FEBRUARY
1 – 85 years since the birth of A. Belekov (1928–1999), a famous poet and translator
2 – 85 years since the birth of K. Usenbaev (1928–1999), a historian
4 – 140 years since the birth of M. M. Prishvin (1873–1954), a Russian writer
– 70 years ago (1943) Ch. Tuleberdiev was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union
7 – 535 years since the birth of Thomas More (1478–1535), an English humanist and founder of utopian socialism
8 – 185 years since the birth of Jules Verne (1828–1905), a French writer
9 – 230 years since the birth of V. A. Zhukovsky (1783–1852), a Russian poet
10 – 115 years since the birth of Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956), a German poet and playwright
12 – Day of the employee of the Drug Control Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic
13 – 75 years since the birth of K. Alymkulov (1938), Doctor of Technical Sciences, professor, honored cultural figure
– 140 years since the birth of F. I. Shalyapin (1873–1938), a Russian singer, director, and artist
– 110 years since the birth of Georges Simenon (1903–1989), a French writer, author of world-famous detective and socio-psychological novels
– 130 years since the birth of E. B. Vakhtangov (1883–1922), a director and actor
14 – Valentine's Day
– 200 years since the birth of A. S. Dargomyzhsky (1813–1869), a Russian composer
– 530 years since the birth of Z. M. Babur (1483–1530), an Uzbek and Indian writer, statesman, and military leader
16 – 120 years since the birth of Marshal of the Soviet Union M. N. Tukhachevsky (1893–1937)
17 – 80 years since the adoption (1933) of the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the Kyrgyz ASSR on the opening of the Kyrgyz Zoo-Veterinary Institute (now the Kyrgyz Agricultural Academy)
19 – 540 years since the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543), a great Polish scientist
– Day of the employee of the Financial Police of the Kyrgyz Republic
20 – World Day of Social Justice – 85 years since the birth of O. Sulaymanov (1928–1976), a famous Kyrgyz poet and translator
21 – International Mother Language Day
22 – Day of the worker of land management, registration of rights to real estate, geodesy, and cartography of the Kyrgyz Republic
23 – Defender of the Fatherland Day
– 110 years since the birth of Y. Fuchik (1903–1943), national hero of Czechoslovakia, writer, journalist
24 – 100 years since the birth of E. G. Kazakevich (1913–1962), a Russian writer
25 – 85 years since the birth of Doctor of Medical Sciences, Academician S. B. Daniyarov (1928–2011)
27 – 100 years since the birth of Irwin Shaw (1913–1984), an American writer
28 – 480 years since the birth of Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592), a French philosopher and writer
In 2013, the following anniversaries are celebrated:
– 135 years since the birth of Belek Soltonoev (1878–1937), a Kyrgyz enlightener, historian, philosopher, and poet
– 130 years since the birth of Kalik Akiev (1883–1953), an akyn-improviser, singer, and storyteller, People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan
– 70 years of the city of Tash-Kumyr (1943)
– 965 years since the birth of the Tajik poet Omar Khayyam (1048–1122), a Persian poet and thinker
February – already not winter, but not yet spring, in folk terms, a border between two seasons. The ancient Romans dedicated February to repentance for sins and the memory of the dead, naming it after the god of the underworld, Februus. The ancient Russian names for the month include: sechen (cutting winter winds), mezhen, snezhin, lyuten. In Kyrgyz, it was previously called birdin ayi.
• February knocks winter off its horns.
• Blizzards and snowstorms have attacked February.
• February adds three hours to the day.
• In February, winter meets spring for the first time.
FEBRUARY 22
KUSHBEK USENBAEV — 85 years since the birth
Among Kyrgyz scholars, a prominent place belongs to Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Kushbek Usenbaev (1928–1999). After graduating from graduate school in 1951, he worked at the Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, contributing significantly to the establishment and development of the State Historical Museum, serving as its director.
The scholar authored over 200 scientific works, including 15 monographs. His research interests focused on the history of Kyrgyzstan in the 19th and 20th centuries. K. Usenbaev invested much effort in studying the issue of Kyrgyzstan's annexation to Russia. This problem is the subject of several monographs: "Socio-Economic Relations of the Kyrgyz During the Dominance of the Kokand Khanate" (F., 1961), "The Annexation of Southern Kyrgyzstan to Russia" (F., 1960), and others.
K. Usenbaev made a significant contribution to the study of the 1916 uprising. His works "The 1916 Uprising in Kyrgyzstan" (F., 1967), "1916: Heroic and Tragic Pages" (B., 1997) are widely known.
K. Usenbaev was awarded the title of Honored Worker of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. In 1970, he received the State Prize of the Kyrgyz SSR in the field of science and technology.
You can read about him in the book: Asanov U. A. et al. Who is Who in Kyrgyz Science: Brief Biobibliographic Handbook. – B., 1997. – P. 560.
FEBRUARY 14
VALENTINE'S DAY
The holiday of love confessions came to us from Western Europe. Saint Valentine was revered by Catholics as the patron of all lovers, making his holiday the best time for love confessions and symbolic gifts: hearts, doves, and rosy-cheeked cupids.
In each country, Valentine's Day is celebrated in its own way. In medieval England, it was common to choose a "Valentine." Several young people would gather, write the names of an equal number of girls on pieces of parchment, put them in a hat, and draw lots. The girl whose name was drawn by the young man would become his "Valentine" for a whole year, and he would correspondingly be her "Valentine." He would compose sonnets for his girl, play the lute for her, and accompany her everywhere. To this day, Protestant Britain has preserved these "pagan" traditions.
Carefree Italians consider it their duty to give sweets to their loved ones. By the way, the girl must reciprocate – then their future life together will surely be "sweet."
Gallant Frenchmen were the first to introduce "valentines" – love messages in quatrains. Every love-struck Frenchman tried to dedicate this day to his sweetheart. If she had several admirers, competitions were held, and the winner was rewarded with a kiss.
Conservative Germans, who stubbornly consider Valentine the patron of the mentally ill, decorate all hospitals with scarlet ribbons on this day and hold special services in chapels.
The most interesting celebrations occur in Japan. Although the Japanese are not Catholics, a strange event takes place in Tokyo's main square on this day – "the loudest love confession." Young men and women take turns shouting their love confessions at the top of their lungs. The loudest confessor is awarded a special prize.
Since Valentine's Day has only recently arrived in our country, we have not yet learned how to celebrate it properly. Flowers on Valentine's Day are originally inappropriate; they are only suitable as a complement to a "valentine" – a love card, preferably in verse. It is best to present candies or lollipops in a heart-shaped box, but you can also give an angel with a bow, a keychain, a pendant, or a chain with a heart. The beloved should choose a "male" decoration with the same symbolism, which is significantly more difficult.
In the middle of the century, there was a custom: the longest love would be if you confessed your feelings on Valentine's Day – Valentine would protect you! Women should not forget that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and should try to prepare a desired delicacy for their beloved on this day. It is advisable to shape the dish like a heart.
FEBRUARY 17
KYRGYZ AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY — 80 years since its founding
The Kyrgyz Agricultural Academy holds great national economic significance for our republic. It was opened on February 17, 1933, according to the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars on the organization of a Zoo-Veterinary Institute in the republic. At the time of its founding, the institute had two faculties – zootechnical and veterinary. The further development of agriculture required the training of specialists in new professions. Consequently, several more faculties were opened in subsequent years: agronomy, hydromelioration, economics, agricultural mechanization, and others.
The Kyrgyz Agricultural Academy is one of the largest higher educational institutions in the republic. Among its faculty were such educators as Doctor of Agricultural Sciences A. M. Mamytov, Doctor of Biological Sciences Professor S. G. Enikeev, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Professor V. Li, Corresponding Member of VASKHNIH and the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR Professor M. N. Lushchikhin, and many others.
Over the years of its operation, the academy has trained and sent approximately 10,000 specialists into agriculture. There is no district in the republic where its graduates do not work.
The educational process at the university is organized in the form of a systematic alternation of academic classes with students' practical work on farms and fields of the educational farm, where they acquire the necessary skills and experience in proper management, directly participating in production processes. During their studies at the academy and work in production, students receive not only a good general education in their chosen specialty but also undergo a significant educational experience.
As a center of agronomic culture, the Kyrgyz Agricultural Academy conducts extensive and diverse work to implement the achievements of agricultural science into production. More detailed information about one of the oldest universities in the republic, the work of its faculties and departments, and the organization of educational and upbringing work can be found in the books: Arabayev E.I., Abdullin M.K. Kyrgyz Agricultural Institute. – F.: "Kyrgyzstan", 1968. – 76 p.; Kyrgyz Agricultural Academy. – B., 1998. – 28 p.; DENISOV V. The Sacred Nest of Agrarians // Erkin-Too. – 2003. – June 27. – P. 11.
FEBRUARY 21
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Language is the most important means of human communication. Philosophers have repeatedly expressed the idea that the essence of national culture lies in its language. Speech culture, like a shell, protects society and civilization as a whole. It is language that carries the energy and informational memory of the nation in any era, reflecting the soul of the people. Languages, in essence, are of paramount importance for the identity of population groups and individuals and for their peaceful coexistence. They are a strategic factor in advancing towards sustainable development and establishing a harmonious relationship between global and local interests. Currently, there are over 2,500 languages on Earth. The most widely spoken include: Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Portuguese, and Arabic. The languages of international communication and international organizations (UN) are English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and French.
Our common task is to recognize the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism at national, regional, and international levels in educational, administrative, and legal systems, in the sphere of cultural self-expression, as well as in the media, cyberspace, and commercial relations.
The date of February 21, the day of the International Mother Language Day, acquires special significance for promoting the development of languages. In Kyrgyzstan alone, about 100 languages of various peoples living within the republic are represented. The state language is Kyrgyz, and Russian is recognized as an official language.
Aaly Tokombaev
Native Speech
When words tickle my tongue,
Their taste and smell I feel clearly:
And above me, whispering, my mother leaned…
Native speech! Cool and pure,
And hot – it flows in my veins,
You are the meaning of things, their form, the nakedness
Of all phenomena, the pinnacle of all aspirations…
We see the world always in the guise of words,
That we tasted with milk as love
To open the distant world and make it close.
In all ways you sound in me always,
You give, – for what? – you are more than I desire,
A bouquet of secrets, running water –
The water of centuries, magical, alive!
You are before everything, before – all sacred books
And before the creations of human reason
Born, strengthened, matured, native language,
Calling to knowledge, removing the shackles from souls…
No, it is impossible to imagine this forever –
That suddenly speech will disappear from the entire planet! –
A person would go deaf again, go blind –
In the darkness of oblivion, like in a cramped cell…
Native speech!
Take all my life
For your silent dawn of redemption.
I will harness, like an echo, into the ringing stream –
To carry your melody to future generations;
I am your apprentice, I am a student,
I would like to be only a part of you,
So that in my dying hour my confession – “happy!”
Would lie “jakshymyn” habitually on my tongue…
Translated from Kyrgyz by S. Suslova
FEBRUARY 23
DEFENDER OF THE FATHERLAND DAY
Defender of the Fatherland Day is one of the most beloved and revered holidays in the Kyrgyz Republic. The defense of the homeland has always been a sacred duty and an honorable obligation of any citizen – a patriot of their country. Therefore, the holiday, which expresses immense respect for the defenders of the native land, has become ingrained in the blood and memory of entire generations.
For many of us, it has been bequeathed by grandfathers and fathers as a symbol of true patriotism, valor, and honor, fidelity to the oath, and readiness for self-sacrifice in the name of the homeland.
On this holiday, we remember and pay tribute to those who fell on the battlefields during the Great Patriotic War, in Afghanistan, and in other military conflicts of recent years. We pay our respects to the soldiers and officers of the current Armed Forces, who are fulfilling their duty to protect the state with dignity.
The Kyrgyz people take pride in their valiant Armed Forces, their heroic deeds, and their undying glory. In the eyes of their compatriots, our soldier embodies the best traits of a patriot of the homeland.
The soldiers of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan today serve their people with faith and truth, selflessly enhancing the best combat traditions of their fathers and grandfathers, strengthening the defense capability of our country.
FEBRUARY 25
SANJARBEK DANIYAROV — 85 years since the birth
The name of Sanjarbek Bakirovich Daniyarov (1928–2011), Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, occupies a worthy place among the illustrious names of prominent scholars in Kyrgyzstan.
Throughout his life, S. Daniyarov was dedicated to medicine, to the noble mission of healing people and restoring their health.
After graduating from KGMI and graduate school, he worked as an assistant, associate professor, professor, vice-rector, rector, and from 1987, head of the Department of Normal Physiology at the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy.
S. Daniyarov is a leading specialist in human and animal physiology, engaged in high-altitude physiology and radiation medicine. He has published 260 scientific works, including 7 monographs, 2 inventions, 9 textbooks, and teaching aids. His scientific works "Radiation Sickness and the Cardiovascular System" (F., 1974), "Heart Function and High Altitude" (L., 1980), "High Altitude and the Autonomic Nervous System" (Tashkent, 1977), and others are widely used by medical professionals. Under his guidance, 2 doctoral and 25 candidate dissertations have been defended.
For his fruitful scientific activity, S. Daniyarov was awarded the title of Honored Doctor, Honored Worker of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. He is a laureate of the State Prize of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of science and technology (1996). In 2000, the American Biographical Institute awarded S. Daniyarov the Golden Millennium Medal.
You can read about the life and scientific path of S. Daniyarov in the books: Daniyarova K.B. Daniyarov Sanjarbek Bakirovich. – B.: Uchkun, 2008. –192 p.; Who is Who in Kyrgyz Science: Brief Biobibliographic Handbook. – B., 1997. – P. 201.
BELEK SOLTONOEV — 135 years since the birth
Enlightener, historian, philosopher, poet Belek Soltonoev (1878–1938) occupies a prominent place in the history of Kyrgyz culture.
B. Soltonoev was born in 1878 in the village of Ekinchi Zhantai of the Chon-Kemin district in a poor family. Having mastered literacy, he graduated from the Karakol school and then the agricultural school in Pishpek. After the tragic events of 1916, Soltonoev went to China and, upon returning to his homeland after the establishment of Soviet power, actively participated in the socio-economic transformations of that time: he participated in the creation of the Separate Kyrgyz Cavalry Unit, worked as a translator for the Cheka, and fought against the Basmachi movement as part of the 217th Border Regiment. From 1922 to 1924, he worked to promote literacy in the Public Education Committee. In 1930, he was invited to the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Local Lore as a research associate to compile a terminological dictionary of the Kyrgyz language, where he worked until 1936. In 1937, he was repressed and executed.
His main work is the historical narrative "From the History of the Red Kyrgyz." The scholar collected material for this book for over forty years. The historical narrative contains fragments related to the history of Kyrgyz literature, fragments concerning the worldview of the Kyrgyz, and fragments related to historical events.
B. Soltonoev's literary heritage, almost unknown to the Russian-speaking reader, is also of great interest. It consists of about 4,000 poems about the native land, the role and significance of knowledge.
Many of the akyn's works are dedicated to the poets of Kyrgyzstan such as Moldokylych, Toktogul, and others. The breadth and depth of B. Soltonoev's education is evidenced by his poem "Historical Figures," in which he dedicates lines to writers and poets such as Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Pushkin, Lermontov, Abai, Navoi, Ferdowsi, and many others.
Read about the life and work of B. Soltonoev in: Soltonoev B. From the Ancient History of the Kyrgyz (fragments) // Lit. Kyrgyzstan. – 1990. – No. 6. – P. 119–127; JUSUPOV K. The Work of a Lifetime // Lit. Kyrgyzstan. – 1990. – No. 6. – P. 119–120; SOCIAL-philosophical Thought of the Peoples of Central Asia. – B.: Ilim, 1991. – P. 254–262.
KALYK AKIEV — 130 years since the birth
The 130th anniversary of K. Akiev (1883–1953), a great master of original works, an outstanding komuz player and akyn-improviser, is a bright day for admirers of song.
Kalyk Akiev went through a significant and serious poetic school and remained true to it throughout his life. In the songs of the akyn, his personality and the idea of exposing oppressors are vividly manifested. He always knew how to speak the truth against injustice and lawlessness. His name became widely known after the October Revolution.
Since 1926, K. Akiev's performing career began in the newly organized Kyrgyz theater and later in the philharmonic. One after another, collections of the singer's poems were published, winning a wide readership with their passion and vivid language. The poet was attracted to a variety of themes, but the main one remained the theme of the homeland.
This theme runs like a red thread through the poems "Great Teacher," "Joyful Day," "Kyrgyzstan," "Who Are We," and other works. A distinctive feature of the akyn's work is the abundance of poems dedicated to the life of the people and significant events of the time. The lyre of K. Akiev sounded with a harsh, courageous call during the Great Patriotic War. He addressed both the youth going to the front and the elderly staying at home, saying that the sacred right to defend the homeland from the hated enemy should become a matter of honor for every person. During these years, the poet devoted all his energies to journalism – the most combat-ready, front-line form of art.
With no less intensity and full dedication of spiritual strength, Kalyk also worked in the post-war years. In a short time, six of his poetic collections were published.
He worked extensively on folk epics ("Kurmanbek" and "Janysh-Bayish"), introducing readers to remarkable examples of oral folk art. One of K. Akiev's most important achievements is the restoration and recording of a large number of works by the great Kyrgyz akyn-democrat Toktogul.
"The songs and performances on the komuz of K. Akiev will live forever in the memory of the people. We are proud of the legacy of the akyn left to us… The invaluable contribution made by the outstanding akyn to the treasury of Kyrgyz art and literature," wrote the people's poet T. Umetaliev.
To get to know and understand the work of one of the greatest Kyrgyz akyns and storytellers, readers can refer to the books: Akiev K. The Path Taken: Pages of Life. – F.: Kyrgyzstan, 1978. – 200 p.; AKIEV K. Need; Song of Tian Shan; Into Battle: Poems // Poets of Kyrgyzstan. L., 1980. – P. 205–219.