As part of the "Taryh insany" ("Personality in History") section, today we will tell you about Makesh Jusupzhanov, an agronomist from the village of Kara-Burgon, located in the Ak-Tal district of Naryn region.
Makesh Jusupzhanov's children shared their memories of his life and career in a conversation with a Turmush correspondent.
Makesh Jusupzhanovich was born on February 27, 1940, in the village of Ozgorush (now Kara-Burgon). His father, Jusupzhan Chekirov, worked as the head of the warehouse at the district consumer society and cooperatives (Kyrgyzpotrebsoyuz), while his mother, Jiydekan Nurgazieva, was a housewife. The family had three children, but his younger brother Omurgazy and sister Gulmairam passed away at an early age.
Makesh studied at the local secondary school from 1947 to 1957, and then spent two years (1957–1959) at vocational school No. 3 in Naryn. After serving in the army (1959–1961), he worked as a foreman on a farm and from 1963 to 1969 studied at the Kyrgyz Agricultural Institute named after K.I. Skryabin, graduating as an agronomist. In 1965, he tied the knot with Ermekbu Darmanova, and they had five sons and five daughters.
After completing his studies, Makesh Jusupzhanov began his career in agriculture, where his hard work and skills were quickly recognized. In 1970, he became the chief agronomist, actively working on the development of abandoned lands and improving the cultivation of grain and fodder crops. He implemented an innovative approach by using natural fertilizers, mixing manure with water and irrigating the fields, which was called "sherbet water." His efforts paid off, and in 1976 he set a record for wheat yield—60 quintals per hectare.
Makesh also paid attention to his colleagues, rewarding the best workers and recognizing their achievements. According to his children, he helped some of them acquire cars, such as the "VAZ" ("Zhiguli").
For his achievements in agriculture, Makesh Jusupzhanov received numerous awards, including a Certificate of Honor from the USSR, the Order of the Friendship of Peoples (1981), the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, as well as the medals "Veteran of Labor" and "Winner of Socialist Competition."
In 1981, he was awarded a "GAZ" ("Volga") car, but he was unable to receive the Lenin Order and the title of Hero of the USSR due to bureaucratic obstacles and minor errors in reports.
Additionally, Makesh Jusupzhanov was elected as a deputy of the village council four times and once to the district council.
Known for his demanding nature and principles, he personally checked the depth of plowing with a ruler and strictly monitored the work of the mechanizers.
Currently, Makesh's children are collecting memories of his life and work to publish a book about him. "Our father was dedicated to his work and was respected for his honesty and selflessness. He was an outstanding personality of his time," they share.
At present, the family and residents of the village are working to have one of the streets in the new Tash-Bulak neighborhood named after Makesh Jusupzhanov. Local authorities support this initiative and promise to create a monument and park in his honor.
