special place in the history of their country. Although they live in different geographical, historical, and political circles, there are some similarities, as well as fundamental differences. Below we will talk about their similarities and peculiarities, comparing these two historical figures.

Bauyrzhan Momyshuly and Fidel Castro are personalities, each of whom left an indelible mark in the history of the country in his own way. One went down in history for his valor on the battlefields, the other for his political struggle. The common feature that binds them is their devotion to the people, heroism and spiritual leadership.

The testament of Bauyrzhan Momyshuly to youth

"Courage is a legacy to the country, an example for posterity"

"There will be no disorderly country, there will be no slave who worships order."

"You know the price of your native country"

"Independence can only be achieved by a decent, energetic generation" 

"Demanding and hard work, discipline and restraint are the foundation of your life"

The commandments of Bauyrzhan Momyshuly are a spiritual traffic light for young people. He left us life lessons about a person and a country, not just about military tactics. His words are not worn out by time, they continue to be a spiritual treasure that nurtures the consciousness of a new generation.

The Great Patriotic War is one of the most difficult and tragic periods in human history. In this bloody conflict, which began on June 22, 1941, Kazakhstani people, like all the peoples of the Soviet Union, demonstrated heroism and courage. Kazakhstanis made a significant contribution to victory both on the frontlines and in the rear.

More than 1.2 million soldiers were mobilized from the Kazakh SSR to the front, forming 12 rifle divisions, 4 cavalry divisions, 7 rifle brigades, and about 50 separate regiments and battalions. Soldiers from Kazakhstan took part in all the major battles. At the beginning of the war, hundreds of Kazakhstanis were among the defenders of the Brest Fortress.

The 316th Rifle Division, formed in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, took part in the Battle of Moscow. Withstanding the assault of 50 German tanks, 28 Panfilov Guardsmen fought a four-hour battle on November 16, 1941, near the Dubosekovo station, preventing the enemy from breaking through to the capital. They all perished, and all were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The heroic deeds of the soldiers of this division will never be forgotten—renowned machine gunner Tolegen Toktarov, who killed 150 fascists in a single battle, and Malik Gabdullin, who repelled five German attacks in one day near the village of Borodino. In 1943, Malik Gabdullin was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. During the Battle of Moscow, a battalion under the command of Senior Lieutenant Bauyrzhan Momyshuly showed resilience. He was only awarded the title of Hero in 1990. In addition, other Heroes of the Soviet Union died heroically for their Motherland—Karaganda pilot N. Abdyrov, mortar man K. Satpayev, and LieutenantG.Ramaev.

Starting from September 6, 1941, Kazakh military units actively participated in the defense of Leningrad. In the summer of 1942, Kazakhstanis entered the front-line zone of the Battle of Stalingrad. Kazakh units and formations fought in the Battle of Kursk and other fronts; they helped liberate Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, Ukraine, and the countries of Eastern Europe from the occupiers.

Other divisions and regimental-sized brigades from Kazakhstan were mobilized to the fronts of the Great Patriotic War in 1942. At that time, the 312th Division, formed in Aktobe, conducted fierce defensive battles near Maloyaroslavets, resisting attacks from three to four enemy divisions. The 102nd Ukrainian Division, formed in the city of Shymkent, held the defense in the northeast.

In the battles near Stalingrad, the 81st Rifle Division, formed in the city of Dzhambul, made a significant contribution to defeating the enemy. In late November and early December 1942, this division participated in battles with German fascist troops attempting to capture the city of Kotelnikovo and thereby free Paulus’s army surrounded in Stalingrad. Also, battalions of the 152nd Rifle Brigade, formed in the city of Uralsk, blocked the path of German-Romanian troops trying to cross the Elista-Astrakhan road and reach the lower Volga. After suffering heavy losses in battles with the Red Army, the German fascist troops abandoned their attempts to storm Astrakhan.

Kazakh soldiers selflessly fought on the Kursk Bulge, in the battles for the Dnieper and for Leningrad. Among the soldiers who served in the military units of besieged Leningrad, one can name D. Shynybekov, the commander of the balloon attached to the long-range gun, S. Zhylkishiev. In one of the battles of 1942, Arystan Akhmetov, together with 19 soldiers, defended a height of military significance from the enemy and fought to the last man. Karsybai Sypatayev, who was hit by an enemy tank with a powerful high-explosive mine, and the defender of Leningrad Sultan Baymagambetov, who covered the mouth of the enemy bunker with his chest, inspired Kazakh soldiers to heroism.

On August 5, 1943, the troops of the Western and Bryansk Fronts, including soldiers of the 72nd and 8th divisions, liberated Orel and Belgorod from the Germans. In the autumn of the same year, the 100th Kazakh National Rifle Brigade participated in the operation to liberate the city of Nevel as part of the 3rd Shock Army of the Kalinin Front. From September 17 to October 10, 1943, the 101st Kazakh National Rifle Brigade, as part of the 4th Shock Army, broke through the enemy stronghold in the area of the city of Demidovo and cleared 158 villages and hamlets of the Smolensk and Vitebsk regions from the enemy. The troops of the Western Front also included the Kazakh 30th Guards and 8th Rifle divisions. 123 Kazakhstani soldiers were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for their selfless heroism during the liberation of Ukraine.

Kazakhstanis actively participated in the partisan movement. More than 1,500 Kazakh men fought in partisan formations and detachments in Ukraine, 220 – in the Leningrad region, 270-in the Smolensk region. The 65 partisan brigades and detachments operating in various regions of Belarus included more than 1,500 Kazakhstanis. Glorious Kazakh men who participated in the partisan movement, G. Akhmedyarov, K. Omarov, A. Zhumagaliyev, 3. Khusainov, B. Orazbayev, K. Kaisenov, A. Shoripov, T. Zhankeldin, Zh. SaiN.
Kazakhstanis also made a great contribution to the liberation of the peoples of Europe from German oppression. Kazakhstan’s 72nd and 73rd Guards Rifle Divisions, which distinguished themselves in Central and South-Eastern Europe, fought bravely. The Kazakh 456th and 209th Rifle regiments, as well as the 173rd Artillery Regiment, fought in Pomerania, an impregnable stronghold of Nazi Germany. A significant contribution to the success of the military operation here was made by the 310th Novgorod Rifle Division formed in Kazakhstan. From April 16 to May 2, 1945, Kazakh soldiers participated in the capture of Berlin, the capital of Germany. Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev and private Bulatov were among the first to plant the red flag on the Reichstag wall.

Kazakh soldiers also took part in the elimination of the last hotbed of war in the Far East. On August 9, 1945, Captain G. A. of the 52nd border detachment In a battle on the banks of the Argun River, Golubev’s group destroyed 20 Japanese soldiers, captured 4 and opened the way. The next day, a soldier of the 150th machine-gun battalion, L. G. Kravchenko, covered the entrance to the enemy bunker at the Lesnoy position with his body, ensuring the survival of his comrades. The commander of the 165th Rifle Regiment, N. D. Kurmanov, organized the destruction of the Japanese defense line on Southern Sakhalin, creating conditions for the capture of 7 pillboxes and 198 firing positions in the area of the Haramitog fortress. Thus, the heroism of the Kazakh soldiers in the Soviet Army played a crucial role in ensuring the defeat and defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army within 15-20 days.

During the Great Patriotic War, 11,649 people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, including 615 Kazakhstani soldiers and officers, among whom 109 soldiers (including those awarded the title of “People’s Hero”) were Kazakhs.
Among these brave heroes are Kazakh women. Aliya Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova were awarded the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union for their selfless feat at the front, and Khiuaz Dospanova was awarded the title of “People’s Hero” in 2004.
Jamal Safarbekova, who served as the head of the city's radio station on the Leningrad Front, distinguished herself with more than 39 feats on the Leningrad front. About 300 women from the 34th Separate Women’s Company, formed in Kazakhstan in 1942, participated in the Battle of Kursk and were awarded a number of awards.

The title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded twice to pilots T. Begeldinov, L. I. Bede, I. F. Pavlov, S. D. Lugansky. As a result of recent research, the list of those who have won this title twice has been supplemented with three more Kazakhstanis. These are residents of Pavlodar region Kravchenko Grigory and Vorobyov Ivan, and the third-Colonel Kozak Semyon, commander of the 38th Rifle division, formed in Kazakhstan. 142 Kazakhstanis were awarded the Order of Glory of three degrees. The war cost Kazakhstan very dearly. About 603 thousand citizens of Kazakhstan died heroically in the Great Patriotic War.

The contribution of Kazakhstanis to the Great Patriotic War is huge. These glorious pages of courage and heroism will never be forgotten. The Great Victory is the eternal pride of the people of Kazakhstan.

More than 1 million 200 thousand soldiers, 12 rifle divisions, 4 cavalry divisions, 7 rifle brigades, about 50 separate regiments and battalions were formed from the Kazakh SSR at the front. Warriors Kazakhstan took part in all the battles. At the beginning of the war, among the defenders Brest Fortress there were hundreds of Kazakhstanis in the Brest Fortress.

In the Battle for the Dnieper and liberation Kiev the 47th separate Guards Tank Regiment of the breakthrough fought heroically here Galiy Adilbekovich Adilbekov, who proved himself from the first days of the war: in the Battle of Vitebsk (1941) , in the counteroffensive under the city of Trubchevsk (1941), near Stalingrad (1942). Even at the beginning of the war, there were already two independent publications about him in the central newspapers of the USSR – from September 5, 41 in the newspaper “Evening Moscow” and on September 13, 41 in the newspaper “Izvestia”. At the time of his death, the only representative of the peoples of Central Asia with the rank of Guard lieutenant colonel-commander of a separate Guards tank regiment.

Kazakh soldiers contributed to the liberation mission of the Red Army. They stormed Berlin, participated in the hoisting of the Victory banners over the Reichstag. Among the combat formations that liberated Poland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, Austria, were formed in the republic of divisions: 72nd Guards Krasnogradskaya, 73rd Stalingrad-Danube, 27th Guards Novobugskaya, 150th Idritskaya Berlinskaya, 314th Kingisepp Rifle, etc. [1] 

Kazakhstanis also actively participated in the guerrilla war. On the territory of Leningrad oblast about 220 Kazakhstanis fought in the Leningrad region, Smolensk territory more than 270 in Smolensk, and about 3,000 in Ukraine and Belarus. Among them were soldiers – Kazakhs of the city. Akhmedyarov, B. Zhangeldin, A. Sharipov, N. Baisentova, T. Zhumabayeva, Zh. Sain, G. Omarov et al.To the A. S. partisan commanders. Yegorov, N. V. Zebnitsky, F. F. Ozmitel was awarded the title Heroes of the Soviet Union, and K. Kaisenov was awarded medals. About 300 Kazakhstanis took part in the resistance movement in the territory Europe. After the victorious end of the war against fascism, Kazakhstani soldiers fought against Kwantung Army Japan

Kassym Kaisenov (April 23, 1918, Ulan District, East Kazakhstan Region – December 30, 2006) was a Soviet and Kazakh writer and a participant in the partisan movement during the Great Patriotic War. In 1940, he was drafted into the army by the Pavlodar Regional Military Commissariat and was subsequently sent to a military intelligence school. He received his combat baptism near Kyiv, close to Cherkasy, in 1941 as part of the 498th Artillery Regiment. As a detachment commander, he took part in more than a hundred combat operations and sabotage missions.

Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayevich Koshkarbayev (October 19, 1924, Taitobe, Akmola Region – August 10, 1988, Almaty) was a participant in the Great Patriotic War and an officer of the Red Army. He was posthumously awarded the title People’s Hero of Kazakhstan — “Halyk Kaharmany” on May 7, 1999.On April 30, 1945, during the storming of the Reichstag, he was among the first to raise the assault Red Flag on the steps of the Reichstag's main entrance. In the battle on April 29, 1945, his platoon was among the first to cross the River Spree, breaking through fierce enemy resistance. From the Oder to the Reichstag, the platoon eliminated over 200 German soldiers and officers, captured 184, seized 14 field guns, 27 heavy machine guns, and a wide range of other weapons. According to the combat log of the 150th Rifle Division, at 2:25 p.m. on April 30, 1945, Lieutenant Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev and Private Grigory Bulatov "crawled on their stomachs to the central part of the building and placed the Red Flag on the steps of the main entrance." In his book "We Stormed the Reichstag", Hero of the Soviet Union I.F. Klochkoff wrote: “Lieutenant R. Koshkarbayev was the first to attach a small red flag to the column.”

Talgat Yakubekovich Begeldinov (August 5, 1922, Maibalyk, Korgalzhyn District, Akmola Region – November 10, 2014, Almaty) was a Soviet attack pilot, twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945), and a participant in the Victory Parade on Red Square on June 24, 1945. He held the military rank of Colonel in the USSR (1975) and Major General in Kazakhstan (1992).On October 26, 1944, Guards Senior Lieutenant Talgat Yakubekovich Begeldinov was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for bravery and combat skill demonstrated during the liberation of the cities of Znamenka and Kirovograd, and for personally shooting down four enemy aircraft in air battles. He was awarded his second Gold Star medal on June 27, 1945, as Guards Captain Talgat Yakubekovich Begeldinov, for his skilled leadership of a squadron and for heroic actions during air raids on enemy troops and equipment concentrations in the battles for the cities of Kraków, Oppeln (now Opole), Katowice, Breslau (now Wrocław), and Berlin.

Sagadat Kozhakhmetovich Nurmagambetov (May 25, 1924, Akmola Region – September 24, 2013, Almaty, Kazakhstan) was a Kazakhstani military leader, the first Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1992–1995), a Hero of the Soviet Union (1945), a People’s Hero of Kazakhstan (1994), and a General of the Army of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1993). In 1942, after graduating from school, he was drafted into the Red Army and sent to the 1st Turkestan Machine Gun School in the city of Kushka (Turkmen SSR). Upon graduation, in April 1943, he was deployed to the front lines of the Great Patriotic War. He participated in the liberation of the Krasnodar region, Ukraine, Moldova, Western Belarus, and Poland. On February 27, 1945, for exemplary execution of combat missions during the breakthrough of heavily fortified enemy defenses in Poland, as well as for demonstrated courage and heroism, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

Aliya Nurmukhambetovna Moldagulova (October 25, 1925, Khobda District, Aktobe Region – January 14, 1944, village of Kazachikha, Novosokolnichesky District, Pskov Region) was a Soviet sniper who served during the Great Patriotic War in the 54th Separate Rifle Brigade of the 22nd Army of the 2nd Baltic Front, holding the rank of corporal. She was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union in 1944. She joined the front in October 1943 and eliminated several dozen Nazi soldiers. On January 14, 1944, during a battle for the village of Kazachikha in the Novosokolnichesky District of the Pskov Region, she led her comrades in an assault and killed several enemy soldiers and officers with her submachine gun. She was killed in that battle. Aliya Moldagulova was buried in the village of Monakovo in the same district. She was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on June 4, 1944.

Manshuk Zhiengaliyevna Mametova (October 23, 1922, Zhaskus village, Uralsk District, West Kazakhstan Region – October 15, 1943, near Nevel) was a machine gunner of the 100th Separate Rifle Brigade of the 3rd Shock Army of the Kalinin Front, Senior Sergeant, and the first Kazakh woman to be awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.She joined the Red Army in September 1942, initially serving as a clerk at the headquarters of the 100th Kazakh Separate Rifle Brigade, then as a nurse. At the front, she completed a machine gunner’s course and was assigned as the lead gunner in a combat unit. On October 15, 1943, during heavy fighting for the liberation of the city of Nevel (Nevel Offensive Operation), while defending a strategic height, she remained alone at her machine gun after the rest of her crew was lost. Despite being severely wounded in the head by shrapnel, she continued to fight and killed 70 enemy soldiers before being killed in action. She was buried in Nevel. The title Hero of the Soviet Union was posthumously awarded to her on March 1, 1944.

The 81-rst cavalry division

During the Great Patriotic War, the 81st Cavalry Division served as part of the Red Army of the Soviet Union. It was formed in August 1941 in the city of Taraz (then called Jambyl) from the 216th, 227th, and 232nd Cavalry Regiments, as well as the 16th Cavalry Artillery Battalion and various logistical support units. In November 1941, the division was incorporated into the 4th Cavalry Corps. Initially, it was stationed in the Kushka area (modern-day Turkmenistan) for training purposes.

In the autumn of 1942, the division was redeployed to the 51st Army of the Stalingrad Front. It played a significant role in the Battle of Stalingrad, particularly during Operation Uranus. The division took part in the offensive against the Kotelnikovo railway station, disrupting the German command’s plans to send aid to the encircled German 6th Army. From October 11, 1942, to May 1943, the division was part of the active forces on the front line.

In the spring of 1943, by decision of the Far Eastern Military District, the division was disbanded, and its personnel were transferred to the 15th Guards Cavalry Division, which eventually reached Berlin.

The role of the 81st cavalry division in the battle of Stalingrad:

Operation «Uran»:

In November 1942, the 81st Cavalry Division participated in the Battle of Stalingrad, playing a key role in Operation Uranus. During the operation, the division helped encircle the German 6th Army, preventing its involvement in further combat. In the battles at Kotelnikovo station, the division demonstrated exceptional bravery, thwarting German plans to deliver aid to the surrounded forces. This operation led to the encirclement of Stalingrad and effectively marked the beginning of the German army’s defeat.

Defense and counterattacks:

The 81st Cavalry Division was engaged in fierce fighting to prevent the further advance of German forces toward Stalingrad. It held defensive lines and launched counterattacks, denying the enemy the opportunity to breach the front. Cavalry maneuvers and artillery support provided by the division played a critical role in these efforts.

Breaking the encirclement:

The division also took part in attempts to break the German encirclement to secure a breakthrough for Soviet troops. During these operations, the 81st Cavalry Division showed exceptional courage, completely disrupting German efforts to maintain their encircled positions.

The 105-th Cavalry Division

The 105th Cavalry Division was one of the national military units formed in Kazakhstan during the Great Patriotic War. It was established in December 1941 in the city of Jambyl (now Taraz). On 21 November 1941, based on a resolution by the executive committee of the regional council of workers' deputies and the bureau of the regional party committee, a decision was made to form the 105th Separate National Cavalry Division in Jambyl. In accordance with this decision, urgent measures were taken to provide the division with all necessary resources, including personnel, weaponry, and logistical support.

The division's regiments were stationed as follows:
- The 1st regiment was housed in the building of the collective farm in the village of Budyonovka, Sverdlovsk District.
- The 2nd Regiment was located on the premises of the "Qyzylsha" state farm in the same district.
- The 3rd Regiment was stationed at the brewery in Jambyl, as well as in offices, warehouses, and a livestock processing facility.

During its formation, the residents of Jambyl Region played a significant role in supplying the division with clothing, food, and other necessities.

In 1942, the division was assigned to the 1st Guards Cavalry Corps of the Western Front. In August of the same year, it was reorganized into the 6th Guards Airborne Division. As an airborne division, it first saw combat in March 1943 in the Staraya Russa area, operating as infantry.

The division participated in major battles, including the Battle of Kursk, the Battle of the Dnieper, the Kirovograd Operation, and the Korsun-Shevchenkovsky Operation. It also took part in the Uman-Botoșani, Jassy-Kishinev, Debrecen, Budapest, Bratislava-Brno, and

Prague operations, concluding the war on the territory of Czechoslovakia. The history of the 105th Cavalry Division exemplifies Kazakhstan's contribution to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Formed as a national unit, it demonstrated heroism and bravery on the front lines. Its transformation and combat path stand as a testament to the courage and resilience of Kazakhstani soldiers.

The 106-th Cavalry Division

The 106th Cavalry Division was formed on 10 December 1941 in the city of Akmolinsk (now Kokshetau). Its personnel were drawn from six regions of Kazakhstan: Akmolinsk, Kostanay, Karaganda, East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar. Horses were also requisitioned from the local economies of these regions.

Due to a shortage of trained personnel among the local population, it was decided to include servicemen of Russian nationality to form the junior command staff and specialists for various units. To ensure combat readiness, the division comprised both trained military personnel (50%) and conscripts born in 1922 (50%), as well as local soldiers who had recovered from injuries and were assigned to combat units according to their specialties.

From its inception until 25 March 1942, the division received financial support from the Kazakh SSR, highlighting the republic's significant contribution to strengthening the country's defense capabilities.

The division's organizational structure, typical for cavalry units of the time, included:

Division headquarters (command and staff)
77th Separate Signal Regiment
105th Chemical Protection Regiment
105th Medical Sanitary Platoon (medical squadron)
Transport and technical units
Hospital units
Artillery park
95th Separate Cavalry Artillery Battalion, consisting of two batteries

Three cavalry regiments: the 269th, 288th, and 307th

In 1942, the division was deployed in several echelons to the Kharkiv area. In May of the same year, it was incorporated into the 6th Cavalry Corps of the Southwestern Front. Personnel were selected by local authorities from the Akmolinsk, Karaganda, Kokchetav, Semipalatinsk, and North Kazakhstan regions.

Major Mikhail Pankov, a frontline veteran, was appointed as the division's commander but was later transferred to another unit upon arrival at the front. In line with the practices of the time, experienced and high-profile individuals were appointed to political leadership roles in such large formations. Consequently, Nurkan Seitov, a native of Akmolinsk Region and former People's Commissar of Light and Food Industry of Kazakhstan since 1939, was appointed as the division's commissar. The head of the division's political department was Sagadat Kulmagambetov, secretary of the Akmolinsk Regional Party Committee.
The division was fully formed between 15 November 1941 and the end of March 1942.

The 312-th Rifle Division

The 312th Rifle Division was formed between July and August 1941 in the city of Aktobe, under the command of Colonel A.F. Naumov. The division's personnel primarily consisted of residents from Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, South Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and Kyzylorda, with the majority being from Aktobe (6,654 individuals). Additionally, conscripts from Kostanay, Orenburg (now West Kazakhstan Region), and other areas were included. After its formation, the division was concentrated in the Kaluga Region, particularly in the Tarusa and Ferzikovo districts, for training.

In October and November, the division engaged in intense combat on the Maloyaroslavets direction as part of the 52nd Separate Army of the Northwestern Front, repelling the advance of German fascist forces toward Moscow. The division suffered heavy losses and, on 11 October, was incorporated into the Moscow Military District. Later, it became part of the 43rd Army of the Western Front. According to an order from the Western Front commander dated 23 October, the 312th, 17th, and 58th divisions were merged and retained the designation of the 312th Rifle Division.

Following the brutal battles near Moscow, the division was reorganized and, on 27 December 1941, was transformed into the 53rd Division. The division's 12th Rifle Regiment, composed of Kazakhstani soldiers, participated in battles near Kharkiv, the crossing of the

Dnieper River, and engagements in Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary. The division concluded its combat path in Vienna, the capital of Austria.

The 458-th Rifle Division

The 458th Rifle Division was established on 25 December 1941 in the cities of Semey and Ayagoz, primarily composed of conscripts from the eastern regions of Kazakhstan. In 1942, it was renamed the 8th Rifle Division. The division entered the war on 23 March 1942, participating in operations in Voronezh, the Eastern Carpathians, and Prague, as well as the Battle of Kursk. It crossed the Dnieper, Desna, and Pripyat rivers, performing heroic deeds in the liberation of Ukrainian cities.
Initially commanded by Colonel G.I. Zverev, the division was dispatched to the Bryansk Front on 1 April 1942. It first engaged in combat on 8 July 1942, halting the enemy's advance on the cities of Livny and Yelets during defensive battles. On 18 January 1942, the division was designated as the 8th Rifle Division. Between 26 January and 2 February 1943, it participated in the Voronezh-Kastornoye Operation, liberating 48 settlements in the Kursk Region. During the Battle of Kursk and the crossings of the Desna and Pripyat rivers, many soldiers of the division were awarded orders and medals, with 46 soldiers receiving the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

For its valor in the liberation of Ukraine, the division was granted the honorary title "Yampol" on 5 March 1944. In the summer of 1944, it took part in battles in the Carpathians, Slovakia, and Poland. On 19 February and 3 May 1945, the division was awarded the Orders of the Red Banner and Suvorov, 2nd Class, respectively. It concluded its combat path in Czechoslovakia and was disbanded on 29 June 1945.

The 459-th Rifle Division.

The 459-th Rifle Division began forming on December 5, 1941, in the old city of Akmola (now Kokshetau). In 1942, it was renamed the 29th Rifle Division. Due to a shortage of winter barracks and facilities, part of the division was stationed in Karaganda, and the division's headquarters was located in the wooden house of the former merchant S. Khlebnikov.

After its formation, in 1942, the division participated in the battles near Stalingrad, where it successfully repelled German attacks on Livny and Yelets from August 5 to 10, 1942.  On September 2, the division reached the village of Beketovka on the southern outskirts of Stalingrad, and on November 20, it launched a counteroffensive, liberating the central and southern parts of the city. For its heroism in the Battle of Stalingrad, the division was renamed the 72nd Guards Rifle Division on March 1, 1943. In March of the same year, the division participated in repelling German attacks on Kharkov, and from May 1943, it was assigned to the Far Eastern Front. In the Battle of Kursk, the division took part in repelling attacks by the German 2nd Infantry and Tank Divisions, as well as in the liberation of Kharkov and Krasnograd. For these feats, it was awarded the honorary title "Krasnograd Division" on September 19, 1943. On September 23, the division crossed the Dnieper, and for their feats in crossing the river and defending it, 25 soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

From 1943 to 1945, the division participated in battles on the Dnieper, Seret, Prut, Tisza, Danube, and Morava rivers, and completed its combat path near Prague. The division was awarded the Order of the Red Banner.

The 460th Rifle Division.

The 460th Rifle Division was formed in the winter of 1941 in Alma-AtaThe division was made up of soldiers from Almaty, Zhetysu, and other southern regions of Kazakhstan, including Shymkent and Taraz. A significant part of the personnel was made up of Kazakhs. In 1942, the division was sent to the Kursk region as part of the 28th Army. In March of the same year, it was renamed the 38th Rifle Division. From March 1942, the division participated in battles on the Southwestern Front. On May 12, 1942, the first battle with the enemy took place near Volchansk (Kharkiv region). On July 31, 1942, the division was stationed on the outer defense of the Stalingrad fortified area. On August 21, the division was surrounded, but on August 28, it broke through the encirclement and joined the 64th Army. In September and early November, the division defended Stalingrad from the southwestern side. 

From January 10 to February 2, 1943, the division participated in battles to destroy the encircled German group near Stalingrad. For its courage and cohesion in the bloodiest battles, it was transformed into the 73rd Guards Division by order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR on March 1, 1943. Subsequently, the division (commanded by Major General S.A. Kozak) participated in repelling the German summer offensive as part of the 57th Army of the Voronezh Front. It liberated Belgorod, and then Kharkiv and Krasnograd. In 1944, the division participated in the liberation of Southern Ukraine, Moldova, and Belgrade (Yugoslavia), and in 1945, it fought fierce battles in southern Hungary, in the Balaton region. The division's combat path ended in the Alps, in Austria.

The division received 16 letters of gratitude from the Supreme Commander, and for its heroism in the liberation of Belgrade, it was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In honor of the liberation of Stalingrad and the Danube, it was granted the honorary titles of Stalingrad and Danube Division.  36 soldiers and commanders of the division were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. S.A. Kozak was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and was honored with the title of People's Hero of Yugoslavia. The division was disbanded on June 5, 1946.

The 462-nd Rifle Division

The 462nd Rifle Division was formed on November 29, 1941, in Shymkent. The division included mobilized soldiers from Shymkent, Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Kyzylorda. The majority of the personnel consisted of Kazakhs and representatives of the Central Asian peoples. The division was concentrated in the Luhansk region.

In August 1942, the division was disbanded, and its personnel were merged with the 275th Rifle Division. At the beginning of 1942, a decision was made to reorganize, and the 462nd Rifle Division was used as the basis for the formation of the 102nd Rifle Division.
There were three formations of the 102-nd Rifle Division:
1.    The first formation — formed before the war, disbanded in September 1941.
2.    The second formation — created on November 29, 1941, in Shymkent as the 462nd Rifle Division, then renamed the 102nd Rifle Division in January 1942.
3.    The third formation — from October 1942, it was included in the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs troops in the Far East.
The command of the 102nd Rifle Division, formed in Shymkent:

The military commissar of the division was appointed Senior Battalion Commissar Alexei Timofeyevich Musatov. The staff officer was appointed Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Illarionovich Vyrypaev. The head of the political department was Battalion Commissar Yakov Davydovich Kravchenko.

On April 10, 1942, the 102nd Rifle Division was fully equipped and incorporated into the Red Army. The structure of the division:
•    410th, 467th, and 519th Rifle Regiments, 346th Artillery Regiment, 240th Separate Anti-Tank Battalion, 162nd Separate Mortar Battalion, 412th Separate Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, 154th Separate Motorized Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, 15th Separate Chemical Protection Platoon, Headquarters Battery, Commandant's Company, Training School, 196th Separate Sapper Battalion, 211th Separate Signal Battalion, 163rd Separate Medical-Sanitary Battalion, 185th Separate Motor Transport, 103rd Field Bakery, 926th Veterinary Hospital, 1707th Field Post Office, 1103rd Field Department of the State Bank.

The division had a total of 11,373 personnel, consisting of: 6,268 Russians, 2,521 Ukrainians, 780 Uzbeks, 693 Kazakhs, 430 Tatars, and representatives of other Soviet peoples. 88% of the division's personnel (8,821 people) were specifically selected based on their expertise, which indicates the high level of its formation and combat cohesion. The military commander of the newly formed 102nd Rifle Division in Shymkent was appointed Major General Pyotr Yermolaevich Lovyagin.
The division was stationed in the Luhansk region (at that time, Voroshilovgrad region). The main task was to protect the Donbas and deter the German offensive, as well as to maintain strategic directions.

In July-August 1942, German troops launched a large-scale offensive in the Donbas. As a result of the difficult situation, the division suffered significant losses. In August 1942, the division was officially disbanded, and the remaining personnel were transferred to the 275th Rifle Division. These units then participated in the Battle of Stalingrad and the Donbas operation.
 

The 81-st Cavalry Division	Sagadat Kozhakhmetuly Nurmaganbetov
The 106-th Cavalry Division	The 106-th Cavalry Division.

The Afghan War is an armed conflict involving the Soviet Army on the territory of Afghanistan.

The war began on December 25, 1979 and ended on February 15, 1989 with the complete withdrawal of Soviet troops.

The reasons for the start of the war:
- In 1978, the April Revolution took place in Afghanistan, bringing communist leader Hafizulla Amin to power.
- A civil war began in the country: the people did not support the new government.
- The Soviet leadership decided to send troops to preserve the communist government and prevent the strengthening of the influence of the United States and China.
- Under the pretext of "supporting the socialist regime," the USSR intervened in the situation.

The course of the war:
- In 1979, the SSC and MID special forces liquidated President Amin and put Babrak Karmal in power.
- Soviet troops and the government army fought against the mujahideen, Islamic rebels.
- The Mujahideen were supported by weapons from the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China.
- The war took place in difficult conditions: there were guerrilla battles in the mountains, the terrain was unfamiliar and difficult for Soviet soldiers.

Number of Soviet troops:
  At different times, there were about 100,000 Soviet servicemen in Afghanistan.
The outcome of the war:
- Preparations for the withdrawal of troops began in 1986.
- On February 15, 1989, the last Soviet soldier left Afghanistan.
- The war caused enormous damage to the economy and international image of the USSR.
- The Afghan war is considered one of the reasons for the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union.

Consequences:
- More than 15,000 Soviet soldiers were killed.
- Hundreds of thousands of Afghans were killed.
- Many Kazakhs also took part in this war, many were wounded or became disabled.
- There are public organizations of Afghanistan veterans in Kazakhstan.

Additional facts about the Afghan war:
- The US supplied the Mujahideen with Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile systems, which were used to shoot down Soviet helicopters.
- The war was called "Soviet Vietnam" due to the large losses and lack of a clear result.
- After the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the civil war continued in Afghanistan, and later the Taliban group appeared on the political scene.

Briefly: 
The Afghan war is one of the most difficult and tragic wars in the history of the Soviet Union, which did not bring victory, but left a deep mark on history.

The Afghan War is a complex historical period that affected not only Soviet policy but also the fates of thousands of young soldiers. More than 620,000 people from the Soviet Union took part in this war, of which 525,000 were soldiers directly on the battlefield. The Soviet army lost about 15,000 people, more than 50,000 soldiers were wounded, and more than 300 people were missing. More than 22 thousand citizens of Kazakhstan went to this war. 924 of them died on the battlefield, hundreds of soldiers received various injuries. About 1000 people became victims of the war and were buried on the territory of Kazakhstan. Of the total number of those killed, 362 were of Kazakh nationality. More than 200,000 servicemen received state awards for bravery shown in battles in Afghanistan, including 1,300 women. Among them, the only Kazakh was Sarzhanova Lyazzat Ilyasovna.

The Afghan war was a difficult time for young people, full of hardships. On the battlefield, victories and defeats, heroism and irreparable suffering coexisted. Many brave soldiers died in a foreign land and will forever remain in people's memory for their heroism: Zhanatai Zhakypbekov, Marat Torebekov, Ali Suleimenov, later a hero of the Afghan war, Colonel Baygali Kokimbayev, Baktybek Smagulov, deputy of the Mazhilis of Parliament, journalist-scientist Birzhan Belgara, who participated in 9 combat operations and withdrew his personnel from the combat zone. Colonel Gennady Faleev, retired, who served as a military doctor in the 5th Guards Division, is the Chairman of the Council of Veterans of the regional command "South" and was awarded the Order of the Red Star for risky actions. For his conscientious work in providing qualified medical care to the wounded and sick, as well as to the population of Afghanistan, retiree Sabit Aimaganbetov was awarded the medal "For Military Merit". Askar Kozhabergenov, reserve soldier, recipient of the Orders of the Red Star, For Bravery and the Red Banner of Battle, who distinguished himself with exceptional bravery in combat in Afghanistan and was seriously wounded in the line of duty as commander of a motorized rifle platoon in Kandahar, retired Major Pavel Semenyuk, who served in Afghanistan for about a year and a half, He showed exemplary courage, earned special honors among the military, was awarded the medal "Gratitude of the Afghan People to the Internationalist Soldier", and was also awarded the brown beret, Major Viktor Linok, a brave soldier who marched 18 times through a convoy of vehicles on dangerous roads in Afghanistan, a retired recipient of the medals "For Military Merit" and "Gratitude of the Afghan people to an internationalist soldier", a retired colonel of the medical service of the National Guard Reserve Buralkhiev Kalybek Amangeldiuly, and others. These are the names of people whose names are written in golden letters in the annals of the Afghan War.

The Soviet army lost 100 combat aircraft, 313 helicopters, 147 tanks and more than 1,300 armored vehicles in this war. This bloodshed has remained a severe wound in the spiritual history of both peoples.

Today, peaceful and mutually beneficial relations have been established between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. Kazakhstani children who used to wear military uniforms have now become citizens of an independent country, able to bring knowledge, goods and technologies to this country. The names of Kazakhstani soldiers who participated in the Afghan war will be written into history in golden letters and will forever remain in the memory of generations.

Kazakhstanis who showed courage in the Afghan war:
1. Bakhytzhan Yertaev is a Lieutenant General. A veteran of the Afghan war, a prominent figure in the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.
2. Salim Shakirov is from the Karaganda region. He was awarded many orders and medals for his courage.
3. Amangeldy Abdikerimov is a native of Taraz. After the war, he continued to serve in the army.
4. Talgat Segizbayev is a military pilot who participated in complex helicopter combat operations.
5. Gaziz Baitasov is a veteran of the Afghan War (later heroically died while performing his official duties in the internal affairs bodies, but he gained combat experience in Afghanistan).

Kazakhstanis who died and were remembered for their heroism:
1. Sagidolla Akmyrzaev
2. Ermek Serkebaev
3. Sagyndyk Salabaev
4. Zhenis Ybraev
- Murat Ibrayev
- Beibit Ydyrysov
These fighters died in various battles in Afghanistan. Some were buried on the spot, some were later returned to their homeland.

Official data:
- About 22,000 Kazakhstanis took part in the Afghan war.
- 924 people died.
- More than 1,000 people were injured and became disabled.
- The full list of Kazakhstanis who died in Afghanistan is preserved in commemorative books and memorials ("Afghanistan: Feat of the Kazakh soldiers", etc.).
In each region of Kazakhstan there are monuments and lists of the fallen, which are read out annually at memorial events.

Boris Tokenovich Kerimbayev (January 12, 1948, Akkainar, Almaty region, Kazakh SSR — February 12, 2019, Almaty) - Colonel of the Armed Forces of the USSR and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Participant of the Afghan war (1979-1989). The main participant in the confrontation between the Soviet troops and the militias of Ahmad Shah Masut.

Boris Tokenovich Kerimbayev was born on January 12, 1948 in Zhambyl district, Almaty region. In 1970, after graduating from the Tashkent higher military school, he began serving in the Soviet army in Germany. In 1973 he became the commander of a reconnaissance company. In 1977, he was appointed deputy head of the staff, and later commander of the motorized rifle battalion of military unit 52,857 in Temirtau. The soldiers under the leadership of Boris Kerimbayev were called the "Muslim battalion" because they were made up of Asians (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Tajiks). In 1989, the detachment was the last to leave Afghanistan. Boris Kerimbayev moved to work at the Civil Defense headquarters of the Kazakh SSR in the early 1990s, and in 1992 he resigned as a colonel. Under the leadership of Boris Kerimbayev, the 177th ortyad included such future defense ministers as Colonel-General Saken Adilkhanovich Zhasuzakov, Major General Mukan Estayevich Duisekeev. In 2018, Almaty celebrated the 70th anniversary of Boris Kerimbayev. In it, Boris Kerimbaev said: "I taught my subordinates more to scout. There was no chance to run and shoot. My main task is to accompany them to the operation and return them home alive. In two years and two months I lost 45 people. The war will not be without victims." Boris Kerimbayev passed away on February 12, 2019 at the age of 71.

Bakytzhan Ertayev-lieutenant general. Veteran of the Afghan war, honored soldier of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan.

Bakytzhan Ertayevich Ertayev (born 25.07.1952, Zhambyl region, Zhualinsky district, Kenes village) is a Kazakh military figure, lieutenant general. (1998), folk hero (2008).
He graduated from the Almaty higher all-military command school (1973), the Moscow military academy named after M. V. Frunze (1985), the 4-month course of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. In 1969-70, he started as a cadet at the Tashkent higher all-military command school, and after the transfer of the educational institution to Almaty, he graduated from the higher all-military command School in 1973. Until 1980, he was a commander of the Central Asian EO motorized rifle platoon, company commander, in 1980-82 - deputy commander of the motorized rifle battalion of the separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan-chief of staff, battalion commander, Commander of the battalion of the Central Asian EO motorized rifle regiment, then M. V. Trainee of the Frunze Military Academy (1982- 1985-92), head of military educational institutions and pre-conscription units of the State defense committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, deputy commander of motorized rifle divisions, commander of divisions (1992-96), while being a student of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, was recalled by the decision of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan and appointed commander of the Army Corps (1976-97), 1 Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan chief of staff, 1st Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan (1997-2000), commander of the troops of the eastern EO, head of the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2000-2002), representative of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the regulation of military cooperation of the CIS member states (2002-03), deputy commander— in-chief of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan for military training, head of the Main Directorate of Military Training, Chief Inspector of the main Inspectorate for the organization and control of military training (2002-2008), Deputy Chairman, head of the main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2008-2011). Now he is the chairman of the Council of Veterans of the Afghan war and the Ministry of defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

He was awarded the medal "Halyk Kaharmany" and the badge of the Golden Star of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Order of the Fatherland and the Order of the Red Star, medals "for Outstanding Military Service", "on behalf of the Afghan people to an international soldier", etc.

Bakytbek Smagul-deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the Majilis Committee on international affairs, defense and security.Member of the" AMANAT "party, member of the" Amanat " faction.Chairman of the Qazaqstan Ardagerler Association. Member of the National Council of public trust under the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Member of the state commission for the full rehabilitation of victims of political repression.Member of the National Commission for women's Affairs and demographic policy under the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Chairman of the" Federation of military-applied patriotic sports clubs of the Republic of Kazakhstan".Deputy chairman of the Coordinating Council for the development of military-patriotic education of the military-patriotic movement of children and youth" Zhas Sarbaz".
Born on February 6, 1960 in Kazalinsky district, Kyzylorda region.
1975-1978. He graduated from the Vocational Technical School in kazalinsk with a degree in "Master of Rural Construction".
1979-1981. having received special training, on December 27, 1979, he went to serve in the Soviet Army in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
1982-1985. He graduated from Almaty construction technical school with a degree in industrial and civil engineering.
2000-2004. He graduated from the Central Asian University with a degree in law.
2004-2008. He graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with a degree in journalism.
1985-1989. He worked as a technical engineer in the Kalininsky district construction and repair Department of Almaty.
From 1989 to 2005, he held various high positions in business structures, in the field of entrepreneurship.
2005-2011 Activities in non-governmental organizations: deputy chairman of the association "veterans of Kazakhstan" of organizations of Veterans of the Afghan war.
Since 2012, he has been the chairman of the Qazaqstan Ardagerler Association.
Since January 20, 2012, deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the V convocation, member of the faction of the Nur Otan Party.
Since March 25, 2016, deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the VI convocation, member of the faction of the Nur Otan Party.
Since January 14, 2021, deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the VII convocation, member of the AMANAT party, member of the Majilis Committee on international affairs, defense and security.

"Honorary citizen"of Kazalinsky District of Kyzylorda region and Kerbulak District of Almaty region.He was awarded the orders of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Aybin", "Kurmet" II degree, many Jubilee medals, as well as awards from foreign countries.5th Dan in taekwondo (taekwondo), holder of a black belt.

Developer of the draft state program of the discipline "primary military training" on behalf of the head of state.

Bakhytbek Smagul-approved by the decree of the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated February 2, 2016 No. 187 "Armysyn, valiant soldiers! the author of the military greeting " Hello?"the greeting ceremony was used). Bakytbek Smagul is a co-author of the Code of honor of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, approved by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Bakytbek Smagul is a well-known state and public figure, poet, writer, member of the Union of writers of Kazakhstan. Collections of poems "fire flame of Afghanistan", "bullet and Fatherland"; "the War I saw", "war, which I saw", "days of blood", "Kulu of honor – the son of Alash", "Black Major of the Kazakhs", "King Panjshera", "Kaharman", "hero", "hell of Fate", "ad sudby", "Diary Of A Commander – day Colonel", "three-sided arrow", "three-sided arrow", "three-sided arrow "Strela", " N. Nazarbayev.He is the author of such books as" golden age " in Russian and Kazakh languages. In 2020, a III-volume collection of his Selected Works was published.

People's writer Abish Kekilbay highly appreciated Bakytbek Smagul as a "poet developing the genre of tolgau". Currently, more than 30 poems by B. Smagul have become songs and are included in the repertoire of famous singers of our country. Composer Saken Kalymov dedicated the patriotic song "Kazakh Wolf son" to Bakytbek Smagul.

In 2011, Kazakhfilm Studio shot the film" The War I saw "in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, dedicated to Bakytbek Smagul and his heroic deeds. In 2019, the Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the children's and youth military-patriotic movement "Zhas Sarbaz", with the sponsorship and financial support of entrepreneurs, made a documentary film "Afghanistan: the key to the garden in peace" in the footsteps of B. Smagul's heroic path and works.

Lyazzat Ilyasovna Sarzhanova is the only Kazakh girl who participated in the Afghan war. He provided medical services to officers and soldiers who were injured during the war. For the impeccable performance of military duty, Lyazzat Ilyasovna, after a year of working leave, comes to the circle of her parents and relatives. Lyazzat Sarzhanova, a resident of Bashi village of Kerbulak District of Almaty region, an "honorary citizen"of Kerbulak district, was then awarded a certificate for courage "Warrior internationalist", an order, a medal in honor of the 15th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet army from Afghanistan, a medal in honor of the 20th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet army from Afghanistan by the organization of Veterans of Kazakhstan. Today, despite being a pensioner, due to the lack of medical specialists, she works as a nurse in the hospital of the village of Bashi.( https://kaz.inform.kz/news/augan-sogysyna-katyskan-zhalgyz-kazak-kyzy_a3761748/)

Birzhan Belgar - born in 1966 in the village of S. Shakirov, Talas district.  In 1984, he graduated from the secondary school named after sh.Smakhanuly, and in 1985 he joined the army. From 1985 to 87, he served in Afghanistan. From 1988 to 1992, he studied at the Department of journalism of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. In 1992-94, he worked as chief specialist of the State Committee for Youth Affairs, Assistant to the Chairman, Chief Specialist of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Tourism and sports. Deputy editor-in-chief of the newspaper"Zhas Kazakh", in 1995-96-assistant to the deputy akim of Almaty. In 1996-98, he was the head of the Almaty city Language Department. In 1998-99, he was press secretary of Al-Farabi kaznu, in 1999-2002-Chief Specialist of the media department of MAKKM, head of the Department of language development, in 2002-2003-director of the Republican Center for accelerated learning of the state language. 2003-2004-acting deputy director of the media department of the Ministry of information, 2004-2005-director of the representative office of JSC "Zan" in Astana, vice-president of JSC "Zhas Orken". 2005-2006-head of the Department of state language policy of the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2006-2007, he was the executive director of the publishing and Research Center" Ana til-Ata tarikh", in 2007-2011-director of the Republican coordination and methodological Center for the development of languages named after sh.Shayakhmetov. He is the author of the monograph" The problem of the state language in the press of Kazakhstan (1989-1999)", the educational and methodological complex for accelerated level training of the state language" new wave"(2007),"anthology from the methods of teaching the Kazakh language" (2007), "small educational and methodological complex for mastering the official style of the Kazakh language"(2008), "concept, Standard, Standard program of accelerated level training of civil servants of the state language" (2008) and other works. Editor-in-chief of the journal" Kazakh language lessons " (2007-2011). Candidate of philological sciences. Veteran of the Afghan war.

Aimaganbetov Sabit Imandosovich was born on April 21, 1953 in the village of Aktas, Temir District of Aktobe region, in a simple family of workers. In 1983, he went to the Afghan Democratic Republic. In 1970, after successfully completing high school in Temirtau, Sabit left for work in agriculture. He worked in his village for two years, and in 1972 he was accepted to study at the Aktobe Medical Institute. After studying at this educational institution for four years, in 1976 he transferred to the Military Medical Faculty of the Medical Institute in Tomsk. In his memoir, "I served as a doctor in a private reconnaissance battalion that stopped in the Afghan settlement of Bagram. A month has passed since we touched the Afghan land, and I received the next rank of "Captain". But it's not the time to pay attention and get drunk. There is an established order, a system. On this basis, we organized a medical service. For example, every lecture on the road must contain a medical specialist. In company-level divisions, the number of people, an officer is assigned to provide medical support. So, with the hustle and bustle, time passed. Only after a short time did we forget the feeling of fear. We began to look at the fire and bullets with coolness. We even got to the point where we could feel the landmines firing at us. I think now that all this was repulsed only by the flame of youth and young energy." https://dknews.kz/kz/kazak-tilindegi-makalalar/281182-enbek-adamy-el-tiregi-polkovnik-sabit-imandosuly

On April 26, 1986, an accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant became one of the most devastating nuclear disasters in human history. This tragic event not only affected the territory of the USSR but also alarmed the entire world and had a destructive impact on millions of lives. The radioactive cloud resulting from the explosion reached Kazakhstan as well, posing a serious threat to our country.

One of the 276 military units involved in eliminating the consequences of the disaster was the 27th Chemical Protection Regiment sent from Kazakhstan. This regiment was deployed with its full personnel. Notably, it included not only military servicemen but also civilian specialists, women, and students.

Over 32,000 Kazakhstanis participated in the liquidation efforts of the Chernobyl disaster. From the very first moments, they worked in the disaster zone, risking their lives and health while faithfully fulfilling their duty and demonstrating heroic courage for the sake of humanity. Kazakhstani liquidators working in radioactive areas successfully carried out various missions such as isolating explosion sites, reducing radiation levels, ensuring safety with the help of specialized equipment, and providing medical assistance to the affected population.

These individuals were not just numbers — they were citizens standing between life and death, giving their all for the future. Kazakhstani doctors and military specialists worked tirelessly in the disaster zone to protect humanity from further catastrophe.

Many Kazakhstanis who participated in the Chernobyl disaster suffered from health issues and developed serious illnesses. Numerous families have felt the effects of this tragedy for decades. However, the courage and self-sacrifice demonstrated during that period became the foundation for Kazakhstan’s national stance on nuclear safety.

This historical experience led Kazakhstan to make significant decisions, such as the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in 1991 and the voluntary renunciation of nuclear weapons. This was a historic choice of an independent country that recognized peace as its highest value.

The Kazakhstani participants in the Chernobyl disaster will forever remain true heroes in the memory of our nation. Their bravery is a model for all, a national legacy, and a reminder of the priceless value of peaceful life.

More than 600,000 people were involved in eliminating the consequences of this tragedy, including 31,743 Kazakhstanis. The 27th Chemical Protection Regiment from Kazakhstan was the only military unit from Central Asia deployed to the disaster zone. According to the classified order No. 045 of USSR Minister of Defense D. Yazov, only married citizens over 30 years old with two or more children were supposed to be sent to the disaster zone. However, this requirement was often ignored, and many young men under the age of 20 were deployed to the zone.

One of the Kazakhstani participants serving in the 27th Chemical Protection Regiment was Mirbolat Moldabekov, who worked in heavily contaminated areas after the accident. His duties included burying radioactive waste and decontaminating polluted equipment. Mirbolat successfully returned home.

Another hero, Bakhytzhan Tuyakbayev, was responsible for decontaminating contaminated areas. He worked actively in highly radioactive zones and fulfilled his duty with honor.

Asanbek Seidakhmetov was involved in firefighting, radioactive waste disposal, and cleaning operations in the station area. Having worked under extremely high radiation conditions, he later developed severe illnesses and battled health issues until the end of his life.

Marat Kasymov participated in the decontamination of soil and construction debris around the station, aiming to limit the spread of radioactive materials.

Kazakhstani scientist Shakhmardan Yessenov contributed to measuring radiation levels and organizing safety measures in the Chernobyl area. His scientifically based decisions greatly helped in mitigating the disaster’s consequences and were highly praised in the scientific community.

Myrzakhan Abilkassymov, a soldier of the 27th Regiment, worked on decontaminating radioactive equipment. He performed his duties calmly and responsibly under emergency conditions.

Kanat Baikenov was sent to Chernobyl from the first days of the accident. Working near the reactor itself, he courageously performed his duties despite the life-threatening risks. His heroism was recognized with numerous awards.

The fate of Kazakhstan’s liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster was tragic. Many suffered from illnesses caused by radiation, transmitted diseases to their children and relatives, and continue to feel the effects even today. The heroism of the Chernobyl liquidators has not been forgotten. They risked their lives to contain the catastrophe, with many working directly at the reactor site and receiving fatal radiation doses, ultimately dying in hospitals.

Today, special organizations in Kazakhstan work to protect the rights of Chernobyl liquidators, provide medical assistance, and offer social support. Monuments dedicated to Chernobyl liquidators have been erected in Almaty, Karaganda, and Shymkent.

The heroism of Kazakhstani heroes at Chernobyl is not merely the fulfillment of military duty, but a symbol of a great sacrifice made for the life and future of all humanity. They risked their lives, often unaware of the full danger of radiation, to save others. Their names and bravery must never be forgotten.
 

The armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh became the first and largest interethnic war in the post-Soviet space. It was not merely a territorial confrontation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, but a bloody conflict that reflected the collapse of the entire Soviet system and defined the nature of relations between the newly independent states.

As a result of the conflict, more than 40,000 people were killed, and hundreds of thousands became refugees. During this challenging period, Kazakhstan, maintaining neutrality and equal relations with both sides, consistently adhered to a peacekeeping position from the very beginning. In September 1991, the First President of Kazakhstan,

NursultanNazarbayev, and the then-President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, made a special visit to the capitals of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the city of Stepanakert to conduct negotiations. As a result of this visit, a joint communiqué was signed on September 23 in Zheleznovodsk by the leaders of the three countries, proposing a roadmap for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Kazakhstan not only called for peace but also deployed a peacekeeping military contingent to the Nagorno-Karabakh region in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 107 dated April 17, 1992. This marked one of the first examples of active participation by our young nation in international missions.

We present to your attention a brief chronology of these events.

1918–1920: Ethnic Cleansing and the Establishment of Soviet Power

During the existence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Armenian armed formations carried out mass killings of Azerbaijani civilians in the regions of Zangazur, Nakhchivan, and Karabakh. Armenian commanders Andranik and Nzhdeh partially exterminated and partially expelled Azerbaijanis from Zangazur. These events were documented by European journalists.

On April 27, 1920, the 11th Red Army of Soviet Russia entered Baku, resulting in the overthrow of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The following day, April 28, Soviet power was proclaimed in the republic.

1987–1991: Escalation of the Conflict and Ethnic Tensions

On December 1, 1987, Armenian representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh submitted a request to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to remove the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) from Azerbaijan and annex it to Armenia. On January 8, 1988, they submitted a second petition with citizen signatures to P. Demichev, Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

On January 25, 1988, after attacks by Armenians on Azerbaijani settlements, the first hundreds of refugees from the Kafan and Meghri districts of the Armenian SSR arrived in Azerbaijan.

On February 12, 1988, the first rally organized by the separatist group «Krunk» took place in Khankendi, demanding the annexation of NKAO to Armenia. On February 19, a demonstration in Yerevan was held under the slogans: «Cleanse Armenia of Turks!” and “Only Armenians should live in Armenia!»

On February 20, 1988, Armenian deputies of the NKAO regional council voted to secede from the Azerbaijani SSR and join the Armenian SSR. The CPSU Central Committee condemned this as a “provocation by nationalist elements.”

From February 22 to 23, rallies were held in Baku and Sumgait under the slogan “NKAO is an inseparable part of Azerbaijan.” On February 24, two young Azerbaijanis were killed by Armenians in the Askeran district.

On February 28, 1988, massive interethnic riots occurred in Sumgait, involving Armenian nationalist activists.

On March 24, 1988, the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers adopted a resolution to accelerate the socio-economic development of NKAO within the Azerbaijan SSR for the period 1988–1995.

On May 21, 1988, at a session of the NKAO Council of People’s Deputies, an appeal was adopted requesting the temporary secession of the region from Azerbaijan, which was supported by the Armenian Supreme Soviet.

On June 15, 1988, the Armenian Supreme Soviet accepted this appeal and voted to annex NKAO. On June 17, 1988, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet declared the decision illegal.

On July 12, 1988, the NKAO Council of People’s Deputies again adopted a decision to leave Azerbaijan. The next day, the Presidium of the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet declared the decision unlawful.

On July 19, 1988, the NKAO Council of Deputies again adopted an unconstitutional resolution on withdrawal from Azerbaijan.

On August 24, 1988, the NKAO council supported the decision to remove NKAO from Azerbaijan’s administrative subordination and transfer it to Armenia.

On December 7, 1988, a devastating earthquake struck Armenia. Under the guise of humanitarian aid, large quantities of ammunition were delivered to Armenia and then secretly transported to Nagorno-Karabakh for use against the Azerbaijani population.

On December 11, 1988, Azerbaijan sent an IL-76 aircraft to Leninakan to deliver aid to earthquake victims. The aircraft was deliberately shot down near Gyumri. Of the 69 passengers and 9 crew members onboard, only one person survived. The causes of the crash were never investigated.

On September 23, 1989, at an extraordinary session of the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet, the constitutional law “On the Sovereignty of the Azerbaijani SSR” was adopted.

On November 28, 1989, the USSR Supreme Soviet passed a resolution to stabilize the situation in NKAO, dissolving the special administration committee, restoring the regional council, and creating a republican organizing committee under the Azerbaijani SSR.

On December 1, 1989, the Armenian Supreme Soviet adopted a resolution “On the Reunification of the Armenian SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh,” grossly violating Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.

On December 4 and December 7, 1989, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet passed resolutions condemning Armenia’s actions as a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

On January 9, 1990, the Armenian Supreme Soviet incorporated the NKAO development plan into its 1990 national plan.

On January 10, 1990, the USSR Supreme Soviet ruled these Armenian decisions unconstitutional.

1990–1991: Escalation Amid Soviet Collapse and Strive for Independence.

On January 11, 1990, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet condemned Armenia’s January 9 resolution as a gross violation of sovereignty and an anti-perestroika move.

On January 13–14, 1990, riots erupted in Baku after two Azerbaijanis were killed by an Armenian. The 12,000-strong Soviet Interior Ministry troops stationed in the city did not intervene.

On January 15, 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev, Chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet, signed a decree imposing a state of emergency in NKAO and other regions, including a curfew in Baku, Ganja, and other cities.

On January 19, 1990, without Azerbaijan’s consent, the USSR Supreme Soviet imposed martial law in Baku starting January 20.

On January 20, 1990, forces of the USSR Ministry of Defense, KGB, and Ministry of Internal Affairs entered Baku and carried out a brutal crackdown on civilians.

1991: State Sovereignty and the Start of Armed Conflict. 

On August 30, 1991, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet declared the restoration of national independence.

On September 2, 1991, the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was declared in Stepanakert. Official Baku declared the act illegal.

On October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan” was adopted.

On November 26, 1991, the Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet passed a law “On the Abolition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.”

By the end of 1991, the first phase of the armed Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict had begun.

1988–1991: Ethnic Cleansing and Mass Repressions.

Between 1988 and 1991, around 250,000 Azerbaijanis were forcibly expelled from 185 villages in Armenia as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign. As a result, Armenia became a monoethnic state.

During this period, 217 Azerbaijanis were killed by Armenians, including 57 women, infants, and 18 children. Of these, 49 froze to death in the mountains while fleeing, 41 were beaten to death, 35 were tortured to death, 115 were burned alive, 16 were shot, 10 died of heart attacks, and 2 were murdered in hospitals. Others were strangled, hanged, electrocuted, or beheaded.
In total, 1,154 people were wounded, and hundreds were subjected to torture.

In Nagorno-Karabakh during those years, there were 2,559 recorded clashes and 315 armed attacks, resulting in 514 deaths and 1,318 injuries. Additionally, 119 public facilities and 1,134 Azerbaijani homes were destroyed.

This conflict became a tragedy not only for the Azerbaijani community in NKAO but also for the nearly 200,000 Azerbaijanis living in the Armenian SSR. Azerbaijanis, residing on their ancestral lands, were subjected to mass deportations three times during the 20th century. These lands had first been incorporated into the initial Armenian state of the South Caucasus in May 1918.

The conflict in NKAO began to escalate again in 1985–1986. In early 1987, a petition was sent to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev demanding the transfer of Nagorno-Karabakh from Baku to Yerevan.
In response, on November 23, 1988, the USSR Supreme Soviet issued Decree No. 9822-XI “On Urgent Measures to Restore Public Order in the Azerbaijani SSR, Armenian SSR, and Nagorno-Karabakh.”

Participation of Kazakhstani Military Personnel.

A total of 3,600 Kazakhstani soldiers participated in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. According to official data, 38 soldiers were killed during the four-year conflict and returned home in coffins. Around 65 returned as disabled veterans with disabilities of groups I, II, or III. Fourteen soldiers remain missing in action.

Kazakhstani troops were withdrawn from the Nagorno-Karabakh region on April 17, 1992, by Presidential Decree No. 107 of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The aftermath of the bloody conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has left a deep and lasting scar, and the lives of the soldiers who took part have become an enduring example of courage and sacrifice for future generations.

Today, in every region and city of Kazakhstan, Veterans’ Councils operate to protect the social, legal, and moral rights of those who served in Karabakh. These councils actively participate in public life and play an important role in patriotic education among youth. They organize military-historical events, commemorative dates, veteran meetings, and open lessons on valor. In cooperation with local administrations and civil organizations, they provide veterans with medical assistance, material support, and psychological counseling.

Fragments of the Veterans’ Councils’ service to society and their contributions to public life can be seen in the photographs below.

Sailau Dosumovich Serikov (1940-1991)
Hero of the Karabakh Ethno-Religious Military Conflict, Major General,
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

CRASH OF MI-8 HELICOPTER IN KARABAKH

On November 20, 1991, at 14:42 local time, a Mi-8 helicopter (No. 72) of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs' internal troops crashed three kilometers from the village of Karakend, in the Khojavend (Martuni) district of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO). There were 22 people on board, including the crew members. Among the deceased were high-ranking government officials from Azerbaijan, journalists, as well as members of the Russian and Kazakh peacekeeping mission.

The helicopter was en route from Agdam to the district center of Martuni in Karabakh, where serious clashes had occurred the day before between the city's residents and the Azerbaijani population of the Khojavend suburbs. According to the Zheleznovodsk communiqué, Russian and Kazakh observers working in NKAO, together with representatives of the Azerbaijani government, were heading to Martuni to familiarize themselves with the tense situation in the region.

Among the victims was Major General Sailaу Dosymovich Serikov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the time. He was born on December 24, 1940, in the village of Klyuchi, Karasu district, Kostanay region, into a large family. His father, Dosym Serikov, was a veteran of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and died in 1953 from complications of injuries sustained during the war. After graduating from the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs Academy in 1978, Sailau Serikov served as Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Almaty City Department of Internal Affairs, then as the head of the Frunze District Department of Internal Affairs. In 1982, he was transferred to the position of Deputy Head of the Almaty City Department of Internal Affairs. Two years later, he became the head of the Eastern Transport Department of Internal Affairs, and in 1985, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Kazakh SSR.
Sailau Dosymovich Serikov is buried at the Central Cemetery of Almaty. In his honor, one of the city's streets was named after him, and he was permanently included in the Honorary Book of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Barinbetov Erbol (1974-1994)
Commander of the Reconnaissance Battalion No. 776, Military Unit
(Buried in the 2nd Alley of the Honorary Cemetery of Martyrs in Baku, Azerbaijan)

Sultanbekov Muratkhan Umbetalievich
Member of the City Department of Karabakh Veterans in Astana, sincerely organized and led the sponsorship efforts for the opening of the Baurzhan Momyshuly Lecture Hall at the military department of KazATU named after S. Seifullin, with the aim of promoting the heroic deeds of distinguished individuals among the youth.

Amambayev Murat Tolenbaiuly
Chairman of the branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Combatants in Karabakh in the city of Shymkent.

Smagulov Omirtay Ondasynovich
Chairman of the branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Combatants in Karabakh for the Almaty Region.
 

Abdulakhanov Alihan Nasirovich
Chairman of the branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Combatants in Karabakh for the Karasai District of the Almaty Region.

List of Nagorno-Karabakh Veterans by Karasai District:
1.    Abdulakhanov Alihan Nasirovich
2.    Baynazarov Tynybay Allayarovich
3.    Baubekov Sergean Asylbekovich
4.    Buligin Andrey Gennadievich
5.    Junusbaev Sabyr Nursultanovich
6.    Jussupov Tleule Gabdylmitakeevich
7.    Zamanbekov Erkinbek Ramazanovich
8.    Kanaliev Adilbek Alimbayevich
9.    Kozlovskiy Oleg Viktorovich
10.    Kuandykov Aidar Bigozhaevich
11.    Kumganbaev Amankeldi Statbekovich
12.    Orazbaev Altunbek Orinbasarovich
13.    Ordabaev Salamat Jumaniyaevich
14.    Ormanov Maksat Mukhammetzhanovich
15.    Salibekov Kaldybay Madikhanovich
16.    Satyjanov Altunbek Akberdiyevich
17.    Smetullaev Azamat Begdullayevich
18.    Tajibaev Nurbek Orazbaevich
19.    Toimuratov Abay Toksanbaevich
20.    Telibaev Bekdaulet Ospanbaevich
21.    Tleubaev Ermek Kaskemperovich
22.    Tungyshbekuly Amangeldi
23.    Tushiev Maksatbay Muratbayevich
24.    Ungarov Zhetkerbay Sarsenbaevich
25.    Shagiev Saken Kabizhanovich

Daribaev Mahmud Usenuly
Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Karabakh in the Turkestan Region.

Myrzakhametov Beibit Toleshuly
Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Karabakh in the Aktobe Region.

Iztileuov Dauren Turganalievich
Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Karabakh in the Zhambyl Region.

Amandosov Batyrkhan Sidzhamovitch
Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Karabakh in the Kostanay Region.

Tolegenov Bolatbek Shynbaiuly
Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Karabakh in the Kyzylorda Region.

VETERANS OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH FROM SYRDARYA

From 1986 to 1991, Syrdarya soldiers who participated in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict fulfilled their civic duty with honor. Over 300 soldiers, 238 of whom are officially recognized as veterans today.
In 2021, a public organization was established in the Kyzylorda region for veterans who fought in Nagorno-Karabakh. The chairman of this organization is Bolatbek Shynbaiuly Tolegenov. The organization actively works not only to protect the rights and interests of veterans but also to promote patriotism and courage.
Since 2022, the organization has been a member of the Republican Union of Veterans. The advisor of this organization in Kyzylorda, Arman Bakytuly Bimaganbetov, has made significant contributions to veterans’ affairs. Thanks to the organization, over 100 veterans have received legal status and benefits. In memory of the events, a monument was erected in the Shieli district, and another monument is under construction in the city of Kyzylorda. As part of patriotic education, 28 events have been organized, and veterans are actively participating in the region's public life. Their heroism is an example for future generations, a legacy for the people.

Nurkhanov Toleu Kashenovich
Chairman of the branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Nagorno-Karabakh in the city of Ekibastuz.

Kuvandykov Balta Djaketovich
Chairman of the branch of the Republican Union of Veterans and Disabled Veterans of Nagorno-Karabakh in the city of Zhanaozen.

KHODJALY TRAGEDY — WE REMEMBER THE INNOCENT VICTIMS

On the night of February 25 to 26, 1992, one of the most tragic events in the history of Azerbaijan occurred — the Khojaly tragedy. The city of Khojaly was captured by Armenian armed forces and the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former Soviet Army.
Despite the blockade, harsh living conditions, and the complete lack of communication with the outside world, the residents of Khojaly continued to resist. However, the tragedy became inevitable. As a result of the attack and subsequent events, 613 innocent civilians were killed, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly people. Eight families were completely wiped out. More than a thousand people were taken prisoner, hundreds were wounded, and 150 went missing.
The city, which had strategic importance and hosted thousands of refugees, became completely isolated from the outside world. In the complete absence of electricity, water, and communication, Khojaly continued its resistance until the last day. The defense of the city was led by Alif Gadzhiev, who demonstrated courage and loyalty to his people.
The Khojaly tragedy is not just an episode of war. It is a deep wound that will forever remain in the heart of the Azerbaijani people, a reminder of the price of peace and the sanctity of human life.
The memory of the victims of Khojaly will live on in the hearts of generations.

KARABAKH VETERANS – HEROES WHO SERVED AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE COUNTRY

Veterans of the Karabakh War from the city of Astana provided support and contributed to the furnishing of the Baurzhan Momyshuly Lecture Hall, which was established at the military department of KazATU named after S. Seifullin with the aim of fostering courage and patriotism among the youth.
1.    Makazhanov Bauyrzhan Kuandykovich
2.    Sultanbekov Muratkhan Umbetalievich
3.    Akhmetov Anuarbek Kairatovich
4.    Zhanabekov Amangeldy Borievich
5.    Dyussekeyev Nurlan Kenesovich
6.    Konysbayev Erkingali Sadenovich
7.    Zhabikeyev Erkanat Bulatovich
8.    Baidauletov Meiram Makhmetovich
9.    Ensebayev Madiyar Khamitovich
10.    Iskakov Talgat Zhanatovich
11.    Bigeldiyev Nurtugan Karbozovich
12.    Burashev Amantai Serikovich
13.    Konkakov Dauren Serikbaevich
14.    Eleussizov Akhylbek Sunyatsonovich
15.    Sultanov Sadyk Kozhakhmetovich
16.    Tashmakov Asylbek Serikovich
17.    Kamerov Ruslan Kairzhanovich
18.    Zhadgerov Duman Kabuldinovich
19.    Zhurgembayev Mereke Kopenovich
20.    Kenzhina Nasiha Gumarovna
21.    Khashenov Toleu
22.    Kuandykov Balta

Below are photographs from various events organized by the Karabakh veterans and their regional branches. These images capture their service to the homeland, their work in promoting patriotism among the youth, and their active participation in public life. Each photo is a vivid testimony to heroism, unity, the pursuit of peace, and courage.