Sadikovich Sadik was born on May 20, 1926, in Kokand, located in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan. He became one of the first representatives of the Soviet republics of Central Asia to travel to Europe not for education, but to exchange experience in the field of uranium ore processing, leaving a significant mark in the history of this industry.
As previously reported by Turmush, Sadik grew up in a poor family and at the age of 16, after finishing school, he began working on the railway. “In 1942, I worked as a stoker on a steam locomotive. Every day I had to load 8 to 10 tons of coal into the firebox. It was a tough job, but I became strong and resilient. Then I took courses to become a locomotive assistant and started working on the front-line railway, where we transported the wounded from field hospitals. But I always had a passion for learning. After the war, I applied to the Tashkent Polytechnic Institute and was accepted. Studying during the day and training in the evening helped me become a candidate for master of sports in wrestling,” he recalled.
In 1953, after graduating from university, Sadik was sent to the village of Min-Kush in the Naryn region, where there was a closed military enterprise for uranium ore extraction. Two years later, he was transferred to the village of Kosh-Tegirmen (now Kara-Balta), where the construction of a hydrometallurgical plant began. At that time, residential neighborhoods, a Palace of Culture, and a sports complex were being built.
When Alimov arrived in Kara-Balta, work at the hydrometallurgical plant was already in full swing, and he was entrusted with the duties of a supervisor for equipment installation and head of the uranium ore processing shop, where 130 people worked, including engineers and laboratory technicians. “I ensured that the installation of equipment was done correctly. The problem was the lack of specialists in the uranium industry, and information was limited. We independently mastered new technology, experimenting with materials and processes,” he recalled.
Sadik Alimov was an energetic and creative specialist, which helped him achieve significant success in his work. His ideas and implementations increased productivity and improved product quality, attracting the attention of the USSR Ministry of Atomic Energy. As a result, his achievements were implemented at similar enterprises across the country, and he was awarded orders and prizes, including the Order of the Red Banner of Labor. One of his greatest honors was a business trip to Hungary, which was a true rarity for Soviet people in the 1950s.
“I was called to Moscow, where they prepared me for the trip to Hungary. I studied not only the language but also the basics of diplomacy. A general from the Ministry asked me why I was going. I replied that it was for the exchange of experience and strengthening friendship between our countries. He said I would be the first Soviet representative who would not be studying but sharing knowledge in Europe. It was a historic event,” he shared.
Alimov spent two years in Hungary and during that time learned the Hungarian language. He retired at the age of 82, becoming an honorary citizen of Kara-Balta and a distinguished inventor. After retirement, he continued to actively participate in public life until his health was undermined by COVID-19 in 2021. Doctors warned his family about possible severe consequences, but Sadik, thanks to his physical fitness and willpower, managed to recover. However, the illness left its consequences — he lost the use of his legs.
Despite his age, he maintained a sharp mind and remembered important events and dates well. “The most important advice I can give is respect for parents. They are the most important people in everyone's life. Do not be afraid of difficulties and take your work seriously. Live honestly and strive to help others,” emphasized Sadik Alimov.
