MAY
1 – Labor Day
– 105 years since the birth of T. Umetaliev (1908–1991), the national poet of Kyrgyzstan
– 70 years since the birth of M. Mamazaikova (1943), poet, writer, and honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan
– 70 years since the birth of S. Zh. Toktomushev (1943), Doctor of Technical Sciences
2 – 80 years since the birth of B. Abakirov (1933–2006), honored cultural worker, poet, journalist
– 105 years since the birth of T. Kulatov (1908–1984), statesman of Kyrgyzstan
– 105 years since the birth of B. M. Spok (1903–1998), American pediatrician and public figure
3 – International Press Freedom Day
4 – 100 years since the birth of Doctor of Historical Sciences S. Toktogonov (1913–2006)
– 80 years since the birth of Dzh. Umetov (1933–1995), national artist of Kyrgyzstan
5 – Constitution Day of the Kyrgyz Republic
– 85 years since the first issue of the magazine "El agartuu" (1928)
– 125 years since the birth of Karl Marx (1848–1883), founder of communist doctrine
6 – 255 years since the birth of Maximilien Robespierre (1758–1794), figure of the Great French Revolution
7 – Day of Communication Workers of the Kyrgyz Republic
– 180 years since the birth of Johannes Brahms (1833–1897), German composer, pianist, conductor
8 – World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
9 – Victory Day
10 – 20 years since the introduction of the Kyrgyz national currency (1993)
– Day of Banking Workers of Kyrgyzstan
– 110 years since the birth of Gafur Guliam (1903–1966), Uzbek writer
– 80 years since the birth of Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences A. A. Alybakov (1933–1993)
12 – Nurses Day
– 75 years since the birth of T. Mamee (1938), national poet, honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan
14 – World Mother's Day
15 – International Family Day – 80 years since the birth of O. Kulumbayev (1933–2010), national poet, honored figure of Kyrgyzstan
– 80 years since the birth of Doctor of Historical Sciences, honored figure of science E. Zh. Maanayev (1933)
– 175 years since the birth of R. Giovannoli (1838–1915), Italian writer, associate of Garibaldi
17 – 65 years since the commissioning of the Kant–Rybachye railway (1948)
– World Telecommunication Day
– 110 years since the birth of L. S. Pervomaisky (1908–1973), Ukrainian writer
– 140 years since the birth of Henri Barbusse (1873–1935), French writer
– 85 years since the birth of composer S. Medetov (1928–1958)
18 – International Museum Day
19 – Mother's Day in the Kyrgyz Republic
20 – 75 years since the birth of K. Matiyev (1938), philosopher, critic
21-22 – 45 years ago, the 1st Congress of Culture Workers of Kyrgyzstan took place
22 – 200 years since the birth of Richard Wagner (1813–1883), German poet, composer, and playwright, theorist of art
– 90 years since the birth of Doctor of Medical Sciences E. A. Finkel (1923–2004)
23 – 85 years since the birth of the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, opera singer S. Toktonaliev (1928–2003)
24 – Day of Slavic Writing and Culture. 1155 years of the Slavic alphabet
– 270 years since the birth of Jean-Paul Marat (1743–1793), figure of the Great French Revolution
25 – 75 years since the birth of composer, honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan S. Osmonov
26 – 90 years since the birth of M. Jakypov (1923), famous playwright, honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan
– 105 years since the birth of A. N. Arbuzov (1908–1986), Russian playwright
27 – Day of Libraries of Kyrgyzstan
– 75 years since the birth of K. Osmonaliev (Bartkbas), poet, journalist
– 310 years since the founding of St. Petersburg (1703)
28 – Day of the Border Guard of the Kyrgyz Republic
– 140 years since the birth of O. D. Forsh (1873–1961), Russian writer
29 – Day of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan
31 – World No Tobacco Day
– Day of Forensic Experts of the Kyrgyz Republic
In 2013, the following anniversaries are celebrated:
– 125 years since the birth of Y. Abdrakhmanov (1888–1957), folklorist-scientist
– 150 years since the birth of the famous manaschi Yrysmen uulu Shapaka (1863–1956)
And here comes the last month of spring – May. The ancient Greeks named it after the goddess of mountains Maia, as during this time of year, the mountains in Greece are covered with greenery. For the Romans, Maia is the goddess of fertility, the spring renewal of the earth. The ancient Russian name for the month is "traven." A very apt name, as everything around is covered with grass, flowers, trees don their lush green attire, and meadows and glades are covered with an emerald carpet. Nature is in full bloom. The ancient Kyrgyz name for the month is "Bughu." It was the third month of the year.
1 MAY
LABOR DAY
The initiative to hold demonstrations every May 1 in defense of workers' rights, which began over a hundred years ago, gradually grew into a tradition of honoring the simple working person on this day, paying tribute to their respect and glory. Labor is an inherent and vital right of every person. It reveals our talents, brings all our goals and dreams to reality. It calls for professionalism, consensus, and good neighborliness, uniting people around the idea of creation for the common peace, happiness, and well-being.
It turns out that the spring holiday has been celebrated by many peoples around the world for a long time. In Ancient Rome, this day was celebrated in honor of the goddess Maia. The Romans would go out into the fields with music to gather greenery to decorate their homes, splashing water on each other and swimming in the Tiber.
The ancient Greeks celebrated this day joyfully: they decorated their homes with flowers and green branches, and folk festivities were held in groves and gardens.
The Germans have many spring customs associated with May Day. It was preceded by Walpurgis Night, which became widely known thanks to Goethe and Gounod's "Faust." It got its name from Saint Walpurga, whose day falls on May 1. According to legend, this is the night of witches' revelry, when they gather on broomsticks and pitchforks for a sabbath on a mountain called Blocksberg and try to hinder spring... On this night, precautions were taken everywhere: barn doors were locked and crosses were drawn on them. In the house, children's stockings were placed crosswise near the child's bed "so that the witch would not harm the child." In some places, bonfires were lit on Walpurgis Night, where old brooms were burned to drive away witches.
One of the main May customs that has survived to this day is the tradition of setting up a May tree. A small green tree was decorated with ribbons, eggshells, flowers, and placed under the windows of beloved girls.
This custom was part of the celebration traditions of many European peoples. It was observed in England, Spain, Switzerland, and other countries. Many European peoples also had the custom of choosing a May groom and bride or a May king and queen on May 1, who were adorned with greenery and flowers and paraded through the streets.
In ancient Switzerland, May 1 was celebrated as the "holiday of greenery." Young people would go into the mountains for flowers and greenery, then hold a procession with green branches, collecting goodies for a common feast. This custom served as the basis for modern flower festivals – daffodils in Montreux, camellias in Lausanne, roses in Geneva, featuring colorful processions and theatrical performances.
In Sweden, bonfires still blaze on the mountaintops on Walpurgis Night, and this folk holiday is still widely celebrated.
In France, the holiday of lily of the valley is associated with May 1. On this day, lily of the valley is sold everywhere, given to each other, and kept, as it is believed that a lily of the valley flower given on May 1 brings happiness. Both villagers and city dwellers take walks in the woods for lily of the valley on this day, organizing folk festivals.
The spring holiday in the Netherlands is picturesque. Residents dedicate the last week of April and the first week of May to the flowers that have brought worldwide fame to their homeland. During these days, when the flowers are particularly beautiful, the Tulip Festival takes place, and the Sunday between the two weeks is declared Onion Day. The holiday is celebrated in all cities and villages: a huge number of flowers are bought; buildings and streets are literally piled with tulips, and colorful performances are organized.
At the end of the last century, May 1 began to be celebrated in all European countries as International Workers' Solidarity Day. But even now, one can still see the features of the ancient spring holiday in it.
1 MAY
TEMIRKUL UMETALIEV — 105 years since his birth
“I once asked myself:
– What is the best thing you have encountered in life?
Must be the light of beloved eyes?
No. The Motherland. – I answered that way.
Tell her,
That life is needed,
I would give my life without delay.
After all, it is dedicated to the Motherland,
It is in every moment.”
These lines belong to the famous Kyrgyz poet Temirkul Umetaliev. They express the content and pathos of his entire life most fully.
The national poet of Kyrgyzstan, Temirkul Umetaliev, was born in the village of Tuyuk-Dzhar (Jany-Dzhol district of Osh region). At the age of 8, he lost his father, and from that time began his working life. He was then raised in an orphanage in Ak-Suu, studied at the Osh Pedagogical College, taught, and studied at the Communist Institute of Journalism in Moscow. In 1935, he was appointed editor of the newspaper "Kyrgyzstan Pioneri." His first poems were published in 1931, and his first book "Collection of Poems" was published in 1935. It was small in volume, its circulation, like that of other publications of those years, was not large, and it is now a bibliographic rarity.
However, in the history of Kyrgyz poetry, it was and remains a significant phenomenon. Then came the publications "Poems of Temirkul" (1936), "Turatbay" and "Collection of Poems" (1937), "Land of Flowers" (1938). In 1946, the book "Victory" was published, which included the poet's front-line poems.
In the following years, Temirkul Umetaliev actively participated in the literary life of the republic, creating numerous cycles of poems and poems about peaceful labor, the nature of Kyrgyzstan, and love. He is the author of more than fifty various poetry collections published in Kyrgyz and Russian. Among them are also collections of the poet's works in two volumes. Umetaliev's poems and poems have been translated into many languages of the peoples of the USSR. The poet's verses have been set to music, and Umetaliev's lyrics have become songs of the native mountains.
One cannot fail to mention the enormous translation work of T. Umetaliev. In his translations, Kyrgyz readers became acquainted with the best works of Russian and Soviet literature – A. S. Pushkin, V. Mayakovsky, N. Tikhonov, Ya. Kupala, M. Bazhan, M. Tursun-zade, and other poets.
Old truth
Sharing bread with a friend,
Do not take money.
Giving a place to a friend under the sky,
Do not blame the friend.
With a warm word,
With a bright gaze
Gift your friend.
Do not ask for payment for good,
No matter how hard it is.
Do not accumulate grievances against your brother,
To spite the enemies.
Live in such a way,
So that the brother
Is warm in bad weather.
If you offend a friend for nothing,
The friend will become an enemy,
The cold of estrangement and blizzard
Will chill your home.
And all your life
You will regret it.
But if you offend your brother,
The brother will leave forever,
In the heart warmly embraced,
The snow will lie cold.
Value the love of your brother –
You are a human being.
In friendship, in brotherhood
Our strength –
The old truth
“You must be
Beautiful in soul,” –
They say in the mountains.
And there has never been any harm
From good.
T. Umetaliev, translation by M. Ronkin
2 MAY
TOROBAY KULATOV — 105 years since his birth
In our country, the name Torobay Kulatov (1908–1984), a statesman of the Soviet era, is well known. He was born in the village of Kyzyl-Bulak in the Aravan district of Osh region. Since 1925, he worked on the construction of the Kuvasy-Kyzyl-Kiya railway. He then worked as a miner in the mines.
In 1934, he was elected chairman of the executive committee of the Kyzyl-Kiya city council, then became deputy director of the "Kyrgyzugol" trust. In 1938, he was appointed chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Kyrgyz SSR, and in 1945, he was elected Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, where he worked fruitfully and successfully for 33 years.
T. Kulatov was the leader of the country during a time of great transformations. His role in the development of Kyrgyzstan as a statesman is hard to overestimate. He was a man of great intellect, broad soul, and pure heart, deeply loving his homeland and his people.
2 MAY
BARKTABAS ABAKIROV — 80 years since his birth
The name of Barktabas Abakirov (1933–2006), a poet, honored cultural worker, and journalist, is well known in Kyrgyzstan. For many years, he was the editor-in-chief of the magazine "Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan," the regional newspaper "Naryn Pravdasy," and headed the publishing house "Kyrgyzstan."
Poetry lovers are well acquainted with the poetic works of B. Abakirov. He is the author of several poetry collections in Kyrgyz, including "On High Land" (1973), "Naryn Flows" (1975), "Pages of Life" (1978), "Naryn Days" (1985), and others.
In Russian, two collections of the poet were published: "Wave of Son-Kul" (1981), "Archaic Cradle" (1985). The poetry of B. Abakirov is bright, optimistic, deeply lyrical, and poignant.
The poet also wrote works for children ("Fawn"). He also translated works of M. Yu. Lermontov, M. Tursun-zade, R. Gamzatov, D. Kugultinov, V. Beekman, and others into Kyrgyz.
Some of the poet's works have been translated and published in Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian.
4 MAY
SULTAN TOKTOGONOV — 100 years since his birth
Among the historians of Kyrgyzstan, Sultan Amankulovich Toktogonov (1913–2006) holds a prominent place. He graduated from the Kyrgyz State Pedagogical Institute (1945) and the Higher Party School under the Central Committee of the CPSU (1950). He worked as a teacher, director of a secondary school, head of the department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, head of the OblON, deputy minister, and minister of education of the Kyrgyz SSR, director of the Przhevalsky Pedagogical Institute, head of the department, and professor at Osh State University, and since 1995 – professor at TUM "Dastan."
S. Toktogonov is a major specialist in the history of Kyrgyz culture and Kyrgyzstan. He has published more than 200 scientific works, including 11 monographs. His works "Socialist Culture of Soviet Kyrgyzstan during the Great Patriotic War" (1971), "Formation and Development of Socialist Culture of Soviet Kyrgyzstan" (1972), and others are widely circulated in scientific discourse, and he is an honored teacher of the Kyrgyz Republic.
4 MAY
DZHUMABAY UMETOV — 80 years since his birth
Dzhumabai Umetov (1933–1995) – the national artist of Kyrgyzstan, laureate of the State Prize of the Kyrgyz SSR named after Toktogul, applied artist. He was born in the village of Ichke-Dzhergez in the Issyk-Kul region, graduated from the Moscow Secondary Art School at the Institute named after V.I. Surikov, and then the Leningrad Higher Art and Industry School named after V. Mukhina. In his work, he preferred felt, having finely sensed the expressive possibilities of this material. His ala-kiyizes and chii are monumental panels in perception of space, drawing, and color. The artist opened new forms of Kyrgyz applied art, introducing modern plots and themes into them. His works in felt are widely known – carpets "Dzhailoo" (1962), "Hunting" (1968), "Dance of Joy" (1971).
In addition to carpets and felt, the artist was also interested in other types of applied art. The works of D. Umetov in the chii technique are of interest. In Umetov's works, the combination of traditional and modern is the result of a creative attitude towards folk art.
D. Umetov was also a talented landscape painter. His landscapes are characterized by the truthfulness of the expressed natural states and the excitement of human empathy towards nature. Well-known landscapes include "Fresh Morning" (1968), "Autumn Silence" (1975), "Master of the Cloudy Mountains" (1969), and others.
D. Umetov organically combined heightened decorative color solutions with a realistic understanding of space.
5 MAY
CONSTITUTION DAY OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
On May 5, Kyrgyzstan celebrates Constitution Day. May 5, 1993, when the Basic Law of the young independent state was adopted, became a historical date for it. The Constitution of May 5, 1993, provided us with the foundation for building a new state, a new legal framework, and new relationships between the state and citizens and their associations.
This event was the most significant in the post-Soviet history of the Kyrgyz people, creating the prerequisites for the further development of our country. The national revival of sovereign Kyrgyzstan began with this period. New and fundamental principles were laid in the sphere of political and social organization of society, state, and power.
The new edition of the Constitution, adopted on June 27, 2010, revived parliamentarism. The current Constitution resonates with the first Constitution of independent Kyrgyzstan. Its provisions determined a new direction in the development of the statehood of the Kyrgyz people – as a result of a nationwide referendum, a parliamentary form of government was introduced, and Kyrgyzstan became a parliamentary republic.
Thanks to the main document of the republic, the necessary conditions for the real development of democracy, the establishment of the rule of law, and the creation of a democratic society were created for the first time in its history. The Constitution is the foundation for building a just, independent, democratic state, the main goal of which is to ensure a better, dignified life for every Kyrgyz citizen.
The path to the desired goal is not easy; many difficulties have been overcome, and many more remain for the Kyrgyz people to overcome. But they are not lacking in perseverance, and they have a reliable support in their hands that helps them maintain the right course and take the right steps – the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. This means that both difficulties are surmountable and goals are achievable.
You can read about the first Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, adopted in 1993, in the books: DJAMANKULOV J. M. The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic of 1993: The Revival of a Sovereign State. – B., 2009. – 278 p.; KIM V. L. The First Constitution of Independent Kyrgyzstan. – B.: Ilim, 1998.
5 MAY
85 YEARS OF THE MAGAZINE "EL AGARTUU"
In 1926, representatives of the first intelligentsia of Soviet Kyrgyzstan, E. Arabaev, T. Aitmatov, Zh. Saadaev, I. Toychiev, O. Aliev, and others, appealed to the people through the newspaper "Kyzyl Kyrgyzstan": "… the country is young, youthful. The republic needs a magazine that addresses issues of education and culture. Therefore, we ourselves must raise money for the future magazine. And we, the undersigned, each of us gives 10 rubles, and we ask you, whoever can, to send money to Frunze, to the Commission of Knowledge." For two years, funds were collected for the new magazine, and on May 5, 1928, the first issue of the magazine "Zhańy madaniyat zholunda" ("On the Path of New Culture") was published.
Everything was new, unexplored. The authors of the magazine were also young. Senior class students or course listeners wrote articles, reviews, and methodological guidelines. The late M. A. Rudakov, the unchanging deputy director of school No. 5 in Frunze, an honored teacher of the Kyrgyz SSR, recalled: "I have been associated with our magazine since 1928, when I began my pedagogical work. Why do I remember the content of articles from that time? Because in our Kyrgyz schools, most teachers were semi-literate people, but these teachers were enthusiasts of their work; they sought to improve their literacy, and the magazine published in the native language was a textbook, a disseminator of the best practices of pedagogical workers." In a sense, it was initially an encyclopedic magazine. It covered not only issues of public education but also agriculture, medicine, literature, art, and problems of family, love, and much more.
The magazine introduced Kyrgyz readers to the works of Pushkin, Tolstoy, and the works of Kyrgyz national talents such as Toktogul Satylganov, Murataly Kurunkee, Togolok Moldo, Karamoldo Orozov, Atai Ogombayev, and others. After the emergence of other publications, it narrowed its focus to only educational issues. In this regard, in 1932, the magazine was renamed "Madaniy maydan" ("Cultural Front"), a little later – "Okutuuchularga zardam" ("In Aid to Teachers"), "Mughalimderge zardam" ("In Aid to the Teacher"). Since 1972, the magazine has been published under the name "El agartuu" ("People's Education").
And now, following the old tradition, the magazine remains a platform for teachers, educators, scholars, methodologists, and workers of public education. Competent authors regularly contribute to the pages of the magazine. Over 85 years, the magazine has nurtured many generations of teachers. Continuing to fulfill this honorable role today, it continues to improve the Kyrgyz language and shape pedagogical science.
9 MAY
VICTORY DAY
Victory! The happy hour when the Soviet soldier raised the banner of Victory over the Reichstag and inscribed the word "Peace!" with a bayonet on its wall will forever remain in the people's memory. This was the result of many hundreds of military nights and days, unseen battles, fierce sufferings, and countless feats.
We will never forget those who gave the most precious thing – their lives – for peace on earth, for freedom and happiness. The heroes have stepped into immortality. And in the solemn moment of silence, we remember again and again the names of those who, at an unnamed height, closed the enemy's machine-gun embrasure with their bodies and called down fire upon themselves, who rammed the planes of fascist aces in the air, who, strapped with grenades, walked towards enemy tanks.
The flames of eternal glory burn as a symbol of immortality, in the squares stand fearless warriors cast in bronze, tanks, guns, and planes freeze on the pedestals of honor. Cities, factories, and schools are named after the heroes. Their names are proudly called in the right flank of military units.
The contribution of the people of Kyrgyzstan, who stood shoulder to shoulder with fraternal peoples to defend the Motherland, to the common Victory was significant.
Hundreds of thousands of our compatriots heroically fought against the fascist invaders for the freedom and independence of their land. Their names are inscribed in golden letters forever in the annals of the Great Patriotic War.
The names of the Panfilov heroes are shrouded in legend, and among them are the names of our compatriots – G. Konkin, I. Moskalenko, D. Shopokov, T. Petrenko, N. Ananyev, G. Shemyakin. The Kyrgyz people also cherish the names of the holders of the Order of Glory A. Kovpak, M. Ivanov, and many, many others.
The feats of Ch. Tuleberdiev and other Kyrgyz heroes are immortal. For us, the significance of the Great Victory Day is invaluable. We admire and bow our heads before the feat of those who won in the bloodiest war in human history, we bow our heads in memory of our fallen and living fathers and mothers, workers of the rear.
Victory Day
Before I say something on Victory Day,
I remain silent for a long time,
as if listening to the thunder of cannonade,
long since faded away…
I went to war,
Leaving you and spring behind.
And four thundering years,
Full of courage, truth, and duty,
Stand before me,
Merging into one moment.
Suyunbay Eraliyev, translation by S. Kunyaev
10 MAY
20 YEARS OF THE KYRGYZ NATIONAL CURRENCY
The banknotes of independent Kyrgyzstan appeared in the republic 20 years ago. On May 10, 1993, at 4 a.m., the Kyrgyz som was issued and became the official means of payment on the territory of the republic.
The parallel circulation of som and rubles was allowed only from May 10 to May 14, 1993. At 6 p.m. on May 14, 1993, the som became the only legal means of payment on the territory of the republic.
The national currency of Kyrgyzstan was introduced during a difficult time for the republic when the CIS countries were trying to conduct their independent economic policies under the forced use of a common means of payment, which was the ruble. In these conditions, the introduction of the national currency was a necessary means for Kyrgyzstan to conduct its own independent economic policy.
The banknotes of Kyrgyzstan are made in accordance with the latest achievements in special printing technology and have reliable three-level protection against counterfeiting.
The currency of states is often real masterpieces of visual art. What adorns the banknotes? Typically, it is the coat of arms, a portrait of the head of state or a famous compatriot, a monument of antiquity, or a landscape characteristic of the country. All this also adorns the Kyrgyz national currency. On it, we see images of Manas, K. Tynystanov, B. Beishenaliev, Kurmanjan-datka, and other figures of culture and history, landscapes depicting Tash-Rabat, the Uzgen architectural complex, and others.
12 MAY
TOLEGEN MAMEEV — 75 years since his birth
The work of the outstanding Kyrgyz poet Tolegen Mameev (1938) is a significant and unique phenomenon in the poetic book of Kyrgyzstan. The national poet, honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan, T. Mameev formed a necessary link in the national spiritual culture and reflected in his artistic development the most important events of our life.
In T. Mameev's works, the world, nature, and man are presented. The poet-landscapist, inseparable in Mameev from the poet-philosopher, unites the life of nature and the life of man, speaks of the identity of the phenomena of the external and internal world. His books "Ajaiyp duyno" (1975), "Menin jazym" (1981), "Ata-jurt ajary" (1981), and others evoke deep interest among poetry lovers. In them, the reader finds beautiful lines about the Motherland, about the native land, about high human feelings. The poet's lyrical works are poignant. Many of the poet's poems have been translated into Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek, and other languages.
T. Mameev is also widely known as a translator. Kyrgyz readers read the works of S. Yesenin, M. Lermontov, G. Lorca, and Abai in his translations.
Having worked for many years in the editorial offices of newspapers and magazines, T. Mameev is also well known as a talented and unique journalist. His short stories, essays, and feuilletons have taken a firm place in Kyrgyz journalism.
17 MAY
65 YEARS OF THE KANT-RYBACHYE RAILWAY
On the morning of May 17, 1948, festively dressed people flowed noisily to the shores of Issyk-Kul, where the builders of the high-altitude highway Kant-Rybachye had just laid the last meters of steel track. In the distance, a train slowly approaches the station. The honor of bringing the first train to Rybachye was earned by the best people of the construction: engineer Vasily Ignatovich Bunchuk, assistant engineer Pavel Shcherbakov, stoker Abdrashit Akhmatov. Amidst a storm of applause, the train, announcing the shores of Issyk-Kul with a solemn horn, enters the station Rybachye. The first train delivered 200 tons of equipment and materials for enterprises and construction sites in the Issyk-Kul region. Thus, the opening of the Kant-Rybachye railway took place.
The surveys for the construction of the railway to Lake Issyk-Kul were conducted by engineers of the Tsarist Russia from 1906 to 1916, but the construction of the road began only in 1940; with the onset of the Great Patriotic War, construction was interrupted. In 1943, during the most fierce struggle against the German-fascist invaders, the State Defense Committee adopted a resolution to continue construction.
Part of the road from Bystrovka to Rybachye passed through the Boom Gorge along the Chu River. It was an exceptionally complex engineering structure.
History had never known the experience of building a railway through loose sands, and although a number of scientists considered it impossible to lay a path for trains through the Boom, it was laid through intense human labor. Here is how M. Shaginian described the construction of the road in the essay "Bystrovka-Rybachye," who visited Kyrgyzstan in 1947: "On a relatively small section of the construction of Bystrovka-Rybachye – a whole range of the most difficult structures, overcoming the conditions of nature, which were previously considered insurmountable by builders. Literally at each of its stations: Dead Loop, Dzhil-Aryk, Kyzyl-Kiya, Kok-Mainak – stations shrouded in legends, the most complex engineering task is being solved: artificial landslide, mass explosions on the dump, river diversion, and between them – complex, difficult, tense road laying. How much human strength, how many people!..."
17 MAY
SEIDALY MEDETOV — 85 years since his birth
Composer Seidaly Medetov (1928–1958) was born in the Jumgal district of the Tian Shan region. At the age of 8, he lost his parents. He was a very musical boy. Listening to the komuz players, he taught himself to play the komuz. Gradually, he began to compose small kyus himself.
At the age of 12, S. Medetov began working as an artist in the Naryn People's Theater, and two years later he was accepted as a soloist-komuzist in the Orchestra of Folk Instruments at the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic, where he honed his skills under the guidance of the famous singer and musician Atai Ogonbaev.
In 1949, the musician graduated from the Kyrgyz Musical College named after M. Kurunkeeva, and in 1954 – the national studio of the Moscow Conservatory named after P.I. Tchaikovsky in the composition class of Professor Y. Shebalin.
The talented composer S. Medetov created many pieces and songs for various instruments and ensembles, as well as a number of classical musical works during his short but bright creative life.
S. Medetov's music is characterized by joyfulness, optimism, and a special love for his people and native nature. In the "Piano Suite," the composer conveyed the color of national sound with special care, reflecting the character of folk artistic vision. The "Piano Suite" of S. Medetov was written in 1956 and is dedicated to the memory of the Norwegian composer E. Grieg. By its mood, it is a pathetically elevated lyrical outpouring, filled with romantically exalted content.
S. Medetov's "Rhapsody" is also widely known – the first Kyrgyz piano music. The composer created a work that included national Kyrgyz melodicism in a traditional European scheme.
The piece "Warrior Dance of the Dzhigits" by S. Medetov attracts attention with its rhythmic inventiveness, in which the composer outlined new prospects for Kyrgyz chamber music. The works of the composer are included in the repertoire of orchestras in Kyrgyzstan and are often heard on radio and television.
18 MAY
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY
Art lovers and connoisseurs first celebrated this day in 1977, when the XI General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), held in Moscow, established this holiday. Its motto is: "The museum is an important means of cultural exchange, enriching cultures, developing mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples."
Kyrgyzstan has 36 state museums. The largest of them are: the State Historical Museum, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after G. Aitiev, the museum complex "Manas-Ordo," and others. The museum network of Kyrgyzstan includes 16 historical, ethnographic, historical-architectural, artistic, and literary museums.
19 MAY
MOTHER'S DAY IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
The third Sunday of May is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan as Mother's Day. This holiday was established by the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and is intended to pay tribute to the most precious and great feeling in the world – maternal love. "Mama" is a sacred word for each of us. The first word we address to the closest person in the world – to the Mother, who dedicated her life to her children.
Mother's Day is a special day for all of us. The highest value for each of us is life. It is mothers who give us life. It is mothers who are the guiding stars that protect us in all trials and lead us to our intended goals. Without the selfless maternal love, life would cease to exist, and the human race would have no chance of continuation. A mother is truly the foundation of life.
In Kyrgyzstan, the image of a mother is sacred. The Kyrgyz have treated mothers with special respect and love since ancient times. The Kyrgyz people have always exalted mothers and protected daughters. Mothers are not only the guardians of family values but also symbols of morality and wisdom, peace, and harmony.
Ensuring safe and prosperous motherhood, providing careful support to families, and unlocking the potential of women in all spheres are among the top priorities of the policy of the Kyrgyz state.
The attitude of our children towards us depends on our attitude towards our parents. To love a mother means to love one’s land, respect one’s people, cherish one’s country, and value one’s future. Our sacred duty is to cherish mothers. They need our attention, communication, tenderness, and kind words, for we always remain children to them.
23 MAY
SEIDAKHMAT TOKTONALIEV — 75 years since his birth
Seidakhmat Toktonaliev (1928–2003) – the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, opera singer – belongs to the second, post-war generation of Kyrgyz opera singers who received education at the Kyrgyz National Studio at the Moscow Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky and began their artistic careers in the early 1950s. By vocal data, he was a lyric-dramatic tenor with a pleasant timbre. One of his best stage works was the role of Lensky in P. Tchaikovsky's opera "Eugene Onegin." The singer successfully performed in operas "Aychurek" (Kulchoro), "Young Hearts" (Toktobek), "Aleko" (young gypsy), "The Sold Bride," and others. S. Toktonaliev also performed with great success in the role of the fool in M. Mussorgsky's opera "Boris Godunov."
S. Toktonaliev was not only a good singer but also a wonderful actor, creating unique images of heroes of musical works on the opera stage.
Along with his work in the theater, Toktonaliev gave many concerts across the country and abroad, performing works by A. Maldybaev, M. Abdrayev, N. Davlesov, and others. According to the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic E. Moldokulova, "he was a self-taught singer – intelligent, educated, modest, and very decent. Almost the entire lyrical tenor repertoire of the theater was held by Seidakhmat. He sang purely and inspiredly."
24 MAY
DAY OF SLAVIC WRITING AND CULTURE
The Slavic alphabet is 1155 years old. In 863, the great enlighteners of the Slavic peoples, brothers Cyril and Methodius, created the Slavic alphabet. Here is how this event is described by the Bulgarian scholar of the late 9th century, blacksmith Hrabro, in his tale "On Writings": "Before, the Slavs, when they were pagans, had no writing but used marks and cuts. When they accepted Christianity, they tried to write their speech with Latin and Greek letters, without arrangement. But it was impossible to write Slavic words well with Greek letters, and this continued for many years. Then God, the lover of mankind… had mercy on the Slavic race and sent them Saint Constantine the Philosopher, called Cyril in monasticism, a righteous and true man. And he created for them thirty-eight letters, some based on the Greek model, others according to the Slavic speech."
The significance of this event in the history of humanity is enormous. For centuries, the memory of Cyril and Methodius has lived on. The alphabet they created is an amazing work full of hidden wisdom, a complex logical-mathematical system. "The light of book understanding," ignited by Cyril and Methodius, has been shining for us for more than 12 centuries. Grateful descendants in Slavic countries celebrate the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture every year on May 24, on the day of remembrance of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
25 MAY
SATYLGAN OSMONOV — 75 years since his birth
It has been 75 years since the birth of Satylgan Osmonovich Osmonov (1938), composer, honored cultural worker of Kyrgyzstan, and laureate of the international award named after A. Maldybaev.
S. Osmonov was born in 1938 in the village of Kegety, Chui region of the Kyrgyz SSR. He graduated from the Kyrgyz State Musical College named after M. Kurunkeeva (1962) and the Tashkent State Conservatory (1970). He then worked as a teacher in a boarding school, director of a music school, lecturer at the Osh Pedagogical Institute, editor of the repertoire and editorial board of the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz SSR (1968), lecturer at the Kyrgyz State Institute of Arts, responsible secretary of the Union of Composers of the Kyrgyz SSR (1979–1987), and chairman of the Union of Composers of the Kyrgyz Republic (1995–1997).
He is the author of operas "Kychan" (1981), "Fortress" (1984), "Jusup Balasagyn" (2002), cantata "Fiery Youth," a number of symphonic works (march for symphonic orchestra, suite for symphonic orchestra), concertos for violin with orchestra No. 1, No. 2, for voice with orchestra. His symphonies "Ak-Meer," "Urkun," and symphonic poems "In Memory of Heroes," "Lyrical" are widely known.
The composer is also the author of several chamber-instrumental works: sonatina for piano, for oboe with piano, sonatas for violin with piano, and others. The romances and songs of the composer on the verses of Kyrgyz poets ("Farewell") are often performed, and the composer has created many works for children ("Fairy Tale," "Braggart," "Joyful Bunny," and others). The composer has written many musical works for films, performances, and the theatrical presentation "Manas – 1000."
The music of the composer is lyrical and emotional, enjoying great popularity among listeners.
26 MAY
MAMAT JAKYPOV — 90 years since his birth
The name of Mamat Jakypov, a playwright and essayist, is well known to lovers of theatrical art. M. Jakypov was born in 1923 in the village of Sary-Bulak, Uzgen district of Osh region. In 1941, he graduated from high school, served in the army, and participated in the Great Patriotic War.
Since 1946, M. Jakypov worked as the director of the House of Culture of the Aksy district, head of the district department of culture, senior methodologist of the Republican House of Folk Art, and director of the Aksy district people's theater. He began his literary activity in 1956. He writes one-act plays, stories, and essays that are published in the pages of republican and regional newspapers. Starting in 1966, M. Jakypov's multi-act plays have been published in repertoire collections and staged in folk theaters and drama theaters of the republic. The playwright is the author of such plays as "Girl of the Mountains," "Who is to Blame," "White Beauty," "Wavy Sea," "Tears of Ergash," "Tale of Happiness," "Honor," and others.
In 1961, a collection of essays "In the Village of Heroes of Golden Stars" was published as a separate book. The comedy "Tears and Laughter" has been translated into Russian. The heroes of M. Jakypov's works are our contemporaries, and the playwright raises questions of morality, ethics, and the values of life in his dramatic works.
In 1968, the famous playwright was awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Culture of the Kyrgyz SSR."
27 MAY
DAY OF LIBRARIES OF KYRGYZSTAN
On May 27, Kyrgyz librarians solemnly celebrate the Day of Libraries of the republic. This is not only a professional holiday for library workers: it is a holiday for all those who are connected to books, reading, and libraries. Together with the staff of public libraries, employees of technical, special, university, and school libraries celebrate the holiday. This is a huge army of intellectuals-educators, without whom the process of preserving and developing national culture is impossible.
A book is the foundation of information culture. Of course, today's libraries are not just long rows of books; they also include various electronic resources and library information networks. According to D.S. Likhachev, "the book is the most important keeper and engine of human culture. Truly, the book is the greatest creation of humanity. And therefore, the most important thing in the culture of any country is libraries."
Libraries remain the most sought-after of all cultural institutions throughout a person's life, serving as the most important tool for the socialization of individuals, their integration into society and culture.
Without the development of modern library systems and their enrichment with high information technologies, it is impossible to imagine the civilizational development of the country.
Libraries are not just collections of texts. They are a vast world of social communications, a powerful institution of civil socialization, a constant dialogue, and mutual enrichment of the cultures of different countries. The future of libraries lies in their ability to combine traditional culture of communication with books and new information technologies. This is the strategic direction of the modernization of the Kyrgyz library system.
31 MAY
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
Every year, 5 million people die from smoking worldwide. According to forecasts by experts from the World Health Organization and the World Bank, by 2025 this number will increase to 10 million, and smoking will become the leading cause of mortality in the world.
58% of men and 5% of women in Kyrgyzstan who have reached the age of 18 use tobacco. 20% of schoolchildren in Kyrgyzstan aged 13–15 have already tried smoking, and 50% of them become regular tobacco users. These data were presented at a press conference by health workers.
In 2003, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was adopted at the World Health Assembly. Our republic ratified this convention in March 2006.