The museum, built in the 1980s using the ashar method, is currently in a deplorable state and requires serious repairs. The head of the ayil okmotu and the museum management initiated a project to construct a new museum complex, presenting a preliminary sketch to the plenipotentiary. Kenzhebaev approved their proposal and promised to assist in the implementation of this project.
According to information provided by local residents, the museum building has become emergency over time. The director of the institution, Nurzada Asanova, noted that a conclusion about its unsuitability was issued back in 2022. “Before the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Urkuya Salieva, cosmetic and major repairs were carried out, but since then 14 years have passed, and the condition of the building has deteriorated. The foundation, built poorly, continues to sink. The museum lacks heating, which negatively affects the condition of the exhibits and creates a risk of their loss,” she reported.
Asanova added that in 2022, specialists from the State Institute of Seismic Resistant Construction and Engineering Design conducted a study and confirmed the emergency status of the building, drawing up the relevant act.
The Urkuya Salieva Museum, located in the central park of the Toolosky Aiyl Aimak, covers an area of 350 square meters and houses 2,100 exhibits. Each year, it is visited by 1,500 to 2,500 people, including foreign tourists.
Urkuya Salieva was born in 1910 in the village of Merki-Murkut. At the age of 17, she became the secretary of the Komsomol cell, and in 1928, despite traditions, she was elected chairwoman of the village council. A year later, she organized the Kyzyl-Asker collective farm, facing resistance from local wealthy individuals who did not believe in her abilities. Soon, Urkuya became a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Republic.
Unfortunately, in 1934, at the age of 24, Urkuya Salieva was killed by enemies of the Soviet government. She left behind three children: her eldest daughter was 8 years old at the time, her son was 3 years old, and her youngest child was only 5 days old.
