JANUARY
1 – New Year
– 120 years since the birth (1893–1941) of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Major General I. V. Panfilov
– 75 years since the birth of I. G. Gilyazetdinov (1938), Kyrgyz writer, poet, translator, honored figure of culture of the Kyrgyz Republic
– 65 years since the birth of A. Ibraimov (1948), Doctor of Biological Sciences, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
2 – 65 years since the birth of Zh. Abdildaev (1948), Kyrgyz poet, laureate of the T. Moldov prize
4 – 470 years since the birth of Isaac Newton (1643–1727), English scientist
7 – Christmas
– 110 years since the birth of V. A. Vlasov (1903–1986), composer, People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan, honored figure of arts of the RSFSR, laureate of the State Prize of Kyrgyzstan named after Toktogul.
– 85 years since the birth of E. Kolesnikov (1933), Russian writer of Kyrgyzstan, laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize of Kyrgyzstan
8 – 100 years since the birth of Ya. V. Smelyakov (1913–1972), Russian poet
10 – 130 years since the birth of A. N. Tolstoy (1883–1945), Russian writer
12 – 110 years since the birth of I. V. Kurchatov (1903–1960), physicist
– 385 years since the birth of Charles Perrault (1628–1703), French writer
13 – 120 years since the birth of D. I. Shcherbakov (1893–1966), outstanding geologist and geographer, researcher of Kyrgyzstan, academician, laureate of the Lenin Prize
17 – 150 years since the birth of K. I. Stanislavsky (1863–1938), actor, director, theater theorist, People's Artist of the USSR
19 – 150 years since the birth of A. S. Serafimovich (1863–1949), Russian writer
20 – 70 years since the publication (1943) of the letter of the Kyrgyz people to the Kyrgyz warriors fighting against the German-fascist invaders
21 – Day of the Engineering Troops of the Kyrgyz Republic
22 – 15 years of the space flight of Kyrgyz cosmonaut S. Sharipov (1998)
– 115 years since the birth of S. M. Eisenstein (1898–1948), Russian director and film theorist, educator
– 225 years since the birth of George Gordon Byron (1788–1824), English poet, playwright
– 105 years since the birth of L. D. Landau (1908–1968), physicist, academician, Hero of Socialist Labor, Nobel Prize laureate
23 – 230 years since the birth of Stendhal (1783–1842), French writer
– 80 years since the opening of the Osh Silk Factory (1928)
25 – 75 years since the birth of V. S. Vysotsky (1938–1980), Russian poet, theater and film actor
– Tatiana's Day
26 – 100 years since the birth of Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Ya. V. Bykov (1913–1988)
28 – 100 years since the birth of academician, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences A. E. Izmailov
30 – 60 years since the birth of Doctor of Medical Sciences, laureate of the State Prize of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of science and technology I. K. Moldotashov (1953)
In 2013, the following anniversaries are celebrated:
– 175 years since the birth of the akyn-writer Nurmoldo (1838–1920)
– 85 years since the birth of Doctor of Technical Sciences, hydraulic engineer Ya. V. Bochkarev (1998–2003)
January has arrived. The month of January is named after the Roman god Janus, to whom the first days of all months of the year were dedicated. He holds the keys to the heavenly gates and all doors in the world. As the god of Heaven and the revealer of the mysteries of the future, Janus corresponds to the astrological image of the planet Uranus. About this month, it is said: “The year begins, winter is in the middle”; “January is the middle of winter, he is the grandfather of spring”; “In January, the sun is for summer, winter is for frost.” In Kyrgyzstan, this month is the coldest of the year.
In the Kyrgyz calendar, this month was called "uchtun ayi."
JANUARY 1
NEW YEAR
Show me a person who does not dream of quickly taking a seat at the New Year's table! This holiday is special, and therefore preparations are made for it, and treats are thought out in advance. And it does not matter whether guests come to your house or you celebrate the holiday with your family; every hostess will try to set the table so that it is delicious and beautiful.
Each dish on the New Year's table has a special meaning and significance in different countries and among different peoples. In France and America, the holiday is not a holiday if there is no traditional roasted turkey on the New Year's table, while in Austria, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, there is never Christmas goose, duck, chicken, or turkey on festive tables – they believe that eating poultry on this evening will drive away happiness.
The grapevine has long been considered a symbol of abundance and a happy family hearth. Therefore, every Cuban, Spaniard, and Portuguese must eat grapes at midnight – twelve strikes of the clock mean twelve berries for happiness.
Grapes, nuts, and lentils are served on New Year's Eve in Italy as symbols of health, longevity, and prosperity.
New Year's pies are baked in Romania, Austria, and Bulgaria, and they are not ordinary pies but surprise pies: whoever finds a coin, a nut, or a pepper pod baked in the filling will acquire a family in the coming year, and happiness and good fortune will smile upon them.
Each nation has its own highlight in the New Year's menu – Russian goose with apples, Ukrainian piglet, Moldovan pie "plăcintă," Armenian dolma – stuffed grape leaves… Siberians also do not have to think long about what to prepare for the holiday.
Traditional dumplings are the dish that invariably adorns their table. They do not spare treats for livestock either: on the first morning of the new year, they feed the cow, chicken, and pig with bread and grain – on this day, everyone should be full and satisfied.
You can read about the New Year holiday in: CALENDAR customs and rituals in foreign European countries. Winter holidays. – M.: Nauka, 1973. – 351 p.
JANUARY 1
120 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF I. V. PANFILOV
You were a friend to the Kyrgyz,
You taught their sons to fight.
Young horsemen went into battle
Following you into feats.
(D. Bokonbaev).
You taught their sons to fight.
Young horsemen went into battle
Following you into feats.
(D. Bokonbaev).
Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov (1893–1941) – a legendary general, Hero of the Great Patriotic War. The biography of I. V. Panfilov is typical for Soviet military leaders of his time. He dedicated his entire conscious life to the noble cause of defending the homeland and gave his life for its well-being. His short life was filled with bright, significant events. Young Panfilov fought for the power of the Soviets near Saratov and Samara, on the Southern and Eastern fronts, fought against the White Army in the legendary 25th Chapayev Division, and eliminated bandit groups in the sands and mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. He made a long journey from a simple Red Army soldier to the commander of a large military unit of the Soviet army.
In 1938, he was appointed military commissar of the Kyrgyz Republic. His great organizational talent and the abilities of a prominent military leader were combined in I. V. Panfilov with modesty, human kindness, and attentive attitude towards people.
In August 1941, the 316th Rifle Division under the command of I. V. Panfilov was transferred to defend the approaches to Moscow. The glory of the general's feat and his warriors rang out far and wide in the ominous autumn of forty-one. Engaging in fierce battles, the division not only held its positions for a whole month but also, through swift counterattacks, defeated the 2nd Tank, 29th Motorized, 11th, and 110th Divisions, destroying 9,000 German soldiers and officers, more than 80 tanks, and many guns.
The 28 heroes of the Panfilov Division, who stopped the enemy at the Dubosekovo crossing at the cost of their lives, have earned undying glory. Among them were Kyrgyz warriors Duyshenkul Shopokov, G. M. Shemyakin, N. Ya. Ananyev, G. E. Konkin, I. V. Moskalenko, G. A. Petrenko, who were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
With selfless bravery, Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov stood among his soldiers. On the front line, the celebrated general remained until his last hour… On November 18, 1941, he was mortally wounded during an artillery shelling of the command post near the village of Gusenovo. The feat of a man who gave his life for his homeland will forever be remembered by noble descendants. I. V. Panfilov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and he received the Order of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Banner, medals, and certificates.
Malinin G. A. General Panfilov: historical-documentary essay. – Saratov: Privolzhskoye Book Publishing House, 1981. – 112 p.; MOMYSHULY B. General Panfilov. – Alma-Ata: Kazakhstan, 1973. – 156 p.
JANUARY 1
ILGIZ GILYAZETDINOV — 75 YEARS SINCE HIS BIRTH
Kyrgyz writer, poet, translator, and honored figure of culture of the Kyrgyz Republic Ilgiz Talipovich Gilyazetdinov was born in 1938 in the village of Ak-Suu in the Jangi-Jol district. After graduating from Kyrgyz State University, he worked as an editor and host at the State Television and Radio Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, editor of literary and musical programs, and chief editor. From 1971 to 1982, he worked at the publication "Kyrgyzstan Madeniyati," and later as chief editor of the magazine "Chalkan." From 1991 to 1999, he served as chief editor of the parliamentary newspaper "Erkin Too."
I. G. Gilyazetdinov collaborated for many years with the republican press, where his numerous works were published: poems, stories, essays.
His books "Kulunchak," "Shapata," "Yrlarymda zhan syrim," and others are beloved by readers.
The writer devoted much effort to translation activities. He translated works by I. Bunin, S. Marshak, L. Tolstoy, A. Chekhov, R. Gamzatov, K. Kuliyev, M. Karim, Zh. Ikrami, M. Dzhalil, and others into his native language. Kyrgyz readers enjoy his translations of chapters from the Tatar epic "Edige" and the Khakas epic "Maaday Kara." He has also translated several dozen films into Kyrgyz.
From the Christian calendar
JANUARY 7
CHRISTMAS
In January, the Holy Church celebrates two great holidays of the Christian religion – Christmas (January 7) and Epiphany (January 19).
Christmas Day is the largest holiday after Easter. On this day, God came into the world to save people from sin, curse, and death. The Christmas holiday is preceded by Christmas Eve – a day of particularly strict fasting. The period between Christmas and Epiphany (from January 7 to January 18) is called "sviatki" or holy days. In the festive representations and superstitions, the motifs of Christian and pre-Christian origin are especially vividly intertwined. Hence the combination of seemingly opposite moments, such as, on the one hand, the desire to protect oneself from dark forces and, on the other, the connection to these forces through Epiphany divinations. Divination can be done on any day or evening (the so-called "Epiphany evenings"), but divination on the night before Epiphany is considered especially accurate. A common custom during the festive days is dressing up, noisy carnival dances in homes and on the streets.
Many signs have arisen in the Russian people in connection with the holidays of Christmas and Epiphany. On the night before Christmas, hoarfrost is considered a good omen: heavy hoarfrost promises a rich harvest. If the sky is starry on Christmas night, one should expect good offspring of livestock and a berry harvest in the coming year. If it snows in flakes on Christmas Day, there will be an abundance of bread in summer. If Christmas falls on a new moon, the year is expected to be favorable, but if it falls on a waning moon, the summer will be wet, and the year will be hard for livestock.
For more about Christmas and Epiphany, we recommend reading:
BELOV A. V. When the Bells Ring. – M.: Sov. Russia, 1988. – 250 p.;
CHRISTMAS / (V. P. Terekhov). – M.: Kniga, 1990. – 14 p.; ANDRIYENKO
G. Russian Christmas // Bibliotekar. – 1991. – No. 12. – P. 69–70
JANUARY 7
VLADIMIR ALEXANDROVICH VLASOV — 110 YEARS SINCE HIS BIRTH
On January 7, 2013, it marks 110 years since the birth of composer and public figure, People's Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR, honored figure of arts of the RSFSR, laureate of the State Prize of the Kyrgyz Republic named after Toktogul, Vladimir Alexandrovich Vlasov (1903–1986).
In 1936, V. Vlasov and his friend V. Fere arrived in Kyrgyzstan and long associated their creative fate with the republic and its culture. Their closest friend became Abdylas Maldybaev. Thus began the life of the famous creative "trio" – a collaboration of bright talents and different characters. The composers actively participated in the public life of the republic, but their most significant contribution was their joint work in the field of musical art. The first major composition of this remarkable collective was the musical drama "Altyn Kyz," which excitedly tells about a simple girl from the mountains, whose strength and courage embodied the Kyrgyz people awakening to a new life. Then the musical drama "Adzhal Orduna" was created, and finally, the progenitor of the national opera, the famous "Aichurek." This was followed by operas: "On the Shores of Issyk-Kul," "Toktogul," "Patriots," "Manas" (for the second edition of this opera, the authors were awarded the State Prize of the Kyrgyz SSR named after Toktogul).
Vladimir Alexandrovich Vlasov's musical legacy is not limited to compositions written with A. Maldybaev and V. Fere. He has many symphonic and chamber works, including the poem "Toktogul," orchestral poems: "The Poet Sings of Lenin," "Reading Tagore," "Festive Overture"; three quartets and pieces for various instruments, romances on the verses of A. Pushkin, E. Baratynsky, R. Burns, S. Marshak, B. Pasternak, and others. The composer is the author of works on themes of foreign nations ("Czechoslovakian Pictures" for string quartet, "Romanian Rhapsody" for orchestra). Among his works is a ballet based on the story of Chinghiz Aitmatov "Asel." Another work that has toured many theaters in the country is his ballet "The Creation of Eve," based on the drawings of Zh. Effel.
It is difficult to list all that the composer has created. In addition to all this, it is necessary to remember the constant, daily, and painstaking pedagogical work of V. A. Vlasov. If we also mention Vladimir Alexandrovich's significant organizational and public activities, we will get an idea of the significant role he played in the development of Kyrgyz art.
Read more about him and his work in: VLASOV V. The Birth of Musical Theater in Kyrgyzstan // Art and Man. – F., 1981. – P. 52–82.; CREATIVE "trio" // Abakirov A., Komarov A. Symphony of the Mountains. – F.: Kyrgyzstan, 1968. – P. 66–68; COMPOSERS of Kyrgyzstan: Reference Book. – F.: Kyrgyzstan, 1982. – 144 p.
JANUARY 13
DMITRY IVANOVICH SHCHERBAKOV — 115 YEARS SINCE HIS BIRTH
Dmitry Ivanovich Shcherbakov (1893–1966) – a prominent scientist in the field of geology, geochemistry, metallogeny, and geography. Many of his scientific studies were related to the study of various minerals in Central Asia. In 1952, he wrote: “For 25 years of geological work in Central Asia, I have traveled this vast territory from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the border of China, from the Hindu Kush mountains in the south to the Kunghei Alatau ridge in the north: I have been to the heights and glaciers of Pamir, traversed many passes of the Alai-Gissar mountain system of the Tien Shan, crossed the Karakum Desert, observed the outcrops of Glauber's salt on the shores of Kara-Bogaz-Gol, admired the bizarre forms of the relief of the island of Cheleken…” D. I. Shcherbakov was the discoverer of the Haidarkan and Kadamjay antimony-mercury deposits, based on which an industry for the production of antimony and mercury was established in Kyrgyzstan.
His notable works include: "Antimony-Mercury Zone of Southern Kyrgyzstan," "Mercury and Antimony of Central Asia and Problems of Their Use," and others. The scientist made significant efforts to organize the Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan and in preparing national scientific personnel.
D. I. Shcherbakov is the author of many popular books and brochures, among which are materials about Kyrgyzstan. For example, articles "Issyk-Kul – a Hot Lake," "On the Shores of Issyk-Kul," and the book "Through Crimea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia" (M., 1952).
You can learn about the life and activities of D. I. Shcherbakov from books and articles: D. I. Shcherbakov. Life and Activity: 1893–1966. – M.: Nauka, 1969. – 270 p.; DMITRY Ivanovich Shcherbakov. – M.: Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, 1958. – 57 p.; WOLFSOHN F. I. The Contribution of Academician D. I. Shcherbakov and the Development of the Mineral Raw Material Base and Geological Sciences in the Union Republics // Izv. AN USSR. Ser. Geology. – 1973. – No. 1. – P. 149–151.
JANUARY 22
15 YEARS OF THE SPACE FLIGHT OF SALIZHAN SHARIPOV
On January 22, 1998, at 21:47 Florida time, the "Shuttle STS Mir Mission" spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, with the first Kyrgyz cosmonaut-test pilot Salizhan Sharipov on board.
Kyrgyzstani Salizhan Sharipov, after graduating from high school in the city of Uzgen in the Osh region, served in the ranks of the Soviet Army and then entered the Kharkov Higher Military Aviation School. In 1990, he was enrolled in the cosmonaut detachment in "Star City," where he underwent all levels of training. After completing his studies, he received a diploma as an international-class ecological engineer in parallel with his qualification as a test cosmonaut.
Later, by a joint decision of the Russian Space Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the USA, S. Sharipov was included in the American-Russian crew for participation in the 89th "Space Shuttle" expedition to work on the "Mir" orbital station.
For his outstanding contribution to international space exploration, personal courage, and patriotism, the first Kyrgyz cosmonaut-test pilot Salizhan Sharipov was awarded the highest distinction "Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic" with the special badge "Ak Shumkar."
You can read more about Salizhan Sharipov and his space flight in the articles: SHARIPOV S. The Stars Know About Us // Slovo Kyrgyzstana. – 2004. – October 8. – P. 6; TARANOVA E. The Earthly and Heavenly Path of Salizhan Sharipov // Meirim. – 2001. – No. 6. – P. 21–22; KHAMIDOV O. The Native Home of the Astronaut // Vecherniy Bishkek. – 2003. – April 11. – P. 9.
175 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF THE AKYN-WRITER NURMOLDO
A significant akyn-writer of Kyrgyzstan from the pre-Soviet era is Nurmoldo (1838–1920). Nurmoldo was born in the village of Kosh-Terek in the current Ala-Buka district of Jalal-Abad region. From a young age, he mastered Muslim literacy and later deepened his knowledge at a Kyrgyz madrasa in the city of Namangan. He traveled extensively through the cities of Central Asia, Eastern Turkestan, India, and the Arab East, learning various crafts and receiving spiritual titles and the title of "haji."
Nurmoldo was a person of diverse talents and great culture. He was well-versed not only in Kyrgyz folklore but also in world literature, primarily Eastern poetry. His works often mention names such as Aristotle, Al-Farabi, Ferdowsi, Nizami, Jami, Navoi, Saadi, Babur, as well as works of world literature such as "Shahnameh," "Majnun and Layla," "Farhad and Shirin," "Baburnama," and others.
Nurmoldo was also well-acquainted with his famous contemporaries – Kaligula, Arstanbek, Zhenizhok, Moldokylych, Toktogul, and Jambul.
In Nurmoldo's poetry, philosophical, cosmological, and ethical ideas predominantly prevail ("Epoch," "Destiny," "Life and Death," "Admonition"). Some works take on the character of parables and are connected with biblical and Quranic plots. In his verses and sayings, the akyn passionately praises the art of writing, poetry, and science.
Nurmoldo's works in the Kyrgyz language were published in 1996–1997. These were two small books published in the Jalal-Abad region, the poet's homeland; unfortunately, Nurmoldo's works have not yet been translated into Russian.
You can read about this Kyrgyz akyn in the book: ERKEBAEV A. Little-studied Pages of Kyrgyz Literature. – B., 1999. – P. 125–127.
It is interesting to know
Of the three winter months, the most difficult time for Kyrgyz herders was the period from the 41st day of winter – childe, from the last decade of December to the beginning of February. This time was divided by the severity of the cold into separate periods (ayaz).
Each of them, according to the Kyrgyz, lasted 10–15 days. For example, temir ayaz – iron frost, meaning the harshest and strongest, occurred in January, mүйүз ayaz – horn frost, slightly weaker than the first, came in February, and at the end of February and the beginning of March, it was replaced by kiyiz ayaz – felt frost, meaning weak, soft, with thaws.
Among the Kyrgyz, there is a legend about how the childe's patron – the protector of the forty-first coldest winter day – met a camel, a horse, a cow, and a ram. They began to discuss who would crush the frost. They decided to concede the priority to the cow, as she was the oldest among them. To this, the horse objected: "Let me have it; I will crush it properly." But the other animals did not listen to the horse. The cow ran to the place where the cold lay and wanted to crush it with her hoof, but the cold jumped out, as the cow has a split hoof. Since then, the cold roams the earth.
From the book: Baibosunova A. Pre-scientific Representations of the Kyrgyz about Nature. – F.: Mektep. – 1990. – 187 p.